Library awkwardness

12:00 P.M.

The library is getting emptier as lunchtime approaches, leaving enough space so I can study in peace. Since I failed to pay attention at all to the previous class, I knew I had to at least read the beginning of the book to get back on track. I walk to the English writing section of the library, looking for the two books assigned to the class. I find them in the top shelf, and I can barely reach it. As I pull them out, my hands slip, and I can see them coming towards my face so I try to brace for impact as fast as I can. But nothing happens. I slowly open my eyes and I see the books in front of me, being held. I quickly turn. God, give me a break. It's Marcus. I try to back down and almost trip on myself, holding against the bookshelf.

-H-hi -I try to say, stuttering a bit. -Thanks. -I try to reach for the books, but he puts them up out of my reach.

-You didn't hit me as the studious one. -He says, staring at me.

-And you didn't hit me as a rude guy, but here we are. -I stare back.

To my surprise, he smiles.

-Well you didn't even open your notebook or laptop during the whole class, still, I'm sorry for assuming bad things about you. -Somehow it doesn't seem like he's referring to the class only. He then pauses for a second. – I read your note.

I can feel my face getting warm out of embarrassment. I turn my face away from him.

-I'm sorry. -I mutter.

-You can stop saying sorry now. -He puts his arms down, with the books close to his chest. -Just pretend you never ended up in my room and…

-Stop! Don't. -I say fast putting my hand over his mouth. Unexpectedly soft. -And give me back the books!

He muffles something I don't understand.

-Huh? – He then takes my hand out with his free one.

-As I was trying to say, I need them for a bit too. Mind sharing? -I just stare blankly at him. Oh god please no. -We shared the couch you know…

He says it in a weird intimate voice, giving me the chills. I take long deeps breaths before answering.

-You! You… you… -I sigh. I have no energy left to even argue with this guy.

He gives me a side look and points to the table close to the window. Then points at me and starts walking. Since he still has the books, I follow him. We sit in opposite sides, and he brings out his notebook and post its and opens the first book, immediately writing things down. His speed is out of this world. I open the second book and pull my laptop out, open word and go over the first few pages. It goes over resumes and cover letter writings, and I write the key points down making notes as I go. After the first five chapters, I stretch out for a break. He then grabs the books and swap them.

-Done with the first part? -I ask.

-I Already have all the notes I need for the class. -He answers, and then goes back to writing.

I'm so surprised I don't even say anything. Did he just say he had notes for the whole semester? Jesus. I open the second book and start the process all over again, not going as far and deciding to call it a day. As I'm stretching out and putting my things back on my bag, he closes his notebook, puts his pencil back on his pencil-case and proceeds to lay down on his arms.

-I didn't know you moved rooms. -I say. -I've got to say, this one is… bigger.

He chuckles.

-It's a power nap, I have a class in 20 minutes, but I am indeed considering that option. -He says, putting his hoodie up once more. -Don't worry about the books, I'll put them back.

I get up from the table slowly, and after thirty seconds I can see that he's down for good. The soft breathing is almost undetectable, if not for the motion of his back slowly. As much as I dislike being around him because of his sassy personality and all the awkward situations that happened, he doesn't seem too bad when he's quiet like that. The bruise from the other day is barely visible right now, being covered by the side of the hoodie. As I'm about to step away, I hear his stomach growls. When I think about it, I haven't seen him eat all day. I was snacking as I wrote things down, but he wasn't. I still have a granola bar on me, so I take it out and place It next to his arm, and then take a post it note and write: "For the help earlier with the books." I then leave the library, heading back to my dorm. Strange dude, I think to myself.

4:00 P.M.