Adam stared at the girl in front of him. Her stubborn eyes were glued to the book in front of her as she chewed her bottom lip, refusing to look up. He watched as her hazel eyes scanned the page, her eyebrow quirking up when she's read something funny, her lips curving up into a soft smile.

This was Belle, in her petite glory, a tiny creature with a ferocious bite. A girl he has never talked to or even acknowledged. A girl who has been popping up in the most inconvenient of places since the day he saved her from Gaston's harassment. It wasn't because he wanted to save her. They were in front of his locker. None the less, she has found ways to cross paths with him, over and over again

Belle had been sitting there for almost half an hour, indulging herself in a book he wouldn't have found interesting. Sighing, Adam threw his head back and gave in.

"What are you doing?" he asked, slightly annoyed.

Belle glanced up and gave an irritating quirk of her lip.

"So he speaks."
"You're invading my table."

Belle lifted her book, mockingly checking the surface of the table, scanning beneath it as well.

"I don't see a name."

"You're not welcomed,"

"This is a library and I will do as I please," Belle stated matter of factly. She closed her book gently before adding, ", and I want to get to know you."

"Get to know me?" pondered Adam.

"Yes."

"Look, I get that you're grateful and all, but I have no intentions of making friends," grumbled Adam. "You're wasting your time."

Belle looked him over and shrugged, "Perhaps."

Opening her book, she went back to reading quietly. Adam growled and stood up, grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder. He didn't need friends. He didn't need anybody. People were so annoying. They're difficult to read, they get frustrated over little things. Adam wasn't a people person. And one little girl wasn't going to penetrate his lovely isolation.

He walked out of the library, fuming that he had to go find something else to occupy his time when he spotted LeFou peering into the library window. Beside him, Gaston smirked, whispering to his friend, rubbing his hands together in disgusting delight. It didn't take a genius to figure out what they were looking at. There wasn't anyone else in the library.

Adam couldn't give two shits.

He kept walking. She wasn't his problem. Hell, he didn't even know her! Why does he care if that guy couldn't take a hint that she wasn't bloody interested? He doesn't care what happens to her. He was going home, to his room, where he can sit in peace. Alone. Because that's the way it has always been and that's the way he wanted to stay.

He looked back and could see Gaston getting ready to walk into the library, his tiny minion pep talking him, feeding into his ego.

Adam mentally gagged and kept moving.

He got about three classrooms away.

"Damn it…,"

Belle was genuinely surprised to see him come back.

He plopped himself in front of her, a sneer on his face as he reluctantly took out his homework.

"I don't like you or your presence," he grumbled ", but I hate men like him even more."

Belle frowned, "If you don't want to be here then leave."

Adam quirked an eyebrow at her and crossed his arms, "This is a library," He said, "I will do as I damn please," he took out a pen, and stuck out his hand.

Belle looked at him quizzically.

"Give me your hand," Adam said, gently reaching over and taking it. His hand was much bigger than hers, warm and rough. She watched as he scribbled something before settling back into his chair. "There."

Belle glanced down at her hand and gave him a look.

"I don't under-,"

"I'm available whenever except for Saturdays," he said, "Just give me a call whenever you feel in danger."

"But I-,"

"You said you wanted to get to know me, right" Adam challenged, "I'm giving you a window."

Belle didn't know what to say. She smiled, relief washing over her. She had felt the chilling looks from afar long before she had decided to come into the library. As much as she wanted to fight them, she was smart enough to understand that Gaston's posse consisted of at least five cronies. Much to her irritation, she knew she needed help. She didn't come here to look for a bodyguard. She came in for some peace.

"Thank you," she smiled and copied his number into her phone.

"Do you have a ride home?" asked Adam. Belle shook her head. "You do now,"

So that's how they stayed. Belle read for another hour or so and Adam glared at the figures in the window, daring them to come in. Gaston flipped him off and walked away and Adam smirked inwardly to himself.

He watched Belle read. Her nose scrunched up in excitement and she nibbled her bottom lip. Her eyes would light up and her lips would quirk up in a smile. He liked the peace and quiet. He liked this kind of isolation.

He still didn't really like her.