We had one day off.
My day was mostly uneventful.
Now school is back in session.
And I have to find an excuse to give Hanada-chan the lapis lazuli pendant. After almost one month of friendship. After she gave me gifts on the first and second day and I ... nothing.
God, I'm pathetic. Could she have possibly forgotten about the pendant? No. She doesn't seem like the type. If I give her the pendant now, will she hold it against me? Has she been holding it against me? I don't know what to do! I've seen her angry: a snake that bites and leaves venom behind. Her words cut and sting long afterward. I don't want to experience that again.
My thoughts are racing the entire time. Even when I take my seat, they won't stop. I glance at Hanada-chan, who is surprisingly awake. Well, as awake as she can be. Drooping eyes behind glasses, languid posture, head propped up on one hand and the other hand flipping the pages of her book. There are yellow and white cactus flowers in her chignon.
"What are you reading now?" I ask her.
She snaps up and registers my presence. She bookmarks her page and closes the book. "A fantasy novel."
"What's it about?"
Her eyes widen a little. "You want the summary?"
"Yes."
"1904 London. A world of Shadowhunters - warriors blessed by the archangel Raziel who combat demons - and of Downworlders - warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and faeries. Cordelia Carstairs is one such Shadowhunter. Born in a prestigious family, she wishes to bring further glory to her family name but by her own talents. Especially after her father is accused of committing a heinous crime. She meets her childhood friends - brother and sister James and Lucie Herondale - and is enchanted by the elegant but decadent London life. However, this enchantment is soon destroyed when a series of demon attacks strike London. These demons are not like the ones the Shadowhunters typically encounter; they're more powerful, resilient, and clever. It's up to Cordelia and her friends to save the city and discover the source behind these attacks."
She glances down, wringing her hands. She's embarrassed. I wonder why when I realize that I haven't said anything. She thinks that I think that she's weird. "That was a detailed summary. I liked it. So is there only one book or is it a series?"
Her hands stop moving, and she looks up. "It's a series. I gave you the synopsis of the first book."
"Are you reading the first book?"
"No. I'm reading the second. I was at the part where James gives Cordelia a globe pendant. It's a special moment between the two. He says to her, 'We have talked so much of travel. I wanted to give you the world.'"
"That's actually really sweet. Cordelia must mean a lot to James for him to give something that sentimental."
She sighs. "That's true. However, if only James knew how to sort out his feelings, then this moment would not be bittersweet."
"Oh. There's drama, too?"
"Slow-burn romance. Secrets. Mutual pining. It's the good drama. The one that you despise wholeheartedly but leaves you craving for more."
"Ah, just like in good manga. Maybe I should give novels a try. Do you know any book stores where I can find good books?"
She's stopped moving entirely now. "Yes, I do. I can give you a list. But, I'm surprised you discussed the book I was reading. Most people simply ask what I'm reading and leave it at that."
I smile softly. "Reading is something you're passionate about. And there's nothing wrong with sharing your passions with others. In fact, it's something that should be valued. Honestly, shame on those who ignored you for your passion."
"Really?" Her voice is hopeful.
"Yeah. They can turn into demons and be slain by the Shadowhunters."
She laughs. It's different from before. The sound is musical. So musical that if I could have bottled the sound and gotten drunk on it every night, I would have. It terrified me. But then, to my disappointment, she covers her mouth and stifles her laughter.
"Why did you stop?"
She looks down again. I don't like it when she does that. "Back in England, whenever I laughed, the girls would say that my laugh sounded weird. 'Weird' is putting it kindly. Very kindly."
"They can turn into demons, too. Your laugh is beautiful. Don't restrain it. We only get so many happy moments in life. Make the most of them."
She blushes. Now that I like. "Thank you, Todoroki-kun."
"Your welcome, Hanada-chan."
Citations:
The synopsis in this chapter is from the first book of Cassandra Clare's The Last Hours series, Chain of Gold. It's the first in a trilogy. The last book is expected to come out next year in November. The globe pendant scene and quote - "'We have talked so much of travel.' ... 'I wanted to give you the world.'" - is from the second book of the same series, Chain of Iron.
"She'd laughed, and if he could have bottled the sound and gotten drunk on it every night, he would have. It terrified him." - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo