While socializing and interacting with the people of the world, having a persona of your own has always been a necessity. This personality serves as a trademark of us to other people. Something that people knows us for. Personas vary on different aspects, the personas that people like and those that people don't. I, personally, would gladly fall into the latter. Having less people to interact with brings peace in my heart and soul.

Personas come in many ways.

People might know you for your excellence in sports and academics, someone who is seen to be perfect in all aspects. Living your life happily without ever feeling the element of sorrow or despair. Little did they know of your frustration living in people's expectations while wearing a mask named facade.

Also, people might know you for your strong attitude and elegant beauty, someone who is seen to be distant with other people and strong-willed. Little did they know of your incompetence in solving problems on your own and your need of help from other people.

Other than that, people might know you as a fujoshi, someone who is seen to be fixated on love between two men and keeps yaoi mangas and doujins in their abode. Little did they know of your different persona and your desire of having someone who acknowledges it.

I, for one, have come to know a fujoshi. And I also have been given the privilege to know of its different persona.

Her different persona.

That personality that she chose to show me, and only me. Well, I can't really say she showed it, more like I've discovered it-thanks to my ability of reading people- and came to tell her of my discovery. Hence I couldn't say that I'm someone to be considered special to her. As it turns out, she was just a regular high school girl that loves reading books and get herself involved in literature. Just like those bespectacled girls that you see in animes and mangas. Except, well, she's Ebina.

There are a lot of personas I hate.

But I can't say I hate hers.

"Well, maybe you should. Then people might feel more open to you." She said while letting go of my palm and rest hers at her back.

"More to the reason why I should be more boring." I answered with a calm tone trying not to sound too repulsive at her statement.

"Then I don't think you are doing well with that. Being 'boring' as you just said didn't stop some people from being open to you, did it?" She phrase with a somewhat cheerful tone and a sincere smile plastered on her face.

"What does that suppose to m-" I abruptly stopped the words I was trying to convey.

True enough, there are people that have been more open to me in the past few weeks. Well, but that's.. because.. well..

...I forced it out of them. Yeah, I pushed the persona that they were strongly trying to hide without their consent because they know I'm not a fan of interacting with people that masks their true selves.

"It's different, Ebina." I confidently spoke out my conclusion to her question.

She giggles at my response and slowly have me follow her to our reading spot.

"Who knows, if you were more open to Hayato-kun you guys might've become best buddies. And my OTP will definitely become closer to being reality!" She exclaimed loudly that should've distracted the students that currently inhabits the place. Fortunately, there was none.

"Spare me your yaoi jokes." I said while looking at my sleeve that is currently pulled by her small, delicate fingers to our designated table. Are girls' hands really this small? Really I think I could just grab both of her palms with only using one of my own. And since when did she felt comfortable pulling me on the sleeve?

Guess it's just me then. Pulling someone by their sleeve must've considered a normalcy between the opposite sex. Because of my lack of communication with other people, I was failed to comprehend that.

"We're here." She cheerfully said as we arrived to our reading spot. The usual spot, huh? Can't say I hate it though. The tranquility of reading beside the window, with the ray of sunlight ambiently makes its way into the library. I looked at the person currently beside me with a knowing look on my face and said...

"So, the usual?" After we would arrive, each of us would start picking one book from the library and bring it to our reading table. Then, we would read our chosen books and after the given time to read -which is 15 minutes- we would review and share the contents of the book we read with each other.

And that, is what we have been doing in the past few weeks. And yet, none of us were bored of it.

"Oh. I was thinking about doing something slightly different. If you're okay with it, that is." That's rare. Rather unusual for her to suddenly try something new. Did she already got bored with this so she wanted overcome the boredom.

"Hooh?" I gave her a questioning look to let my confusion show. "Well, shoot." Might as well hear it.

"I found a book in my house that was a masterpiece in the store. Found it while I was helping my mom with the chore." She said while rummaging her bag.

"I gave it a read and thought it was one of the best literature books I've ever read! So, I thought it would be a loss to not share this masterpiece with you." She said as she pulled out a rather thick book from her bag. Wow, a book that have been nominated as one of the best books read by Ebina, now that piqued my interest.

