Curious Hearts

Chapter 4

It was Friday afternoon and school had just ended.

Just as she was about to cross the street, she spotted Jay a short distance away. He was heading in the opposite direction, walking calmly with his backpack slung over one shoulder.

"Jay!"

Jay stopped and turned around. When he saw it was Ain, his expression softened.

"Ain?"

Ain jogged over to him, smiling brightly.

"What are you doing around here? Heading home??"

Jay nodded.

"But I was planning to stop by the bookstore first. And you?"

"I'm on my way home too, but I've got time. Do you mind if I tag along?"

She didn't want to miss the chance to see more of Jay's world outside of school.

He gave a small nod.

They began walking together in silence and the awkwardness from their earlier interactions hung in the air.

"You're really into books, huh?" she asked.

"Yes, it's a habit I've had since I was young. Books are... a reliable escape."

"What king of books do you like?" she asked.

"I like books that challenge my thoughts—philosophy, science, history. But I also read fiction sometimes, especially when I need a break."

"That's interesting. I didn't expect you to be into fiction."

"It helps to understand different perspectives. Fiction shows the emotions and struggles of people in ways that reality sometimes doesn't allow," Jay explained.

Inside, the bookstore was filled with the comforting smell of old pages.

Ain followed Jay as he browsed through the shelves, picking out a few titles that caught his interest.

"Do you read often?" Jay asked.

"Not as much as I'd like to. I mostly read light novels or romance books when I do. They're nice escape from reality."

Jay nodded, seemingly understanding.

"Books should be whatever you need them to be—whether that's for knowledge or for comfort."

After purchasing his books, Jay suggested they head back before the rain started. As they stepped out of the store, they were met with the soft patter or raindrops.

Jay pulled out an umbrella from his bag and offered it to Ain.

"You can take this."

"What about you?"

"I don't mind getting wet."

Ain frowned, shaking her head.

"No way. Let's just share it. We're both going the same way, right?"

Jay hesitated for a moment before agreeing. They huddled under the small umbrella together. As they walked side by side, Ain couldn't help but laugh at the situation.

"This feels like something out of cliché romance novel," she said teasingly and glancing at Jay.

Jay looked at her and clearly not understanding the joke.

"How?" he asked.

Ain laughed again.

"You know, two people sharing umbrella in the rain... it's a classic trope!"

"But I never imagined myself in that scenario."

"Well, now you have. Guess life can be unpredictable sometimes," Ain said with a grin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time they reached the street, the rain had slowed.

"Thanks for letting me tag along today. I had fun," Ain gave him a sincere smile.

Jay nodded and for a brief moment,There was the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

"I didn't mind it. Maybe... we could do it again sometime."

Ain's eyes lit up. It was the first time Jay had hinted at wanting to spend more time with her.

"I'd love that," she replied.