Hoshi no Ouji-Sama (Prince of the Stars)

Chapter 8 - Not Everyone

We had arrived at the library, as expected. I wasn't really not expecting us to get there, but, there's the possibility. I looked around, and realized today was supposed to be a work day. I hurried up to one of the shelves, followed by Tai.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Oh, sorry. You can help if you want."

"I forgot you had a job here."

"I did too."

I started to organize some books, when this kid came over.

"Hey there, do you know if there's any new novels out?"

I look at the kid, and recognize him as Kasei, the kid who's apparently going out with Suisei.

"Uh, new ones are coming soon."

"Oh, could you lead me to the.. novel section?" Kasei, who was about as tall as me, looked like the enbodiment of fire itself. Red hair, hazel eyes, and a stature like that of a successful adult, one that could rival mine. I just about looked like your average kid, fairly short, and fairly young.

"Sure!" He looked pretty bored once I agreed, and helped him to the area.

"Oh, it's right here." Not even a 'thanks'.

I look over and there she is. Sui seems pretty content talking to someone like Kai, who she'd probably hate.

I knew this was wrong, but I tried listening in.

"So, how are you?"

"I mean, pretty good. Had an encounter with some kid who looked like... 12."

"Eh? Sounds weird. I'm sure they were older."

"Oh, he was all like 'Uh, yeah, so'. That kinda stuff is dumb."

"Sounds like someone I know."

"I feel bad for you then."

Well, that's disheartening to hear. I could try fixing the way I speak, but it's kind of like fate. I can't change it. I continue listening in.

"He's not a bad person though!"

"You sure about that? I wouldn't trust a 12 year old."

I thought one of them at least glanced my way, and acted natural, rearranging a few books. I looked at them every now and again, going back to my usual "Be like a librarian" stance.

"Hey Sei!"

God dammit. I try my best to get the courage to even speak in front of Kai again.

"Hey Sui." That conversation ended as soon as it started, for she went back and started talking with Kai again.

Around closing time, I went to the two to tell them they should probably leave.

"Hey, guys. It's about time to go, and checkouts are closed."

Kai turns to me, and kind of stares at me for a bit.

"Well, that's a shame, isn't it?"

"I don't make the closing times."

"Ey, you're the librarian here, right?"

He doesn't even recognize me, does he? Whatever, he wouldn't even if I told him my name.

"Yes, what do you need?" At this point, it's past closing time, and everyone left already, except this kid.

"Mind if I stay for a bit?"

"...You can't."

"Jesus, no need to sound pissy with me."

"I'm not, I'm just telling you it's closing time. I've gotta head home."

"Yeesh." That's it? That's all you're gonna respond with?

"Well,  you should go."

"I'm gonna stay."

I swear to god he's acting like he's in his rebellious phase. Can't wait for the 'You can't tell me what to do'.

"Alright, but if you get in trouble, it's not my fault."

"Y'know, you're pretty rude for a librarian."

"And you're pretty rude for a boyfriend to the princess."

He pauses for a second, and swings around towards me.

"What did you say?"

"You heard me."

"How old are you?"

"15." He glances at me, and looks like he's coming up with a remark.

"You look.. 12."

"No need to push it in."

Sui walks up to us. "Sei!"

"Oh, hey sis." I can tell Kai is staring at us.

"Sis? Damn. Can't believe a 12 year old is fucking royalty, how important! It's like your the main person in this entire thing."

"..Well, that's nice to hear." I start taking these with a grain of salt. I know I could fight back if I wanted to, but I didn't want to end the night badly. I run out, and catch up with Tai.

"Sorry I'm late. Had to deal with some rebel kids."

"Well, you know all kids go through that phase, except you, I think."

"Oh no, I did."

"When?"

"When I was like, 12. I once threw a bottle at a ghost only to realize I couldn't."

"That's the best thing I've heard of."

"Well, we should get heading home, shouldn't we?"

"Yeah, I was gonna say tha-"

"By the way, can I stay at your place tonight?"

"Sure!"

With that, we started heading out to Tai's house.