Moonlight Vampires

The enemy

Today, I wanted to go to the library. I've heard there is one, full of books in the manor. After walking through some corridors, I reached the door. I opened it and discovered it wasn't empty. Namjoon was inside, sitting on an armchair, a book in his hands. Perhaps I should come back another time.

"No need to leave, you're free to come to the library" Namjoon said, still reading his book.
"I didn't mean to disturb you"
"You don't". His eyes were still on the book though. Is he saying that just out of politeness?
"What are you reading?"
"A fiction about vampires and humans"
"Why would you read that? Don't you find it silly, as a vampire yourself?"
"I think it is very interesting to see what humans think they know about vampires and how they imagine relationships between vampires and humans"
"Are there real things in these fictions?"
"Actually yes. Humans do know some true facts. Of course, others are wrong and they either romanticise very much the relationships with humans or on the contrary set them as sworn enemies"
"Which version do you prefer?"
"None because they don't reflect the complexity of such a relationship. However, they do help understand humans and their misconceptions about us"

I have read some novels about vampires and I guess I understand what he means.

"Oh excuse me for my impoliteness. I haven't asked what you were here for. I tend to be quite talkative when it comes to books." Namjoon said apologetically.
This is actually remarkable that he talked to me freely about his interests, without being too formal for once.
"No problem! It was really interesting to know your interests"
"Still, I should have asked you first before talking about my hobbies"

I feel like he's referring to that notion of duty again. Why is he so strict with himself? I wonder... But I guess this is too early to ask him, we barely know one another.

"Do you need a book?" He asked, "Unless you came here as a refuge"
"No no I came for a book! I wanted a book about real facts on vampires to learn more about them. But now that I think about it, I wonder if this is something you would have..."
"We do. I exactly know the book you need. I can help you get it if you wish for my help."

-Choice to accept his help or refuse-

1. Accept his help

"Oh thanks, that would help me a lot. There are so many books, I wouldn't know where to start!"
"Then please follow me"
I followed him upstairs. He then pointed to a book on the top shelf.
"The book you need is up there. I'll grab it for you"
"Grab it for me? C'mon, I'm not that short. I'll grab it myself"
"But it's too high, I'm afraid you won't be able to reach it"
"Watch me". It became a challenge for me. I must reach it.

Namjoon crossed his arms and waited for my performance. I went on my tiptoes and tried to make myself as long as possible. I could touch the top shelf but my fingers couldn't reach the book. I heard Namjoon sigh. Then his hand was above mine and grabbed the book. I turned around to face him. I was met with his chest. He was just behind me. Our bodies were so close. I held my breath and I lifted my eyes towards his face. He was still looking up, his hand on the book on the top shelf. His blonde hair shone bright with the filtered light. He then brought the book between us and looked at me. My cheeks flushed. He did not move an inch, I was between him and the shelves.

"I told you you wouldn't be able to reach it". He handed me the book.
"I wasn't far though... Thank you..." I took the book from his hands.
It seems like he noticed how close he was suddenly, because he cleared his throat and retreated a few steps back.
I didn't want to make the situation more awkward so I decided to leave the first floor and go back downstairs to sit on an armchair and start reading the book. Namjoon watched me leave. He didn't move or try to stop me.