The way that binds us.

Canary belonged to a poor family but she was very good at socializing with her fascinating personality. She would charm anyone before her through her beauty and words. Have I mentioned Canary's Beauty? Well…Her beauty was beyond description because not only was she beautiful outside but also inside her heart. She held a very compassionate heart and helped whoever was in need without any ulterior motive. That part of her attracted most people around her. She made her ends meet through a part-time job in a public library. Canary loved books more than anything. She always preferred the good old ways. She would love to read books rather than use social media. She chose the job at the library because of this hobby of hers. Of course, everyone has a flaw and no one is perfect and so did Canary. She had a sensitive personality due to which she would misunderstand some people but she often chose to keep silent rather than clear it up. That was her biggest flaw.

During her part-time job at the library, while she was busy in her world of books, unaware of her surroundings, she never knew something unexpected that 'fate' would play can turn her world upside down. Would it make her life heaven or would it make it a living hell?

Canary stood up from her seat in the library when she finished reading a book and while she put it there, she saw a boy her age before her through the space between the books. He looked well-mannered and it seemed that he was from a wealthy family. He was absorbed in books just like Canary but it looked like he was there to research his homework. His absorption in books is what caught Canary's attention. Because the posture was so enchanting to be made into a portrait. She didn't know she was in front of her destiny. Yes, it was the boy under the cherry blossoms and also the one who took the seat before her in her classroom but Canary was unaware of that fact. The strings of fate had bound them at this moment and started their journey full of twists and turns.

Canary started the conversation as the boy looked a little troubled in finding the right books for his research.

"May I help you, sir? I am working as the assistant to the librarian here?"

"Oh, yes, please! I want some books about these."

He showed her the list of categories for his research material.

"Oh, these! You can move to the section over there."

"Sure, thank you."

While Canary was about to leave there, he summoned her to make her stay a bit more. The pale-yellow afternoon sunlight as the sun was about to set penetrated through the glass windows from all four sides and fell upon them and filled the enormous library.

"Wait, please! May I know your name?"

"Name?... It's Canary."

"I am Hyacinth. Would you mind lending me a hand next time?"

Canary gently smiled.

"Sure."

And then she went away. The moment she was gone, the corners of Hyacinth's lips tilted upwards with a slight blush on his cheeks and he began exploring the book in his hands.

Canary, on the other hand, had to shop for some stationery, and as her mother's birthday was coming up so she took a half day off from her part-time job.

Canary bought a different present for her mother each year so she wanted to give her a dress this time. She went to a boutique to buy a dress for her mother. Canary's mother was a herbalist. Her mother was always busy with the herbs and plants that she would always soil her clothes.

A beautiful dress caught Canary's eye in the boutique and a thought struck her mind. She had recalled a memory. It was of the time when she was shopping for her high school uniform with her mother.

"Mother, look here. I found the right size."

"Yeah, it looks your size. Go check in the changing room."

"Okay!"

Canary went to the changing room and closed the door. Some minutes later, when she came out,  she saw her mother's eyes fixed on a beautiful dress.

"Mother, look! It is just the… right…size…" 

She noticed that her mother liked the dress but when she secretly saw the price tag and then the money in her purse, she put on an expression on her face that showed 'it's not that pretty. Because her mother only had money to buy Canary's uniform, tears rolled up in Canary's eyes but were swallowed by her. 

Yes. The dress that Canary saw was the same. She decided to buy that. Luckily, the money she saved up was enough for that…but that meant she would not be able to buy a cake and make other preparations for her birthday. Anyhow, she bought that. She believed she could always do another part-time job. She was delighted to imagine how glad her mother would be to see that dress.

Her mother's birthday was two weeks later. She called Daisy to ask for a vacancy where she works.

"Hello! Daisy…Is there a vacancy at the cafe you work at?"

"No. Why do you ask?"

"Actually…I need another part-time job. It's okay if it is just temporary but I'm in urgent need of one."

"Don't worry, I'll talk to my manager. You can count on me."

"Hahaha! Thanks, buddy."

"No problem at all."

Saying this Daisy ended the call.

The next day, early in the morning, when Canary was on her way to school, someone patted her shoulder. She turned her head slightly back and her eyes saw a familiar face.

"Hyacinth? How come you're here?"

"I…um…well…uh! I am staying at my cousin's house these days because he is tutoring me for pre-mid exams. Ye…yeah! That's why I am here. His house is nearby so um…."

"Oh, what a coincidence! I live nearby as well. My home lies just some streets behind."

"Oh, that's great! Then would you mind going to school together?"

"Sure. We can go together."

Hyacinth was elated to hear that and mumbled.

"Mission accomplished."

The truth is…Hyacinth had no cousins around that area. What did he lie about? And why was he so eager to approach Canary? Well…we can say he was drawn to her personality but was it that simple? Was he fascinated by her in the same way as everyone or had some ulterior motive to approach her? Don't worry though. We'll know when the time comes.