CHAPTER 1

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"Excuse me? Hey, umm... Do you mind if I sit here?"

These are her first words that she said toward me and I cannot forget that day. It was the first time I got taken aback by a simple question and by such a beautiful genuine smile by a simple looking girl. It's been a year but it feels like yesterday.

Before I could answer her question, she was already pulling out the chair across me.

Before I could answer her question, she was already pulling out the chair across me

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"Well, sure. I guess." I smiled. "Thanks" then she sat. She looked around first before bringing out a book.

I tried focusing on the task at hand, I need to finish this paper today, but I couldn't concentrate. There was a lot of room around but she chose to sit here with me at the very secluded section of the library; my usual spot by the way.

I usually don't like having some company especially while doing a paper that's due tonight but I honestly don't mind it having her around. It feels weird. Is it normal to suddenly feel like this? Am I being weird if I ask her name and major? Is it okay to ask if she's a third-year student like me or will she find it offensive?

I shook my head trying to snap out of it. Let's start by asking her name.

I started blurting out the question without even looking at her. "Uh, heeey. This might be weird but can I ask what your na-"

The moment I lifted my head to see her reaction, she was trying so hard to stay awake. Someone might think she's listening to a hardcore rock song right now because she's headbanging.

I tried to stifle a laugh. Now that I'm looking at her, I can say that she looks pretty cute and she has pale skin. She's small around 5'3" to 5'5" feet I guess? Not too skinny but quite fit. She has short brown hair, the same color of her eyes which is hiding behind her black eyeglasses. Her nose is quite pointy and her lips are thin and have the color of roses.

Before I could continue studying her features, I heard a light thud on the table. I'm certain that she couldn't hold it any longer and decided to sleep right there and then.

Maybe that's the reason why she chose to sit here. No one can see you sleeping unless they round the corner and go here. Well, that's pretty smart. You won't get yelled at by the librarian. Can't say I didn't think of it before. I chose to sit here and make it my usual spot for a reason.

Her left cheek touches her book which is now her pillow. Some of her hair covers her face so I carefully stand and reach out to try to put it behind her ears.

"God, she's more breathtaking up close." I murmur.

She isn't like the other college girls that I know. She is not wearing any makeup aside from her lipstick that makes her lips look like sweet red apples. She is simple yet beautiful in kind of her own way.

So much for distractions. I've decided to stop kidding myself that I'm about to finish this paper on time. To hell with it! I set it aside and took a page from my notebook and started sketching her sleeping form.

"At least I'm honing my art skills," I said to myself.

The rays of the setting sun that are shining on her face finally woke her up. She suddenly sat up and looked around.

"Oh my god! What time is it? What the hell did I do? I'm supposed to be reading and writing a book review!" She said while fixing herself.

"5:18 p.m"

"What?" She said like she just noticed I'm here.

"The time. It's 5:18. Oh, now it's 5:19." I said while tapping my watch.

Her eyes suddenly go wide with realization. "Shit! I slept for two hours?"

She took out a paper and opened her book once more. She looked inside her bag looking for something and when she can't find it, she turned to me, " I'm sorry but do you have an extra pen or pencil with you? I think I forgot mine in the club room."

"Here." Without even thinking, I gave her the only pen that I currently have and using.

"Thank you." She smiled apologetically and started working on her book review.

I tried to go back doing my own paper but damn it! I don't have a pen to use. Note to self: always bring an extra pen in case there's an angel in need.

I put my things in my bag and headed out for my last class. "She's something else," I said to myself

That night nothing could have taken away the smile from my face.



"Excuse me?" She repeated. She's standing right in front of me. This is exactly what she said one year ago. Excuse me.

"Hello?" She's waving her hand to get my attention.

I snapped back to reality, today, right now and not a year ago. "Yes? How may I help you?"

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