A/N: K so thank you if you did review! And to those of you who didn't but are just reading the story, you better thank those who did or you wouldn't be reading this next chappie! But I still love you for reading anyway ). I know I keep switching back a forth between people but I'm going for character development, and since I don't actually know how this story is going to end, it gives you something to read until I figure it out. And I'm trying not to make the chapters as long as my last story cuz I know they can be a pain to read sometimes. Enjoy!
Haru sat in the empty library on Saturday night with his nose in a book. He had the closing shift today and he was the only one there. He had worked there for almost 2 years now so the manager trusted him with the store. It was around 7:30 meaning he had a half hour left to go before he could leave.
He had spent the majority of the time working on the English paper they were assigned to write over the weekend. They simply needed to pick a classic from the list they were given and read it and be prepared for discussion on Monday. The library was closed on Sundays so Haru decided to just get it over with today since no one was there.
Tohru had called him early that morning, waking him up yet again, to retell the events of the previous day. He really was happy for her that she had finally kissed Kyo. It still amazed him that she was surprised to find out how he felt about her. It was obvious to everyone else around them. That always seems to be the case when people like each other like that though. Their flirtatious behavior all week was almost sickening. Mostly because he envied her.
Haru wanted to have something like that—someone who cared about him as much as he cared about her. He sighed as he turned the page. He had pretty much accepted the fact that it just wasn't going to happen to him but it didn't make it any less painful to see Tohru and Kyo together. His thoughts drifted to Kagura as he thought about that day in the parking lot. He had paid closer attention to her this week trying to figure out what was going on.
The only word he could think of to describe her look was tired. All week her eyes had seemed a bit puffy, as if she had spent all her nights crying her eyes out. But he had overheard her deny it when one of her friends asked her about it.
"Oh no. I'm just tired that's all." She said with a fake smile.To him, she still looked just as pretty without all her eye makeup on. Not that she would ever know that. But it was true. She was just like Tohru in the sense that they were both naturally pretty. Haru's thoughts were interrupted as his watch alarm went off telling him it was time to close shop. He stretched his arms lazily as he let out a soft yawn. Finally. He grabbed the set of keys to the library from his desk and headed towards the door. It was dark out by this time. Haru flicked off the lights and walked outside, closing the door behind him. He turned around to lock the door but was stopped by a voice.
"Wait! Please don't close that door!"
Wait a minute…I know that voice…Haru turned around and was greeted with the worry-filled face of none other than Kagura. To say he looked shocked would be an understatement. He had never expected to see someone like her at a library, especially not this time of night. Haru couldn't help blushing as he looked her over. She just looked so cute in her designer get-up with her big, dark eyes staring at him in earnest.
"Haru. Please let me in. I promise I won't be long. I just need to get a book for the English assignment and then I'll be out of your way. Please!"
Kagura didn't even care that she was begging. She needed to get this assignment done. It was their first big project and she couldn't screw it up or Mr. S would never take her seriously. And despite her girly-girl pretense, she really was a smart girl. And English was her best subject. Her mom wouldn't allow anything less than an 'A' from her perfect daughter. She had planned to go to the library tomorrow, but remembered at the last minute that it wasn't open on Sundays.
She knows my name?
Haru was in complete shock. Not only was she talking to him, but she knew his name! In fact, he was pretty sure it was the first time she had ever spoken directly to him. Her eyes were burning into his as she pleadingly gazed up at him, and he couldn't deny her.
"Umm…okay." He spoke softly, not sure exactly what else to say. He pushed the door open and held it for her. Kagura closed her eyes and let out a breath she had apparently been holding the whole time. She smiled thankfully at him and walked in. Haru followed behind her and reached up his left hand to flick on the lights.
Kagura let out a small gasp. She hadn't been in the library in ages. Her house had its own library of sorts so she never came here unless she truly needed to. But this library seemed so huge when they were the only ones in it. The truth was, she loved to read. Books were her escape from the mess that was her life. Of course, her personal collection included mostly teen novels about girls finding love and such—not exactly what she would consider "classics" for this assignment.
"So…did you have anything particular in mind?"
She jumped at the sudden noise and she whirled around to face Haru. She had almost forgotten she wasn't alone. From the look in his eyes, he seemed like he genuinely wanted to help her. Yet she really had no idea what book she was going to get. She had been in such a rush to get here that she hadn't really had time to think about what she wanted to read.
"Umm…not exactly." Kagura replied rather embarrassed. She felt bad having to keep him here longer while she tried to find a book.
"Oh…well, do you want me to show you the classics section then? That way you can browse around there?"
Kagura blinked, rather surprised. He didn't even seem upset about the fact that he had to stay here longer.
