rogue ⇒ l.h

[9]

[9]

i went to the library as per usual, the place where i could escape from the real world for a little while.

there weren't many people today because it was a monday, and i was one of the five people in here.

i sat in my usual spot at the corner table, opening the library's copy of pride and prejudice. then began the eleventh time i followed elizabeth's adventure.

i would love to be crafted from books. born from the folds of pages in between. alas, i am instead born in a cruel tragic monochrome world.

i was at the part where elizabeth first met mr. darcy when somebody slid into the chair opposite mine. i stared at the book before me, not bothering to acknowledge the person. he hummed to a tune and drummed his fingers on the table. i tried not to be disturbed by his behavior but failed when i let out a huff.

"what book are you reading?" the person asked.

that's when i looked up. the annoying stranger turned out to be an unexpectedly handsome man. he had short black hair, tan skin and angular cheekbones. and he was grinning at me, one hand propping his chin up on the table.

it was obvious he could see the cover of the book because he was facing it directly. it was obvious he was trying to strike up conversation with me. it was obvious he was devilishly gorgeous.

nevertheless, i said "pride and prejudice by jane austen," and held up the book for him to see.

he drawled, "ah, a classic. guess you read lolita too? it's my all time favorite."

"no," i said cautiously, wondering what the guy who looked like he was from a model catalogue wanted, "i've never read that before."

"well, you should," he winked, "if you're into all those daddy kink."

i felt my face grow hot and my tone turn cold, "i think you should find someone else to discuss your preferred literacy porn." i am not having this conversation with anyone, let alone a random stranger in the library.

he was still sitting there looking pompous so i stood up to leave. "no, wait! i'm sorry, i didn't mean to harass you or anything," he looked suddenly flustered, "i just thought maybe we can be friends?"

"what?"

"i've seen you in this library a lot and i just... well, i feel like getting to know you." he put his hands in his pocket and his eyes were on anywhere but me. when i didn't say anything, he rushed, "is this too strange for you? i'm sorry, i'm bad at making first impressions and after making a fool of myself, i don't think you want to talk to me anymore and—"

"sure," i said. it was just one word, just one word but it had the power to make his head jerk up and place a bewildered expression on his face.

i repeated, "sure," i added, "i would, um, like to know you as a friend."

and just like that, the mistake of an impulse, an impulse of an unlikely friendship— i made his whole face smile.