"Well, let's see it then." I spoke as I made my way to my furnished and cushioned seat. Adding to the list on why I love this library. I put my bag at my side, and sit on my chair relaxingly while waiting for Ebina's arrival on her seat opposite of me.

She amicably hums her way to her seat, putting her bag to the side and comfortably have herself seated on the chair beside me. She brings out th-

Wait, what? I stared at the person currently beside me with an ambiguous face trying to realize the gravity of the situation. It's not always she decided to have herself seated beside me. Like, doesn't she feel disgusted or scared for her chastity or those things that Yukinoshita say people feel towards me. Usually, I wouldn't care about something this mundane, but she is awfully close. Like, too close. So close that I could clearly smell the scent of lavender that currently inhabits her body.

She must've noticed my stare, because she turned her face to the right, looking at me with a smile on her face.

"Is there something wrong?" She spoke out quizzically, not knowing of my motive for looking at her, and truthfully I don't too.

Well, she did only have one copy of the book so reading beside each other would be more convenient. It would've been difficult if we were to read it while being opposite each other.

"It's nothing." I said as I changed my vision towards the table currently in front of me.

"Well, okay then." She said as she pulled a strand of hair behind her right ear, giving me a slight view of her neck.

"Believe me when I say this, you would thank me for sharing this masterpiece with you." She confidently claimed as she pushed the book to my side of the table.

I giggled slightly at the sight of her enthusiasm to show me her newfound 'masterpiece'. I gently grab the book and inspect the covers.

"Can't wait to read it."

The gentle wind from outside, slightly being audible as it makes its way through the sky. As the soothing air amicably travels towards the never-ending atmosphere,

I suffer at the sight of my inevitable fear.

I shut my face with my palm, elbow currently resting itself on the table. Though I've shown my negative reaction, the person beside me seems to not get the hint as she continuously hums while waiting for me to turn the first page.

"Ebina-san, what have you brought upon such a helpless being like me?" I asked in disbelief.

"Hm? A book? The book that I was talking to you about like, just now." I know, I know.

I gave the cover of the book another glance, hoping that my eyes were actually deceiving me or malfunctioning due to the lack of sleep. There wasn't really much writing at the cover. The content that took a big part of the cover was definitely the drawing. And that, is what I wish I saw wrong when I first looked at the book.

But no. There it is, the drawing plastered strong on the book, basically giving people a summary of the terrifying contents behind the book cover.

The picture of two men currently involving themselves in an intimate activity, with only a blanket that thoroughly covers only their private parts ...

...Did I just internally say that without puking being the aftereffect?

Now I can see why this took the attention of the troublesome girl beside me. Oh yeah, there is actually a writing there. At the upper part of the page, the words are written above the heads of two men that are currently in a battle in which I dare not say what kind.

'True Love'...

My ass.

And that's it. Like that is the only writing that inhabits the book cover. No name of the author, in which I could say must be drunk when writing this nor the publisher, in which I could say must be drunk when publishing this. Unless...

I looked at the person beside me questioningly.

"Hehehe. No. I didn't write that." Question answered. Don't know why I thought that though. It is a thick book. No way she had a chance of writing a book this thick. What do they even write to make such a long story? If there are more pictures in this, I swear...

As if waiting for my cue, she shrugged my shoulder with hers to make sure I was not dazed or something. But, really? Is it worth taking this risk? Can I even get out living a peaceful life after reading this so-called masterpiece . One shudders to imagine the contents that lie behind the book cover...

...Nope, not risking my life for this.

"This is impossible, Ebina. I can't see how I could live to see another day after reading this."

"You're exaggerating, Hikitani-kun." She pouted. "Nothing is impossible. This is definitely nothing to you."

"Yes, and that is precisely why I said this is impossible."

"What are you sa- Oohh. Good one." I smirked.

"But you have to give it a chance though. A bookworm like you must've heard of the saying 'Don't judge the book by its cover' right?"

"That saying can't be utilized for this book. I could definitely judge this book by the cover alright."

"Hikitani-kuuun." She looks up at me pleadingly hoping I would give the book a chance.

