Chapter 6: The Library Heist

Tuesday – School Library

If you had told me a week ago that I'd be voluntarily stepping into the library, I would have laughed in your face. But here I was—banned from all forms of technology, forced into book-hunting like some lost caveman rediscovering fire.

The library smelled like old paper and stress. A few students were actually studying (nerds), while others were pretending to read so they could take a nap.

Azri followed behind me, whispering like we were committing an actual crime. "Alright, bro. We gotta find something good. Something interesting."

Rina, who had tagged along for some reason, leaned against a bookshelf. "Just get a comic."

I frowned. "I don't think my mom will approve if I come home with a stack of Doraemon."

"Then get a novel," she said, shrugging. "Something with action. Or horror."

Azri nodded. "Yeah, horror's a good choice. If you get scared, at least that's some entertainment."

I rolled my eyes and wandered toward the fiction section. Most of the books looked… long. And serious. And like something our English teacher would force us to analyze.

Then I spotted one.

The Maze Runner.

I picked it up, flipping through the pages. It seemed fast-paced. There were people running. There was danger. And best of all—it was thick enough to last me a few days.

"This one," I said.

Azri peeked at the cover. "Nice. Dystopian. Your mom will think you're learning about survival skills or something."

Rina grinned. "Perfect for someone who failed at escaping detention."

I glared at her. "You left me."

She patted my shoulder. "And look at you now. Character development."

I sighed and took the book to the counter to borrow it. The librarian, a strict-looking lady with glasses, barely glanced up as she stamped it. "Return in two weeks."

I nodded, took the book, and walked out.

Azri clapped his hands. "Mission accomplished. Now, all you have to do is—"

BZZT.

We all froze.

The library security scanner had beeped.

I turned slowly. The librarian was looking straight at me.

"What… is in your bag?" she asked.

I blinked. "Uh… just my stuff?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Open it."

I swallowed hard and unzipped my bag. My books. My pencil case. My—

Oh no.

Right there, at the bottom of my bag, was a school textbook. The one I had forgotten to return.

Rina whispered, "Ooooh, you're so dead."

Azri sighed. "Bro. You really just accidentally stole a book?"

The librarian crossed her arms. "You know overdue books have a fine, right?"

I forced a smile. "Uh… how much?"

She checked her computer. "Three ringgit. (RM3,00)"

I let out a breath of relief. That wasn't too bad. I pulled out some coins from my pocket and handed them over.

The librarian took the money, gave me a very unimpressed look, and waved me off.

As soon as we stepped outside, Rina burst out laughing. "Mana. You are literally the worst criminal I've ever seen."

Azri shook his head. "At least you didn't end up in detention again."

Small victories, I guess.

Now, I just had to survive a week with The Maze Runner as my only source of entertainment.

—Mana, Jan 2017