Hello! Clannad

Chapter 25

"Reika."

Entering the library with a swing of the door, I called out for Aiden.

'They say I should be quiet in the library, and they are right. I should apologize first.'

"Kana?"

Soon after, I heard Reika's voice from the back of the study.

'She always reads in the corner, doesn't she?
There's a table and everything frontward, yet she always sits there', I observed, as I hurried towards the sound of her voice.

Before long, I discovered Reika surrounded by stacks of books, nearly buried beneath them. She had always loved the library, its shelves lined with books that held worlds far removed from the monotony of reality. The faint smell of aging paper and ink was a comfort. As I wandered between the towering stacks, my eyes fell upon Reika, hunched over a table, her face buried in a thick tome. I approached her, my steps soft on the worn carpet.

"Reika," I said, my voice a low murmur.

She looked up, her eyes brightening with recognition. "Kanata! What brings you here?"

I shrugged, taking a seat across from her.

"Same as you, I suppose. Seeking knowledge, escaping reality. What are you reading?"

She lifted the book slightly, revealing the title.

"Sakura. It's like Romeo and Juliet, but set in feudal Japan. It's fascinating, really. Did you know there are samurai duels and forbidden love?"

'Is she a fan of romance? And i didn't expect her to be interested in Sakura, my favorite book.'

A flicker of interest sparked within me. "I've read this book once, it's really good. The details are intense. What else does it say?"

Reika leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"There's this part where the lovers exchange vows beneath a cherry blossom tree, knowing their families would never approve. It's so tragic and beautiful."

I couldn't help the excitement that bubbled up inside me. "That's incredible, right? Can you imagine the emotions we could explore with a story like that?"

"Shh!" came a sharp hiss from the librarian, her eyes narrowing in our direction.

'Oops, i talked like a grown up again.'

I bowed to apologize, and then lowered my voice, though the thrill of the topic made it difficult.

"The author sure knows how to write a good tragedy romance."

Reika nodded eagerly. "Definitely. The more dramatic, the better."

Lost in our discussion, I forgot myself. "Imagine if we could write a book like that, with all the tension and romance!" I exclaimed, louder than intended.

"Shh!" The librarian's warning was more pronounced this time, her glare like daggers.

I grimaced, mouthing a silent apology. Reika covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. I couldn't help but smirk, despite the reprimand.

'I made a scene, twice. Well... at least I got to see Reika's adorable smile.'

We talked and talked. To be honest, this was the first time i've ever talked to a friend about a book before, Honestly it is one of the moments where i was glad i was reborn and had a second chance in life.

***

After I parted ways with Reika, e ran into Hana and Toya.

"Did you have fun with Reika."

"Yep. Sure did."

'I hope you had fun too. Wait. Is it just me or have you two gotten closer?"

"So...since we're together...maybe..."

Toya was trying to say something but couldn't find the right words.

"H-How about going out for a meal? I know a good restaurant nearby."

His voice carried an affectionate tone. I blinked in confusion as I processed his words.

'Going out to eat... with Hana and Toya. The three of us?'

I could already sense his intentions are pure.

"I heard they serve a dessert course too," he whispered with his gaze fixed on me.

'Look at this guy, trying to tempt me... I don't know what he takes me for, but...'

"Let's go!"

'You saw right through me. You're pretty sharp!
Hana let out a faint sigh when I agreed without hesitation as if she had expected this turn of events.'

'But Hana, if you let your pride get in the way of something like this, you'll only end up losing.
You should take advantage of every opportunity. Besides, he said they even have a dessert course!'

"Come on, don't you see how excited Kana is?"

Toya, with a subtle tone to his voice, teased Hana. But quickly started blushing.

You've got a long way to go.'

Toya would never suggest such a thing in the first place, let alone openly seduce her like that. He lacks the guts.

'...I keep thinking about Toya. I should ask Hana to go to Toya's house sometime. And see Hayate while we're at it.'

But for now, it was dessert time for me. I stared at Hana, my eyes shining brightly.

'Oh, Hana, my beautiful sister... They say there are plenty of desserts at delicious restaurants.
I didn't have any dessert today because I was too busy wandering around the library with Reika...'

Of course, I couldn't say that out loud, but still.

"Okay, okay," Hana surrendered, overwhelmed by my intense gaze. Immediately,  requested for us to change our destination.

'That Michael, always taking action so quickly, I guess I underestimated him,' I thought, swinging my legs and grinning.'

'Dessert. A dessert course... I hope there are éclairs too. A slightly frozen éclair filled with sweet cream... Come to think of it, I hope there are cream rolls too. If I eat only sweet things, I'll get sick of it, so it would be great to have some refreshing sherbet as well...'

"Hana, look at Kana. She looks so happy."

Just thinking about it, I smiled widely, making Toya burst into laughter. It was a rare sight.

'No matter what, he must like me too,' I thought, shrugging my shoulders lightly as I looked at Hana.

As our eyes met, Hana, as always, smiled affectionately.

"Do you like it that much, Kana? Even more than you like me?" she playfully pouted while murmuring.