I sighed in exasperation. I'm really going nowhere if I don't follow what she wants. If someone wants something from you, just give it to 'em if you wanted things to be done fast. Source : me, after what happened yesterday. And right now, I really want it to be done fast.

I turned the book cover, giving me access for reading the first page.

"Don't blame me if I started puking or doing something related to it." Giving her a warning might get me out of this.

"Don't worry, Hikitani-kun. I wouldn't mind." Shoot. Didn't work. And the way you phrase that sounded like you really wouldn't mind.

I let down a gulp to my throat and glance at the first word on the book.

Well, here goes nothing.

The saying 'Don't judge the book by its cover' is a fairly interesting epigram. It tries to spread the correct method of making an impression about someone or something. Nevertheless, I have come to disagree with this method before and might also be a t the present tine. It have always been easy for me to judge someone' s personality and what lies behind their petty masks. It have always been that way, and my judgments are often true.

But sometimes, it have been not.

I judged someone as being a kind, cheerful person. Someone who have always put other's happiness first rather than hers. Someone who is so selfless to let others be happy. But how unknown I was to her selfishness of prioritizing her happiness without other's consent.

I judged someone as being a strong, responsible person. Someone who could solve problems and troubles with her own hands. Someone who doesn't need others lending theirs to solve those problems. But how unknown I was to her weak self that needs other's assistance to help her stand strong.

Then, I decided to take this quote into consideration. Never will I make another false impression toward someone or something by judging with a first impression. Never will I again.

...

But here I am, currently 20 pages in the yaoi-themed book without puking or falling unconscious.

Despite the theme of the book, the language and storyline is amazing. Which the storyline I wouldn't internally say because the readers might not fi d it that amazing. And the language which I also wouldn't internally say because the author is afraid that his writing is not on par with 'amazing'.

But really, I have to give it to Ebina. She could find some really great books to share. I guess the book is not that bad.

As the gruesome battle finally reaches to an end with their army being crowned as the victors, the two leaders who were before enemies have themselves rested at a cabin nearby.

…I freakin' jinxed it didn't I?

It didn't take too long for both of the men to engage themselves in another battle equipped with their tongues of war. Never have a battle been so brutal as one of them brings the other down, while taking the opportunity to slide his lustful hand to the man's di-

I didn't know what came over me, but a sudden burst of air decided to come out of my body as I started coughing loudly. And while that is happening, the girl beside also let out her own burst of air as she laugh her butt of, seeing the sudden reaction.

That is as far as I could go, I guess. I closed the book and slid it to Ebina's direction.

"That was… as stated in the book.. gruesome." I'm surprised at the fact I didn't puke right now.

"Gruesome? I'd say it was hilarious! You should've seen you face!" I'm glad I didn't. I think it was too funny for her, because she started to take off her glasses to rub her eyes that is currently wet with tears of laughter.

"You should be proud, Hikitani-kun. You just bested my dad's high score." Why would I?

"You shared this to your dad?" My face still buried on the table.

"Yup. His score was 15 pages. And his reaction was far crazier than yours too. He had to take a day off." A kind soul have been lost today.

"I'm surprised he can tolerate your… fujoshiness."

"Hm? That's mean, Hikitani-kuuun. And I'm not some yaoi extremist, so I still could control myself. And well, he's family." She said as I can barely hear her putting her spectacles on the table.

True to that. Families are the people that we can be honest to and show our real personality. That's what makes them family.

I replied to her with a slight nod to show my agreement.

The wind emphasizes its presence as it makes its way into the library through the open windows. With the position I'm currently in right now, I might as well doze off for awhile hoping that it somehow erase my memories of that 'gruesome' scene in the book.

"And you know..." I was about to doze off just now. Thanks for the save, Ebina.

"Since you could also tolerate my 'fujoshiness'…" This stop n phrase way of talking made me feel slightly annoyed, that I thought of raising my head thinking it would let her portray her words easier. In the end, I didn't because I was too lazy.

"…I thought, maybe I could consider you as family too?"

…

What in the world is this woman saying?! Like, does she have any idea what she just spout out of her mouth?! Any other guy would've thought that was a confe-

Okay cool down, Hachiman, cool down. Let's think about this through analyses and experiences. Seriously, you have been exaggerating too much lately anything that a girl said to you would be seen as something special.