"Yea. That'd be great." She said with a smile.
Haru led her towards the back of the library to the area labeled "Classics" in big, bold letters. The selection wasn't exactly huge, but there were still plenty of books for her to choose from. Personally, he had pretty much read all of them in his spare time. He looked over at Kagura to find her looking at the books with an awed expression on her face. I can't believe I'm actually here with her right now. She felt his stare and turned to look at him, and he quickly turned to look at his books to hide the red forming on his cheeks.
"So which one did you read?" He heard her ask.
"Well, I've read most of these already. So I tried to find one I hadn't read yet and I ended up reading Wuthering Heights. Not one I would recommend by the way." He said as a smirk formed on his face and he looked at her. "Not unless you feel the need to become overly depressed. It's definitely not a 'happily ever-after' kind of book."
Well I'm definitely not in the mood to become overly depressed. She thought to herself. That was probably the last thing she needed. Looking over at Haru, she couldn't help noticing that he was actually kind of cute when he smiled. I can't believe he's read most of these books. There must be like 50 of them just in this section.
"You really like books then huh?" She asked him curiously.
"Yeah. That's why I work here. Books are my little escape from reality. Whenever I'm upset, I can just pick up a good book and forget about life for awhile." His finger traced across the bindings of the books as he spoke.
Kagura's eyes went wide as she heard him mimic her earlier thoughts aloud. They were an escape for him too. What could he possibly need to escape from? She felt a sudden need to know his life story. His life couldn't be any worse than mine. Yuki's face popped into her mind and she quickly shooed it away. She realized that she hadn't thought about him once since arriving here.
"Are you alright?"
She looked up at him surprised. Worry was sketched across his features.
"What? Oh, I'm fine. Just thinking that's all." She paused for a moment, trying to think up a way to change the subject. "I agree with you, though. About books I mean. I find myself picking up a book whenever I feel sad or need to stop thinking about life." She noticed the somewhat shocked expression on his face and it made her smile.
"Shocking, huh?"
Haru blinked, not realizing his face had been that readable. He scratched his head nervously before replying.
"Well, you know. I just didn't see you as a book kind of person. I guess I should take my own advice and not 'judge a book by its cover'. I didn't mean to offend you." He said, kicking himself silently.
Kagura couldn't help smiling at his pun.
"No. It's okay. I think most people see me the same way you do." Her mouth formed into a sorrowful smile. "As a high-maintenance, rich girl who has everything she could ever want but takes everything for granted." She paused. "Not that some of that isn't true. I mean, I am wealthy, but I wish everyone wouldn't judge me right away."
"I never said that." Haru said plainly, making Kagura look at him with a confused expression.
"I don't think you're the stuck-up snob everyone thinks you are. Not everyone sees you the way you think they do, Kagura. After reading Pride and Prejudice, I've learned not to judge people right away. In fact, you should read it. And it's a classic so you'll be killing two birds with one stone."
He doesn't think I'm a snob? She thought in disbelief.
"What's it about?"
"It's a love story between a rich man and poor woman. But it's not as simple as it sounds. Society has labeled him as a proud, snob who looks down on everything and everyone. While it is partially true, the rumors go a little overboard, but the woman eats up every word and looks at him with disdain. Eventually, the man falls in love with her, however, because she's so outspoken and different from everyone else. She brings out his kind, amiable side and eventually returns his feelings after discovering who he really is. It's a really good book."
"Okay, I'll take it."
Haru slipped the book off the shelf and guided Kagura over to the checkout counter. She sat there deep in thought as she watched his hands slide the book across the counter and heard the beep as the computer registered it. Maybe he's right. Maybe there are people out there who don't see me that way. I guess it doesn't help that I act like a snob most of the time. Her thoughts were interrupted by Haru's voice.
"Here you go, Kagura. It's not due back for 2 weeks so it's no rush. I think you'll really like it." He smiled at her and she found herself smiling back at him.
"Thanks Haru. For everything. I mean, for letting me in and all. I guess I'll see you at school on Monday." She walked to the door and waved back at Haru before leaving. Haru heard the little bell ring as the door closed behind her. He pinched himself on the arm to make sure he hadn't just dreamt the past 20 minutes.
Did that really just happen?
A/N: Believe it or not, I spent forever writing this chapter. So you better like it. Anyway, I hope you all review this time if you read it. They don't have to be like long or anything. Just a "Good" or "I hate you"(preferably not) will work. Anyway, I'm not sure how the next chapter is going to go, but I go back to work tomorrow and I won't be off again til Monday so you may not see another chappie til then. Unless I get inspired by some awesome review or something. Haha.
