Hamlyn and Sheryl locked eyes, both caught off guard.
"Hey Hamond!" Rurina broke the silence. "This is my friend Sheryl. Sheryl, meet Hamond," she said cheerfully.
"Hey Sheryl, it's great to meet you!" exclaimed Hamond enthusiastically. "This is my friend Hamlyn," he introduced, gesturing towards Hamlyn.
Even after being introduced, Hamlyn and Sheryl remained captivated by each other, their gazes fixed on each other.
"Sheryl," Rurina gave her a knowing look, "Why don't you go find your book?"
"Could you also help Hamlyn find a book?" Hamond quickly asked. "He's looking for one too, and your assistance would be really helpful.”
Hamlyn, caught off guard by the unexpected request, glanced at Hamond, momentarily stunned.
"Absolutely” Rurina chimed in with an excited smile “Sheryl will help. Right, Sheryl?"
Feeling a bit shy, Sheryl met Hamlyn's gaze. "Sure, please follow me," Se said before began to walk, prompting Hamond to encourage Hamlyn to join her.
Following behind Sheryl, Hamlyn felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling inside him.
Hamlyn and Sheryl walks forward, Sheryl led the way with Hamlyn walking behind her.
Mid-walk, Sheryl halted and shifted her gaze to her left towards a bookshelf. With a swift motion, she plucked a book from its place and began to flip through its pages.
"What is she doing?" thought Hamlyn to himself, as he kept on gazing at her. "Yet, there's an undeniable charm in her focus, and she looks even prettier up close.”
Sheryl looked up at Hamlyn, "What genre of books do you looking for?" She inquired softly.
After a brief hesitation, Hamlyn answered.
"Umm, Science fiction."
Sheryl nodded thoughtfully, returning her gaze to her book. "Interesting," she murmured.
"And what about you?" Hamlyn ventured further, “What kind of genre do you like?”
"I like spiritual and love stories," Sheryl responded swiftly, without missing a beat.
"Ah, wonderful!" Hamlyn exclaimed with a smile.
Hamlyn's eyes remained fixed on her, brimming with affection and admiration.
As Hamlyn noticed the bracelet on Sheryl's wrist, a smile appeared on his face, "Your bracelet looks beautiful, you always wear it.” he remarked,
Sheryl's expression subtly shifted, a touch of unease flickering across her face.
Quick to notice her discomfort, Hamlyn interjected gracefully, "Oh, I apologize. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
Sheryl smiled warmly and gently clutched her wrist along with her bracelet, her gaze downcast, "There's no need for apologies. This bracelet holds a deep sentimental meaning, it's a gift from my father.” she explained.
Hamlyn kept his gaze fixed on Sheryl with affection evident in his eyes.
Sheryl then reached for another book on the shelf and handed it to him, looking up at him she said "This is science fiction. You might find it interesting."
Hamlyn's smile grew earnest. "No, now, I'm curious to know more about love."
Sheryl's expression suddenly shifted to disbelief as she stared at Hamlyn, her eyes widening in astonishment.
"I mean, I'm interested in reading a love story now," Hamlyn clarified with a smile. Despite his explanation, Sheryl maintained her incredulous gaze, her disbelief evident.
"Would you mind if I read the book you've chosen for yourself? I have a feeling it's a love story, isn't it?" Hamlyn remarked.
Blushing slightly, Sheryl nodded, "Yes, it's actually my favourite. I hope you enjoy it. Here you go." She handed him the book, and Hamlyn accepted it graciously, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.
"Thank you," he said warmly, flipping through the pages as Sheryl watched him, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Closing the book Hamlyn glances at her. "Thank you. If it holds such significance for you, I'm sure it's truly special," he remarked.
Sheryl's cheeks tinted with a rosy hue as she nodded in acknowledgment.
"Shall we depart now?" Sheryl inquired, to which Hamlyn replied with a nod of agreement, with a courteous gesture, he stepped aside and motioned for her to lead the way, stating, "After you."
As Sheryl began to walk, a radiant smile graced her lips, mirrored by Hamlyn's own warm expression as he followed closely behind.
As Hamlyn and Sheryl came together, they saw Hamond and Rurina eating lunch together.
Upon seeing Hamlyn and Sheryl, Hamond quickly offered, "Hey, come join us."
"Thank you, but I'm actually leaving now." Hamlyn politely declined.
"I'm heading out too. Enjoy your meal," Sheryl added.
Glancing at Sheryl Hamlyn gently suggested, "You should go ahead, If we're seen together, it might lead to misunderstandings."
Sheryl smiled and nodded, then gracefully left the library.
"Are you two friends now?" Hamond asked, his curiosity immediately piqued.
"It was just our first time meeting. I can't say for sure," Hamlyn replied.
Rurina rose from her seat and stood facing Hamlyn, "Hamlyn, we've met before, but we've never really become friends. Let's change that today," she proposed, extending her hand for a handshake.
Hamlyn returned the smile, accepting her handshake, "I look forward to it," he said, and they exchanged smiles.
"Awww, I'm feeling a bit jealous here," Hamond quipped playfully.
Hamlyn smiles, replying "You two have fun, I'll take my leave.”
Hamond and Rurina nodded in understanding as Hamlyn made his way out of the library.
Lost in thought, Hamlyn was walking ahead, a smile remained fixed on his face as kept on looking at a book. Suddenly, Hamlyn accidentally bumped into a boy, causing his book to tumble to the ground.
As Hamlyn looked up to that boy a shock rippled through him because he was the same individual who punched him before, and now he was staring at Hamlyn with unsettling intensity.
Controlling his rising anger, Hamlyn bent down to retrieve his fallen book, only for that boy to cruelly step on it.
Fury surged within Hamlyn, especially knowing it was Sheryl's favourite book.
With a quick glance up, Hamlyn locked eyes with that boy, his gaze burning with silent rage.
The tension between them was clear as they stared each other down, neither willing to back down.