Who's... speaking?

It's… your conscience. We don't talk a lot these days.

Oh. Okay. Thanks anyway.

But Yor Conshes is right. I need to cool down and think this through. God, I'm glad that I've buried my face on the table cause she would've seen my flustered face if I didn't.

First of all, she have gotten a lot of people that have come to tolerate her love towards yaoi. Heck, she even has a friend that have a packet of tissue constantly in her pocket in case she gets a sudden nosebleed. So, she has a lot of people that she calls family, especially her clique.

And if this makes her feel better, who am I to decline?

As I raised my head to meet her gaze..

"Sure. I can't say why n-"

The rays of light makes its way into the library through the windows, descending towards the organism that I currently meeting its gaze.

….I am beyond bewildered. As I currently trying to process what is currently in my vision, I concluded that… Ebina wasn't there.

Instead, I met eyes that could melt the heats of a hundred men that were to gaze upon her.

…Who is this? Did I die unconsciously after reading that book and came to meet an angel? But as I inspect the location, yes I am still at the library. Soon after, I see the person in front me – I don't even know I could call it a person – jerks her head to the side to portray her confusion.

"What's wrong, Hikitani-kun?"

I had myself drowned in her soft, grey eyes as I barely hear the words that were spoken. Wait... did she just say 'Hikitani-kun?...

...Is this girl?

"Ebina?"

"Yes?"

Oh my god! It was her! The girl that had me flustered a few seconds ago was her. Is this how she looks like when she take those glasses off. If there were guys that had interest on her when she had those glasses on, I bet the whole school would be filled with guys wanting her if she took those off. Her beauty is even of the same level with the Yukinoshita sisters!

As I realized I was staring for too long, I reflexively changed my view toward the table in front of me.

"No, it was nothing." I managed to spoke out.

"Okay." She seems to not care too much about it, which brought relief to my heart.

I looked up the clock and realized..

"There's only 5 minutes till homeroom starts. Should we get going?" I didn't even realized we've took so much time.

"Oh. R-Right. Don't want to be lectured by Hiratsuka-sensei, right?" She phrased as she took her glasses on the table back to its place. Good. That would prevent me from being flustered when I look at your face.

"Yes. That would be best."

Soon enough, we walked in the library making our way to the exit. On our walk, I suddenly yawned unconsciously.

"Are you tired, Hikitani-kun? I noticed there are bags under your eyes, although not too visible." She asked sounding like she was concerned for my well-being.

"Yeah, kinda sleep late last night." I remembered my long conversation with Yuigahama yesterday.

"Ooh. What were you doing? If I recall we don't have homework to do. Or did I forgot?!"

"No, no you didn't." She lets out a sigh of relief. "Well hypothetically, it was you fault, or your clique's fault."

"Heh, why?!"

"Yuigahama didn't have anyone to talk to last night, so I was dragged to have a conversation with her. You guys must've slept early."

After I spoke my reasons of blaming her, she lets out a soft giggle.

"Hehehe. Yui is really cute sometimes." I didn't know you swing that way, Ebina.

"What do you mean?" I asked to confirm my suspicions.

"Well, you knoww.. We were all having a convo last night, me, Yumiko and her. Not long after she said she wanted to go to sleep because she felt tired yesterday." She lets out another giggle. "I guess she didn't went to sleep, huh?"

"...Well, I guess... she suddenly went active again. We never know how a Yuigahama works."

"...Maybe. And that is mean, Hikitani-kun."

As we finished our conversation, we arrived at the both entrance and exit of the library.

"I'll be heading this way." I said as I pointed to the corridor which is the alternate way to reach our classroom. It have always been this way. To prevent gossips around students and talking dirty behind her back, we would go to the classroom in separate ways cuz you never know how rumors spread in this school. I honestly prefer it this way and and truthfully, I think she does too.

"O-Okay, Hikitani-kun..." I guess I startled her, huh? Sorry about that.

And that, is the end of our daily library visit. As I made my way through the corridor...

"H-Hikitani-kun!..." I turned my face back to see what she has to say.

