library at fourth street • chanbaek au

01; looking for alaska

December 12, 2014 | 15:43
The Library at Fourth Street

"So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane."
— John Green, Looking for Alaska

How can someone be a hurricane and destroy Chanyeol while just sitting there, lost in the book he's reading, without knowing his name?

It has been a routine for him to go back to the library every day since the past week. Grabbing the book the other boy he's been admiring from afar read a day before. He never thought he'd finish reading the whole Harry Potter series in a week; in fact, he never thought he'd be reading literature at all. Before, he didn't like the idea of reading novels and just waited for it to come out as a movie. He was intrigued by the idea of someone dedicating himself to a book, which he couldn't do.

But his mindset turned around when he saw the boy at the back of the library. The boy was deep into the book he's reading, Chanyeol noting what it is. Paper Towns by John Green.

He continued reading the book the boy has been intently reading yesterday, now his mind is on a whirlwind of emotions due to the book's heavy theme.

A few hours and tissues later, he finishes the book. Overwhelmed by the whole story, he sat in silence for a while, letting the book sink into his mind; earning a few lessons and learning much more about life and what it is.

That's the beauty of reading, he thought. You learn so much from a stack of papers that no school textbook can ever provide; and a book can be so much more from a movie. There are a lot of ideas being left behind for the sake of completing that certain movie before deadline, while in books, you don't really bother starting after lunch and ending in midnight because you have this desire to absorb the fact that this book is doing things to you. If that even makes sense.

Chanyeol was now back to his senses, standing up and bringing the book back to where it belonged. Also reminding himself to what the boy at the near back of the library is reading.

He took one last look at the boy's direction, seeing him wipe a tear after reading the last few pages of the book. It was a sight to see, at least for Chanyeol. Mainly because the boy is in fact the reason why he kept coming back here, with a new book recommendation in hand everyday. The boy silently taught him the beauty of books and reading, something he thought he'd never learn.

"You should talk to him." Minseok stated, startling Chanyeol.

"Hyung, where did you come from?!" He asked, his voice slightly raised due to the fact someone just appeared out of nowhere.

"You really didn't see me working here, did you?" Minseok said. "Well, you seemed to be so into a book or so into the boy at the near back whenever I see you anyway, so I won't take offense." He added.

Chanyeol was embarrased. Is it really that obvious? He thought to himself. But he couldn't help it, the boy looks so good without trying.

"I'm too shy to approach him, hyung!" His cheeks tinted pink.

"Park Chanyeol? Shy? That's new." Minseok placed his hand on his chin, thinking of something to say. "Gather up the courage to, you wouldn't know when will be the last time you'll see him."

Chanyeol didn't seem to have thought about that situation. He's seen him all week, but he didn't know when will be the last time he'll see his bright eyes and enthralling smile. So he really should gather up the courage to at least approach him.

"I will try tomorrow."

"That's good. Now please excuse me, I have work to be done. Jongdae will be pissed if I go home late." Minseok said and bid goodbye.

"Bye, Minseok-hyung! Say hi to Jongdae for me!" Chanyeol said and then left.

As he got out, he couldn't stop thinking about the boy he's been admiring since the first time he saw him.

What if it's too late?

What if he's already in love with someone else?

What if he actually notices me and gets creeped out?

His mind has been screaming 'what ifs', which makes him more anxious.

Heck, does he even like boys?

Letting the cold winter night engulf him, he checked the time. 18:25.

He pushed back his thoughts and walked home, waiting for the other day to come.

•

Author's Note: I didn't put any book spoilers because I don't want the thrill of the book to die down. :-)) Also, this book will contain John Green's amazing literature. Just a heads up, hope you enjoyed!