A stalker in two worlds

Going to the library was like me immersing myself in a world of endless beauty and creativity. It was a space where I could simply get lost in without a care in the world. It...gave me this strange comfort and feeling of peace I couldn't quite explain.

This was something I felt that many people around me failed to understand.

"The smell of home," I exhaled as I stepped into the library.

Now that I had nothing to read, the library was my go-to as always.

I wanted something deeply rooted in fantasy and action this time around. Although there were a lot of great choices, there was actually one that greatly piqued my interest.

"The shadows that pass away," I read.

"Seems pretty nice," I added after reading the book synopsis.

"You have good taste after all," A voice startled me from behind.

I immediately turned around to see "my Geography class seatmate."

Ugh what in the world was he doing here?

"If there's anything I really think you're good at, it's being a stalker in two worlds," I scoffed.

"Really? Enlighten me on that concept of being ' a stalker in two worlds ' ma'am," He smirked and moved to my side, in search of a book to read after returning the one in his hand.

I simply ignored him and continued going through the book in my hand.

"I still fail to understand why everyone is a stalker and you aren't. Anyone can come to a library, no?" He titled his head a little to the side and his eyes fell on me - somehow, that made me realize a little too much of how short I was.

"You and I know that you being literally everywhere isn't just normal," I wasn't ready to back down on this "meaningless" debate I had raised.

He clicked his tongue and returned his gaze to the shelf.

"Tell me more," His voice came in what sounded like a whisper.

I simply responded with a scoff and a roll of my eyes. He, however, didn't respond to my reaction and proceeded to climb up one of the many ladders that stretched into the great heights of the shelves.

  "So... w-what are you reading? I mean, what do you want to read?" I found myself asking, a little nervous that I had probably given myself away as wanting and eager to start a conversation with him.

"You don't avoid me anymore? That's crazy," I could hear the mockery in his tone even though I couldn't get a proper view of his face that was still busy in the shelves.

"It's...I just..."

The trail in my voice was enough for him to put an abrupt end to his jest.

"I'm searching for something on sci-fi. Haven't really read one of those in a long time," Miles said.

"Ah I see," It was beginning to get awkward and my mind was as slow as usual.

"I found something," He announced and hurriedly got back down with a book.

"Coded," I managed to take a peek at the title.

"Let's hope it's just as cool as it seems," He shrugged.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Mhm."

"I-I'm sorry. I don't really know what to say," I looked away for a moment. "It's been really weird between the two of us. I know we don't really know each other yet, there's this strange drama that goes on between us."

"The drama you always start," He poked my forehead with his finger.

First of all, ouch!

"I always start it?" My lips twisted and my eyes went up and down his body in rapid movement.

"Correct," He snapped his fingers. "I'm glad you're beginning to accept yourself for who you really are."

"Seriously?" I hmphed.

"So well, wanna be friends?" He was now standing in front of me, face to face, and with his right hand held out.

My heart skipped a beat for some reason and my mind was once again thrown into another contrasting battle. However, this was the shortest battle that had ever taken place within me as regards Miles.

"Maybe," I took his hand, half expecting what happened the last time to repeat itself. Although, strangely it didn't happen.

Had I been the one hallucinating all these while? Was there something wrong with me or was there really something questionable?

"Maybe is the craziest thing I have ever heard," He chuckled lightly.

"Let's keep it at that for now," I flashed a smile.

I guess I had become ready to set my fears and doubts about him aside but the dream still bothered me and I was eager to find out what it actually meant.

*.*.*.

~ MILES' POV ~

She had suddenly warmed up to me a little bit and I liked it. Even though a part of me was still scared that she did.

I was about to leave the library when she held me back with her next line of words.

"Do you maybe wanna grab something while we talk about books? I mean... it's actually great to see someone who loves reading just as much as I do," She said to me. Despite how hard she tried to hide it, I could tell that she was nervous.

"Is that a book date?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Um it's n-not. Why would I go on a date with y-you?" She was quick to get defensive.

"Whatever you say, Miss Matilda," I shrugged.

"Would you like to do so now that we have nothing doing?" She pushed on.

"Sure," I agreed.

We headed for the cafeteria, talking about books along the way.

"What would you like? I'll pay for it," She proposed.

"I'll handle the bills, Miss Matilda. You don't worry yourself," I gave a gentlemanly bow.

She agreed after little persuasion and soon, our table was set with two plates of croissants and two glasses of fruit juice, with two plates of puff-puff at the side.

"So what genre do you enjoy reading mostly?" She began, resting her face in between both palms.

"Fantasy," I answered, taking a bite out of my meal. "What about you?"

"Same!" She broke into a smile that told much of her excitement.

To be honest, we did have a good time talking to each other. Tilda was a timid girl but when she was given the chance to be comfortable, she took hold of it like it was no man's business.

However, our fun moment was shortlived when two girls stopped by.