"Thank you for today.." She said as a pink hue went slightly visible on her cheeks.

Hilarious, Ebina. What is there to thank from someone like me?

"Likewise."

"You know, Hikitani-kun..."

The wind brings her shoulder-length hair to flutter around her head, making her look like some badass female anime character.

"...I really wouldn't mind."

It doesn't have to take a smart person to understand what she meant. I don't need to find the truth in her words but we all know by doing that, it wouldn't bring any good to any of us. I don't give a damn about what people say behind my back but what about her? I don't want to take that risk.

"It's fine. I wanted to go to the toilet anyway."

"Okay, Hikitani-kun."

After the long silence, I spoke up...

"Well then. See ya.." I said as I bring up my right hand for an attempt of a wave.

Not long after, she brought up hers..

"See you, Hikigaya-kun."

Have I mentioned that homeroom is boring? No. Okay, for your information..

Homeroom is boring.

Listening to organisms that spout facts that can actually be found in the damn book brings annoyance to my heart and soul. I mean, if it's already in the book, then why do you need to waste your energy reading it aloud to students like me, who can't even bother to hear it. Just let the kids read their book for damn sake and if there are stuff they couldn't understand in the book, let them address their questions to you and then explain it to them.

Stop complaining. If you want to read it, then read.

Okay, Yor Conshes here's the thing. I would if I could! How the hell can I read when there is constant sound waves banging my eardrums?!

The teacher's voice ambiently inhabits the classroom as I couldn't even bother listening to what he says.

I have my chin rested on my palm as my elbow plants itself on the table. I guess I'm just gonna have to read the syllabus at home.

I might doze off like this...

*Ring**Ring*

"Okay, you can close your books and have your recess. Also, don't fprget the homework I gave you." His words accompanied by the grunts from the students in his command.

...I just doze off, didn't I?

I let out a sigh and have myself stretched to freshen myself up.

Can't let her win the match this time.

What was the score again? ...It was 20-18 right? Wow, I really need to work on closing the gap.

I thought as I made my way out of the classroom. I took a glance back at the class, she's not there, huh? I guess she had somewhere else to go first or she decided to have lunch with her clique and cancel our match today. Not that I mind though, because I could have my MAX coffee early if she was to cancel it.

I knew the latter was wrong when I see her near the court pulling her sleeve to her elbow. Guess she's getting serious. Not that she didn't get serious before.

I let her acknowledge my presence as I walk toward her direction. Soon after, she sees me with both her hands on her waist.

"You're late." She said with a stern gaze. Sorry for wasting your time.

"You're early." Shouldn't have said that. I just added oil to the fire, dammit.

"Don't play with my words..." She warned as she changed her vision toward the tennis court.

"...Hikio." I will keep that in mind.

Conversation with Ebina

08:10 AM

Ebina : Thanks again for reading the book, Hikitani-kun!

Me : Sure. It was a great book. Despite it being about gay men.

Ebina : Oohh~ It seems you took interest towards the book. Do you want me to bring you a book in conjunction to that now?

Me : You're going to share me books now?

Ebina : I can't see why not.

Me : Sure. But no yaoi books are allowed. I've had enough yaoi on my head right now.

Ebina : le gasp! Does that mean you've thought about yaoi in your head too?!

Me : No! I meant the book you gave me!

Me : ...Ebina?

Me : Please tell me you didn't have a massive nosebleed.

Ebina : I fidn'y habe a madsive nodebkerd

Me : Having a hard time typing with the blood all over you screen?

Ebina : Ted.

I don't know how to show how sorry I am for the late update. Buuuutt here it is and I apologize for making the mid-term exam to be an excuse for the late update. As you can see, I added something which is a convo at the end of the chapter. If anyone's interested I also did one for Orimoto at Chapter 2, if you're interested that is which I hope you are.. Anyways please leave a review because it makes me so happy to see someone actually made the time to read and give the fic a review. I'm sorry I didn't reply to almost every review in this fic but it doesn't change how much it makes me feel happy. I read it every night as an encouragement to continue this fic. Yes, even the brutal reviews are welcomed!

Nonetheless, thank you for reading and sure we will meet again.

...nd prei four ma graids..