New Beginning | Tao vs Chanyeol x Reader

Chapter 10

*My room*

I stared at the ceiling while I threw my ball against it, bouncing and catching it repeatedly. It wasn’t a workout day, and both Hyori and Nana were busy, so I was left with not a lot to do. I knew I could head to the cafe, but it was right around the time the school kids crowded it. I wasn’t in the mood for dealing with so many people at once.

“Honey, is everything alright?” mom asked me when she saw me blanking at the ceiling.

“Nothing just a little boring.” I replied.
“Oh, well if you have nothing planned, would you like to follow me to the library?” she asked anticipating.

“Nah. I’m pretty sure you don’t need company to check out books.” I rejected her request.

“I’m not going there to get books, dear. I volunteer.” she said to me with eyes that pleading me to follow her. I stopped throwing the ball and gave her a curious look.

“What do you do there?” I asked eyes glued on her.

“Lots of things, actually. Sometimes, I read to kids and help shelve books. Occasionally, I empty out the return bin and scan them.It could be a good distraction since you’re bored ” she let out a small chuckles.

I considered for a moment. Now that I’m becoming my old self again, I didn’t like to be idle for long periods of time. Besides, this was supposed to be my time to discover who I was outside of soccer, right? Maybe this could be my thing. If it wasn’t, what’s the worst thing could happen right?I help a library out. Not bad.

“Sure, that sounds cool. Let me put some other clothes on.” I tell her. She nodded and walk away as I set my ball to the side. I was impressed that my mom worked full-time and always made room for charity. It seemed restlessness ran in our family.

*****

*Library*

We arrived at the library without any hassle and mom checked us in. The ladies there, while all older, were incredibly sweet. Mom showed me how the book were organized, how to spot the signs on the shelves. Then we both took a cart and got to work. It was surprisingly fun, just being productive and helpful. I didn’t mind when Mother excused herself to help the front desk when a line formed.

I kept along, letting my often whirling thoughts calm while I focused on my task. I was so engrossed, I wasn’t aware that I was close to other people until they cheered. Startled, I walked around the bookshelves, surprised to see a reading area was set up. It was full of about seven children, who were all clapping at something.

The one that was reading to them was none other than Tao! As Tao finished reading his story, the children let out another cheer and I couldn’t help but be amused. Of course perfect, handsome Tao was good with kids too and volunteered. As he was trying for sainthood, he was a good way on his path already.

He looked up and caught my eye as I was smiling, “Hyaka? I didn’t see you there.”

He put the book down and made a shooing motion to the children. I was so impressed by how mature he looked and acted. I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why he was so kind to me.

He looked down to the children, “I could use a little bit of a break. Meet you back here in ten guys?”

Then some little boy said, “Is the pretty lady Tao’s girlfriend?”

Tao blushed and it was particularly adorable. I could feel my own cheeks colour at the thought. It wasn’t a bad thought, just one I’d never entertained before. I’d always been too busy with soccer for a boyfriend. Did I want one now?

“You’re too young to know what a girlfriend is. Now go play, silly.” he shooed them children looking down to hide his blush.

But the small kid wasn’t having any of it. “Tao’s gotta spend time with his girlfrienddddddd!” The kid ran off, repeating his mantra and I couldn’t help but laugh at his exit.

“Don’t mind him. He got a very active imagination.” Tao said with a small laugh.

“There are worse things in life.” I replied him.

“Yes, I suppose that’s right. So what brings you here today?” he said as he let out a curious eyes. I simply replied, “I was volunteering with my mother. Slow day and all.”

“Your mother volunteers here?We probably know each other then.” he said. I’m guessing he do this often. He shook his head and laughed.

“I wish. But I don’t have a lot of free time, but I do once a month or so.” Shoot, did I just speak out loud my thought again.

“Um, I just happened to have tonight off from everything.” he paused and continued back, “Perhaps you’d like to go to dinner.... Or something?” he asked with small glint of blush.
I blushed a bit and I knew there was a look of surprised in my face.

But before I could answer, my phone went off. Naturally. “Ohh. Sorry. Let me take this one real fast. No one called me unless it’s an emergency.” I said to him.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and it was from Hyori.

*Phone call*
Hyaka : Hello?
Hyori : Hyaka? Hi, it’s an emergency, are you free?
Hyaka : Yeah, give me one second.

I turned back to Tao and give him an apologetic look. “Sorry, it’s important. I’ll text you about tonight later, okay?” I asked Tao.

“Sure, I hope everything goes alright. I should get back to the kids anyway.” he replied to me with a weak smile.

“It’s just girl stuff, I’m sure. Have fun with the little ones!” I tried to cheered him up.

“Alright, well I’ll see you later hopefully.” he said as he walk towards the children and waved. I nodded, feeling a bit awkward, then headed towards the fronts doors of the library.

Hyori : So I hate to ask this, but I need your help!
Hyaka : What’s going on? Are you alright?
Hyori : Yes....no...kinda? My boyfriend and I were supposed to move into our new place today. But this morning he just breaks up with me!
Hyaka : What? Are you serious?
Hyori : Yeah. I’m not worried about the cost, but I can’t move this all by myself. I’m so embarrassed, but could you help me move some of the two people items?
Hyaka : Of course, just text me the address and I’ll be there in a flash.
Hyori : OMG! You’re a life saver. Nana’s at a shoot and my parents are on vacation. Otherwise I would never ask.
Hyaka : Hey, what are friends for?
Hyori : Hah, I guess you’re right. See you soon.

*End phone call*

I tucked my phone into my bag and found my mom. Quickly I told her what was up and before long I was on train to Hyori’s.