IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ playing it by ear

( PLAYING IT BY EAR )
by onemorefanaccount

Zach sighed, carefully placing down his books on the table. He'd finally found some free time in his hectic schedule to study so he'd made his way to the campus library where he knew he'd find a quiet environment.

Quickly going through his notes, he began organising them before starting to prepare his revision.

Later when Zach decided to take a small break, he leant back in his seat-raising his arms above his head as he stretched.

Stifling a yawn, he went to take out his phone when quiet laughter interrupted his train of thought. Turning his head around, Zach tried to locate the source of the sound without much luck-finding most of the library around him empty.

His curiosity got the better of him a few minutes later and he carefully slid out of his seat, slowly starting to wander around. Weaving in and out of the aisles, he kept an ear out only to be met with silence.

It wasn't until Zach turned into the fourth aisle that he heard the rustling of paper and a quiet voice.

Walking further down, the voice became slightly clearer though he found he couldn't understand what was being said. An unfamiliar dialect was filling his ears and he found the sound refreshing.

Nearing the end of the shelves, he peered his head around to find you sitting crosslegged on the floor with your books spread around you in an organised mess.

As you balanced your phone between your ear and your shoulder, you rolled your eyes at whatever the person on the other end of the phone was saying before quickly replying.

Not wanting to eavesdrop-despite not being able to translate your speech-he busied himself by letting his eyes run along the spines of the books in front of him.

When you finally wrapped up your conversation, Zach noticed the sadness behind your words. He gave you a few minutes to gather your thoughts before turning the corner and slowly approaching you.

Noticing his presence, you were quick to make sure no tears fell before glancing up at him. "I'm sorry," you quickly rushed out, realising that you'd taken up almost the entire floorspace of the area in the aisle you occupied.

Zach shook his head, "Don't," he requested kindly. "I don't need to get past."

Your nose scrunched in confused, "Do you need a book?" you asked.

Noticing the slight accent you had, he smiled. "No I don't. I don't meant to startle you," he explained. "I was just wondering if you're okay?"

You remained silent for a few moments, not expecting the stranger's question. "I-" cutting yourself off, you let your eyes drop to the floor in front of you. "I am," you said slowly. "I'm just missing home."

"And where's that?" he asked curiously, genuinely interested.

"Johor Bahru," you answered with a small smile, glancing back at him to see the lack of recognition at the name. "Southern Malaysia," you tried again with a shrug.

"I'm afraid geography is not my best subject," Zach answered, making you laugh. His eyes wandered to the books in front of you and he raised an eyebrow, "Biochemistry?" he questioned.

Following his gaze you nodded, "I'm studying medicine here-it's the reason I moved."

"It's a long way to come for school," he said softly.