A library of inconvenience

An informal introduction

Trigger warnings for this story
-swearing
-mentions of mental abuse
(There might also be a lil steamy time later on 😼)

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Shuichi sat in his room, glaring at the bottle of pills on his desk. The pills had been given to him to help 'manage his anxiety' but it only seemed to be making all of it worse. His hands fidgeted in his lap as sighed, standing up and walking towards the door, stepping over a few shirts that had been left on the floor. He opened the door, stepping out into the long hallway with many photos of old family members hung on the light blue wallpaper with tiny birds scattered around. It truly was a hideous choice of colouring and design, almost eerie to look at. The quiet boy shut the door carefully behind him, slowly to not make a creaking sound incase his uncle was still awake at this hour. He slid his feet as he walked, his socks helping to muffle the sound of walking. The house was old, it had been in the Saihara family for many, many years and it was starting to fall apart. Meaning the floor bords were always creaky, bits of wood sticking out here and there. The lights were usually dimmed down and the wallpaper was peeling. The downstairs had been fixed up to look brand new, but other then that it's basically an old shack.

Shuichi tip toed down the stairwell, rounding a corner and walking into the living room. He let out a breath he had been holding, seeing his uncle no where to be seen. Catching a glimpse of the clock that sat on a shelf next to the television he ran a hand through his hair, having not realized it was four in the morning. He crossed his arms, digging his nails into an arm as he walked towards the back door. He grabbed his jacket, pulling it over his fragile frame as he slipped on his shoes and opened the door, the cold night air hitting his face, his cheeks flushing a light pink. With another deep breath he stepped out into the night, shutting the door and walking through the yard.

This was sorta like a routine by now, Sneaking out at night and going to the library. It was the only time he felt.. at peace. His world was always so stressful, Always finding a way to get worse. But here, at this time of night the world is quiet. No people walking around, no one to stare at you. No fear.

Usually he would head out to the library around two am and use his key to get in. Shuichi worked in a small library by his house. It was never busy, only a few people would come in every so often. The owners never go there anymore so he basically runs it by now. He keeps everything well kept, making sure the place doesn't pick up dust. He had only gotten the job sense his uncle would have sent him away if he just stayed home all day. School was the thing he would use to get out of the house, but he had graduated just last year. He didn't have the money for college, not yet at least. For now, it was the library.

He walked down the sidewalk, hands in pockets and eyes on the ground, only looking up once he stood In front of the wooden doors. He pulled out the key from his pants pocket, putting it into the lock and turning it, earning a click. He pushed open the door soon after, pulling out the key and slipping it back into his pocket as he walked in. His eyes scanned over the old building, a small smile finding its way over his lips. He took of his jacket, placing it over one of the chairs that sat near the door. And with that, he made his way over to the couches that sat in the corner of the room, picking up a book that sat on the old coffee table that sat in front of it. He turned on the lamp, the dark room lighting up with a soft yellowish light. Opening up to the page he had left off on 'the phantom thief '.

He read quietly, his breathing calm. His ears and nose still flushed a light pink from the cold air outside, his hands still cold. He leaned back into the couch, enjoying the cozy feeling of the small building. That is until a frantic knock was heard coming from the door. Shuichi flinched, his heart starting to race. He placed down the book with shaky hands as the knocking stopped, being replaced with the sound of someone trying to get in. He had locked the door once more so there was no chance, unless somehow they broke the lock. Not knowing what else to do, he walking towards the door, going to unlock it before the noise stopped. The sound of panting could be heard from outside the door. Soon moving could be heard before a quiet clinking from the lock. He backed up, nerves taking over as the door started to open.