Near the bookshop
(Tuesday, 02:37 PM)
Cassidy shifted his backpack higher on his shoulder as he and Keith walked down the sidewalk. His eyes squinted at the sign ahead: an old, worn-out bookshop. He made a face, not exactly thrilled but trying not to show it too much. "You sure this is where we're going?" he asked, pointing at the faded sign. "Books and me? Not exactly best friends."
Keith gave a small smile but didn’t seem bothered. "Yeah, it’s just a quick stop. Don’t worry, we won’t be in there long."
Cassidy sighed as he pushed the door open, the creak of the old hinges making him wince. "Alright, but don’t blame me if my brain checks out halfway through."
Keith chuckled softly as they entered the shop, the smell of old books filling the air. Cassidy immediately rubbed the back of his neck, feeling out of place. "I just don’t get how people can sit and read for hours", he said, not complaining but genuinely curious.
Keith looked over at him as they wandered between the shelves. "Not everyone can. It’s just what helps me relax. You probably feel the same way when you’re playing sports."
Cassidy nodded, grateful that Keith understood. "Yeah, that makes sense. I’m just not built for this kind of thing, you know? Words on the page just… don’t stick with me."
Keith glanced back at him while flipping through a book. "Not everyone’s into it. And it’s not like I’m good at sports either, so I guess we balance each other out."
Cassidy grinned. "Well, good thing I’m here to make sure you don’t stay cooped up with books all day. If I ever need to read a textbook, though, I’m definitely calling you."
Keith smirked. "Deal. And if I need someone to explain why my legs refuse to work after gym class, I’ll call you."
Cassidy laughed, feeling more at ease now. He drifted over to a section of graphic novels, picking one up and flipping through the pages. "Okay, now this I can handle," he said, pointing at the pictures. "This is my kind of book."
Keith looked over and nodded. "Yeah, that still counts. Reading is reading."
Cassidy shrugged but appreciated that Keith wasn’t making a big deal out of it. "Maybe, but it’s not as easy as people make it look."
They browsed the shelves for a few more minutes until Keith found the book he was looking for. As they walked out of the shop into the fresh air, Cassidy stretched his arms above his head, letting out a loud yawn. "Man, I feel like I just ran a mental marathon in there."
Keith shook his head with a small laugh. "I’ll make sure not to drag you to a library next time."
Cassidy groaned dramatically. "Oh man, don’t even joke about that."
Keith smirked. "Fine, no libraries. How about the park? Less reading, more sunshine."
"Now that I can get behind", Cassidy said with a grin. He lightly bumped Keith’s shoulder as they started walking toward the park.
______________________________________
At the Park
(02:50 PM)
When they found a spot under a big oak tree, Cassidy immediately sprawled out on the grass, leaning back on his hands. "This is more like it. Fresh air, the sun on my face, no pages attacking my brain."
Keith sat down beside him, leaning against the tree with the book in hand. "You know, sports and books don’t have to be enemies."
Cassidy gave him a side glance, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, tell that to the words that refuse to stay still long enough for me to read them."
Keith raised an eyebrow. "You ever think about listening to books instead?"
Cassidy blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Listening? I guess that could work, but isn't it a little weird? Don’t people say you’re supposed to read them?"
Keith nodded slowly. "Sure, but sometimes you just gotta do what works best for you."
Cassidy shrugged, lying back on the grass and looking up at the sky. "Maybe. I don’t think I’ll ever be a book person, though. Sports are more my speed. Running around, yelling, breaking a sweat? Now that I understand."
Keith glanced at him, his smile more relaxed now. "Fair enough. You stick to sports, I’ll stick to books."
Cassidy laughed. "Sounds like a solid plan." He stretched his arms behind his head, feeling the tension from the bookstore melting away. For once, he didn’t feel the need to pretend to be anything other than himself.
