Zephyr | Lee Felix

Chapter 26

THURSDAY, WEEK 6

The tram stop. The IKEA shopping session.

They were both haunting for Eugene—in a good and bad way. Good because she can feel their friendship progressing, but bad since it's heading towards a direction that she may not be ready for.

Not to mention, it is close to our assignment deadlines too... She worriedly stares at the calendar she drew on a piece of paper, attached to her grid. She only has a couple of days to finish her assignment due on Sunday, yet her brain can't seem to focus on her work at all.

"Should I ask Hyunjin for another study session?" She ponders. Somehow her neighbour has successfully distracted her thoughts about Felix effortlessly on the day they studied at the park.

But in the end, Eugene hesitates as she remembers how busy it'll be for an interior design student. Perhaps his productive hours during the final days before submission will differ from hers too.

She grudgingly gets up from her table, shutting her laptop with a small sigh of frustration. It is perhaps time to find a change in environment.

In a matter of minutes, Eugene manages to pack up her study essentials into her beloved white sling bag. With the cold weather and light rain hitting against her windows today, she decides to wear something a little warmer and bring her scarf in the bag—just in case if she needs an extra layer.

She leaves her studio apartment with her transparent umbrella, making slow yet big steps to the train stop. She can't help but smile a little to feel water seeping into her canvas shoes as she walks. It reminds her of the younger days where she'd drench herself in a puddle with her father.

And then I'd get sick, and mom would get mad at us both. The short recall in her mind improves her mood a little. Most would hate the rain, but to her, it's always so soothing and peaceful compared to the blazing sun.

.

.

.

Eugene heaves a sigh of relief when she's greeted by the smell of old books and the faint noises of people talking. The State Library has always felt like her second home—almost as if her study block will dissolve the moment she sits down.

It is crowded. Very crowded. But it is not a surprise—it's peak assignment week after all.

Eugene takes her time to walk around, trying to find an empty seat. She'd secretly grumble under her breath to see some students taking more seats than they need just to put their belongings, but she'd smile to see students tutoring other students.

But none of the seats are empty on the first floor, even after a thorough search of 15 minutes. She glances at her watch that shows 14:32, a little worried that she may not have enough time to grind on her assignment before the library's closing hour.

She wastes no time and walks up to the second floor, hoping that someone isn't stingy enough to put their belongings on the 2-seater desks.

Much to her surprise, once again... the figure that she has been thinking about for the past few hours, appears right in front of her. Casually sitting on one of the seats with his back facing her, while the one opposite to him remains empty.

What is fate trying to do?

Her heart rate increases as she makes her way to his desk. It's just like how they first met at the library—except that the roles are reversed now. She stands in front of him politely, waving her hands with a soft smile.

"Hi... Lix."

The guy, feeling her presence, takes off his white headphones and breaks into a surprised grin. "Oh hey, Eugene. Trying to get productive?"