Quick note for readers, other than her: no smut in this, sorry.
N.B.
My apology. I completed this some time ago but I didn't think it was the right time to publish it. I haven't changed anything, except added this note. I said stupid things and I know it'll take you some time to forgive me, if you do at all, but you are worth as much time as I can dedicate you, and more. I might call you mine in this passage, but at the time of writing that was the case, though it isn't anymore. I hope to change that.
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Tap Tap.
The sound of rapping knuckles on the door echoes loudly through the quiet library. It deafens the quiet murmurs of collaborating students and music that escapes the blasting headphones of concentrated scholars.
I look up from the game on my phone at the door to my private study room. The frosted glass prevents me from clearly seeing who's outside, but the darkening silhouette looks impatient.
The threadbare chair squeaks as I spin and use my legs to propel myself towards the figure.
I click the latch open, and the door creaks open slowly, only to the point of being ajar, as if afraid of intrusion.
That perfume. I know who it is even before I see her face.
A pair of alert eyes peers around my door. Her hand grips the edge as if preparing herself to run away when the boogeyman jumps out at her. Her rings clatter as they clench against the woodwork.
"Hi."
"Hello." She says shyly. She still doesn't come further into the room. "I'm done with my work. Are you finished?"
"Yeah, I finished ages ago. You know you can come in?" I pull the door towards me, causing it to swing open.
I'm lying. There's a sign on the wall clearly stating that only one person occupies these private study rooms at a time, but I've had feelings for this girl for a while now. If I can get her in a room with me one on one, I think I'll take my chances.
She stands there in the doorway, almost unsure as to what to do, before stepping into the room and closing the door.
She's as beautiful as always. Her golden hair hangs perfectly down over her shoulders. Her sweet smile reaches her eyes as they crinkle in the corners. Her handbag is slung over her arm, and as usual, looks packed with items. Her coat swings from the overflowing mess, half stuffed in, half falling out.
"Are the others done?" She asks. I shake my head.
"They haven't messaged me." I whisper. These rooms are supposed to be soundproofed, but from experience, I can tell the university had done a lousy job at doing so. We didn't want to distract the person in the next cubicle over.
"Okay. How was exploring?" I had self-toured myself around the building whilst the others were listening to a pre-recorded lecture. I had gone over it in advance, so I had some free time.
"It was good. I found a bunch of DVDs." She nods.
"I saw. Where were they, I didn't see them?" She's referring to a photo I sent to the group chat while on my little adventure.
"Downstairs. Haven't you been? I can show you."
"I haven't seen them."
"Shall we go have a look then?" I motion to the door, switching off my screen and pocketing my phone. I fold my Ipad cover closed and stuff it in my backpack.
"Mhm." She reaches for the handle and pulls the door open. I follow her out into the hallway, then along and down the stairs at the end of the corridor.
