𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 | 𝖪𝗂𝗆 𝖭𝖺𝗆𝗃𝗈𝗈𝗇 [𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃]

T W O

02
T R A N Q U I L I T Y

˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚

HYERIM INHALED, taking in the scent of books and papers, and exhaled in contentment. She relaxed, and settled into the quiet and tranquil atmosphere that was similar to the one at the café. The only difference was the setting, but the comforting, cozy, and homey-like feeling still remained.

Everything ranging from the setting to the atmosphere allowed Hyerim to feel safe. To be in her third home (the first being her real one and the second being the vinyl café) made all her worries and problems she stressed over wash down the drain.

Much to her surprise, she didn't hear the voice of the younger who usually vexed her for no particular reason. A small smirk formed on her lips, relieved to know she finally won their bickering battles. Her eyes fell to the tote that held the books and she began to take them out.

"Did you like 'em?"

She looked over to the desk and felt her heart skyrocket. For a moment, she felt as if she was just dreaming, that there wasn't any possibility that he could have just magically appear in front of her without her noticing. Then again, she never necessarily paid attention to the people around her. She instead eyed the landscapes and buildings that surrounded her.

That man was certainly not her bickering friend Jungkook. She didn't expect to see him there.

"You know, the books," he added, motioning his hand to them, seeing as she didn't answer the first time.

Hyerim snapped out of her daze as she gave a small nod. "Yeah," she answered quietly as she still processed everything, "I did."

His eyes twinkled and he gave a bright smile revealing his dimples. "I'm a bit surprised you even read it at all," he laughed, standing up and taking the books from her. "People say 'The City' doesn't have a good rating and that it's a bit boring. Personally, it's one of my favorite books."

She was a bit astonished to see his admiration towards the novel. Yes, it was an amazing one in her opinion, but seeing someone else marvel over it so genuinely made her a bit intrigued by him.

"Well, a lot of people don't know how to be invested in the book," Hyerim said, making the man tilt his head like a perplexed puppy. "They just read the words and don't actually put themselves in the shoes of the characters."

A beckon gleamed in his eyes and he rapidly nodded his head in agreement. He smiled in contentment, satisfied with her response. "Exactly, exactly. Whenever I tell my housemate that, he just goes back to watering the plants."

She released a soft laugh and smiled at him. "I'm going to go look for another book."

He nodded, parting his lips as if to say something, but decided against it. She turned and walked away, heaving a quiet sigh. She felt somewhat relief that he didn't mention how she had made her remark to what seemed to be his girlfriend. Even if he did bring it up, she wouldn't have actually apologized because she had nothing to be sorry for. She made her choice and planned to stand with it.

Once she got the books she wanted, she made her way towards the same spot she always sat in and began reading. She was a fast reader, but she purposely read slowly, allowing herself to absorb every detail and word of the book. Letting herself transfer away from reality and to enter the fictional universe.