Scintilla

15) Wishes and gratitude

You place a hand to your forehead, sucking in air as you run your other hand along the book spines.

You don't get a chance to examine any of the books, a shadow being cast from a figure standing in the stairway. You quickly duck down, using books as a barrier between you and the person. You find yourself reaching out for a particularly thick book, grasping it in both hands, ready to use it as a weapon.

"(Name)?"

You feel your shoulder relax and you sigh, rolling back on your heels. You place the book back, standing up and moving to where Kiibo can see you.

"Yes, Kiibo?" You jut out your jaw, resting a hand on your hip and regard him with cold indifference.

"I came to apologise," Kiibo says, brushing his hands against his sides, "I believe I said something insensitive and upset you,"

Your chest hurts. It hurts pretty bad. But you can't let it get to you. Can't let him get to you. You cannot allow anyone to get close to you. Otherwise the pain just gets bigger and worse and doesn't go away.

Dismissing people might hurt for a second, but loss hurts for a lifetime.

"I accept your apology," You say and turn around, going back to the books.

Kiibo doesn't say anything, simply watching as you walk away and then he too, turns around, going back up the stairs.

When he's gone, the pain only worsens. And you trace your hand along your chest, wishing you could just hit yourself and make the pain stop.

Why... does it hurt? Why does it hurt when I barely know him?

Don't let it get to you.

"If you are searching for something then I believe I will be able to help you," Kiibo states, suddenly behind you.

Since you're facing away from him, it allows you to set your face back into a neutral expression after the small shock. You clear your throat.

"I'm simply examining the books here," You reply, standing motionless as you wait for him to take a hint and actually leave.

Why did he come back? He went up the stairwell! What is his problem?!

"Well, I shall join you," He determines, moving beside you and sending you a small, sideways smile.

"Fine," you huff, beginning your search once again.

It's silent as you both walk along the shelf, him following behind you and mimicking your actions. It's extremely endearing, so you decide to ignore it and solely focus on the books.

You become so absorbed you don't notice him stop moving, staring up at the top of a shelf.

"There... is some sort of contraption set up above here," Kiibo frowns in confusion, and you roll your eyes, annoyed by the interruption.

"Why don't you investigate then," You suggest, realising it's rather close to the sliding bookcase and hidden door.

You hear a scuffing sound and small grunts of exertion. Your eyes widen as you see Kiibo climbing up the bookcase.

"Oh my—Kiibo!" You exclaim as his feet lose traction and he's left hanging by only his arms, and they seem to be slipping too.

"It is alright! I possess the strength of the average senior!"

"That's not very much!" You shake your head, then dart around the library, searching for the ladder you had seen.

You find it, quickly wheeling it to Kiibo, "Here Kiibo, stand on this,"