Chapter 23: The Library Date

Mahiru and I had always enjoyed studying together, but today felt different. She had invited me to the city library, and I could tell she had been looking forward to it.

She guided me to a quiet corner, where she had prepared a small stack of books. "I picked some for you," she said with a proud smile.

I grinned. "Are you trying to turn me into a bookworm?"

She giggled. "Maybe."

As we sat side by side, reading, I found myself watching her more than the pages in front of me. The way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the slight furrow of her brow when she concentrated—everything about her was mesmerizing.

"Amane, you're staring."

I smirked. "Can you blame me?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

But the blush dusting her cheeks told me she didn't mind one bit.