Countless

Chapter 2

[Mabel]

My heart pounded in my chest as I practically ran off the bus, my worn converse hitting the pavement as I made my way to my workplace.

What a way to start the summer holidays.

Checking my watch as I climbed up the steps, I noted that I was perfectly on time, as always.

"You've got the cart today Mabel," my boss commented as soon as I walked into the staff room.

"Okay, I'll be right out."

I hurriedly put my stuff away and grabbed the cart, starting to return books to their rightful place. It was honestly my favourite task to do at work because I always got lost in it; schoolchildren laughing and people talking nearby got drowned out as I picked up each volume and put it on the shelf.

I had no idea how much time had passed when I snapped out of my trance, noticing way neater converse than mine standing beside me.

"Um, excuse me..."

Looking up, I recognised the man from yesterday, the tourist.

"Hi." He gave me a little wave.

I stood up to face him, realising that in doing so we were really close together. I took a step back quickly, not wanting to invade his personal space.

"Hey. You're here for the card?"

"Yep." He nodded, smiling in a way that made his eyes crinkle.

"Come with me, I'll show you how it works."

He had a laptop in a bag so I showed him to a table and showed him how to sign in with my details.

"There you go. If you want to borrow a book let me know, but don't take it back to Korea with you."

He chuckled. "Don't tempt me."

I went back to work, glancing over at him occasionally to make sure he was alright. He seemed engrossed in watching something, so I eventually got lost in my work again until I noticed the other librarians starting to pack up.

Time passes so fast here, I thought as I brought the cart back. As I did so, I was surprised to realise that Kibum was still there.

"Thanks for the help." He handed me back my card, which I must have left with him.

"You're welcome. You know, you didn't have to stay until closing time, you could have left when you were finished."

"I know." He smirked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"Well, you can come here anytime. I'm not always here but someone else will help you."

"Thank you so much."

He smiled again and I returned it, leaving him there as I went to get my stuff from the back. My boss usually locked up, so after saying goodbye I climbed down the stone steps to get on my way. That was, before I noticed Kibum standing outside. Was he lost again?

"Hey, do you wanna get some coffee?"

"Coffee?"

"As a thank you."

I thought about it for a moment, looking at my watch even though I knew I had time.

"Alright then."

The two of us sat opposite each other at a table in a café with our drinks, after Kibum had insisted on paying for them. I blew on my hot chocolate, trying to think of what to say.

Truth be told, I had no idea why I'd accepted this. Usually I looked forward to curling up on my bed and watching a bit of TV to unwind, but curiosity had gotten the better of me.

"Do you not like coffee?" Kibum pointed at my drink.

"Not really. I'm more of a tea girl."

"Ah. Makes sense." He smirked.

"I'm guessing you do?"

"Of course." He took a huge sip of his iced Americano then, making a face of satisfaction which made me chuckle.

"So, what did you do today? Apart from being at the library?"

"I took a walk around." He shrugged. "There are so many interesting shops in London."

"You like shopping?"

"Yes."

I asked him about his plans for his holiday and listened to him talk about it, taking the opportunity to really have a good look at him.

I hadn't allowed myself to think of it earlier, but he was definitely attractive. He had really nice fine features and sparkly eyes, coupled with a smile which lit up his face and revealed dimples in his cheeks. He gave off an air of elegance and the aura of something more. Simply put, there was something about him, and I kind of wanted to know what it was.

"What about you?" Kibum asked when he'd finished. "You said you're not from around here."

I was surprised he'd remembered.

"No, I'm from Edinburgh actually. I came here to study."

"What do you study?"

"Library and information studies."

"And you work in a library, that's fitting."

"I know right." I smiled. "I'm lucky."

"I can tell you like it." His friendly eyes seemed to see right into me.

"I really do."

I decided to finish my drink then, leaving a comfortable silence between us. Upon looking up, his eyes met mine and I was mesmerised by them for a moment before looking away.

"How come you speak English?" I asked eventually.

"I spent some time abroad when I was younger, and I also learnt on my own."

We talked for a bit about that experience before I realised it was starting to get late.

"I should probably get going, I have work tomorrow."

"Of course."

He got up and led the way out, opening the door for me.

"So you'll be at the library tomorrow?"

"Yes." I smiled. "Unfortunately I have to work even though it's the holidays."

"But you said you wouldn't be there every day, right? Would you mind giving me your number so I know when you are then?"

I was surprised by how smoothly he'd asked, so I just gave it to him. It was only after we'd parted and I was lying in bed at home that it occurred to me that he could just have taken a picture of my library card so he could use it anytime he wanted.

Maybe that hadn't occurred to him either. Or maybe he wanted to be polite.

I brushed away any other thoughts and settled underneath the covers, falling asleep pretty quickly.