When The Snow Settles - Justin Bieber Fanfiction

A Little More December

The conversation went back into silence, neither of us wanting to be the first to end it. Outside, the sky was a mix of purple and gold, the kind of winter sunset that felt almost too perfect.

"I should get going," I said quietly.

Justin leaned back, watching me. "Do you have to?" His tone was soft.

I pulled on my blazer, but his words stayed with me. "Yeah, it's getting late."

He nodded, slow and reluctant. "Alright. I'll see you around, maybe."

I smiled, keeping it light even though my feeling was heavy. "Yeah. Maybe."

I returned my mug to Tony and waved goodbye to him as he smiled from behind the counter. I stepped out into the cold, tightening my blazer around me. The sun was low and peaked through the clouds, illuminating everything with gold.

I glanced back. Through the frosted window, Justin was still watching me.

He didn't call out. Didn't try to stop me.

But he didn't look away, either.

___________________________________________________________________

Morning light came through my bedroom curtains, pulling me from sleep. I stretched, yesterday still lingering in my mind. It had been a while since I woke up feeling this... light.

Instead of falling into my usual routine, I went to the window and cracked it open. I inhaled the crispy air from outside, smiling to myself as my nose began to turn cold. Today felt different.

In the kitchen, I skipped my usual granola and made eggs instead. The sizzle of the eggs was the only sound as I poured a cup of Cuban coffee.

After breakfast, I went to my closet, fingers skimming over clothes until they stopped on a short brown dress. It cinched just right at the waist. It was simple but flattering. I paired it with a cream-colored coat, black dotted tights, and low black heels.

As I tied my hair back with a black velvet bow, I wondered if I would see Justin again. Maybe. Maybe not. But still, without really meaning to, I'd dressed a little cuter today. Just in case.

After getting ready, I grabbed my new Simone Fontaine novel. I held it close as I stepped outside, the morning air prickling at my skin. I breathed it in, letting it wake me up.

The town was already stirring. The bakery owner arranging pastries in the window, the older couple on their usual morning walk. I waved, and they greeted me with warm smiles. It felt good, moving through a place where I belonged.

With my book against my side, I headed for the library to begin my shift. As I approached it, I seen the bricks of the large building, its arched windows reflecting the morning light.

I took out my keys and opened the huge woodened doors and walked in. Inside, it smelled like old pages and ink. The bookshelves stretched up to the second floor, the grand spiral staircase winding through the space like something out of a fairytale story itself. Even after all this time, the library still felt like a world of its own.

I made my way to the front desk and sat down on the green, wooden chair, placing my book down.  My mind started to wonder if maybe today would be like yesterday. Maybe I'd see him again.

As my shift began, the library was quiet. Almost too quiet. The early hours were always slow, leaving little to do at first. I got up from the chair and took a slow walk through the aisles, my heels clicking against the wooden floors.

With my hands folded behind my back, I moved with a slight sway in each step.

When I reached the grand spiral staircase, I paused, taking it in. The sight never got old to me. Something about it always felt comforting. I stepped onto the stairs, climbing slowly, looking over the library from this higher view.