the final year

haruki and sakhura they get in high school last year and they give responsibility of library they close each other’s books for them when they can their library has so many shelves it feels like a small room

they have this routine of closing each other's books but sakhura is the only one who has to lock up the library so she always closes her eyes on her way out

she takes her time going downstairs because sometimes there is no one at the library

and when sakhura does come down she will find haruki waiting at the bottom

sakhura knows that haruki isn't really waiting for her, he just likes watching her go down the stairs

because haruki is not very talkative.

sometimes haruki and sakhura sit together

and they are quiet until haruki asks sakhura if she wants to watch a movie

sakhura tells haruki yes

it doesn't take long before they are sitting in a chair, the light from the TV reflects off sakhura's glasses so the rest of her face is shrouded by darkness

and the movie is a comedy about this rich guy who hires prostitutes because he can't handle the reality of being single

and when the movie is over sakhura tells haruki she wants him to drive her home

he says yeah

as sakhura gets up she notices that haruki isn't moving either and she realizes that maybe they forgot something

but she doesn't ask haruki and instead she goes to leave the house

but then haruki stands up and walks with her to the door

sakhura opens the door to leave haruki but then she turns around and looks at haruki

she says thanks

Haruki looks back at sakhura

and sakhura gives haruki an awkward smile and then walks away

she doesn't know why he makes her feel weird, or why his touch lingers, or why he never talks when they meet.

She didn't notice at first. But now she knows.Chapter 2

seungcheol is having an intense study session at the café he works at.

It's been years since they opened up a cafe near the university. Seungcheol had originally thought that it would be a perfect idea to open a coffee shop in the middle of town. However, when he saw how hard it was going to be, Seungcheol quickly decided to open a small cafe, which he hopes will bring in new customers. And it seems that is exactly what happened as his cafe is now packed with regulars who enjoy drinking coffee after their morning classes.

He sits at one of the tables near the window, looking outside and taking notes for his upcoming exams.

"Oh! Good Morning, Seungcheol!"says a voice behind him. Seungcheol turns around to see Joshua standing next to him. He is holding a cup of coffee in both of his hands and a piece of toast tucked into his mouth.

Seungcheol smiles. "Morning, Josh."

Josh comes closer and puts his stuff next to Seungcheol's desk. "What brings you here early?"

"I'm just cramming," answers Seungcheol.

Joshua laughs. "Yeah, I know. I've seen you do it every day. What brings you here today? The weather's nice, right?"

Seungcheol nods. It's a beautiful sunny day. He hadn't even realized that his heart was beating fast because of how fast Joshua's voice made him feel when he said he knew Seungcheol too well. He clears his throat and grabs his phone from the table. He checks the messages he received yesterday. One is from Jeonghan telling him he will be late for class if he doesn't go soon and another from Mingyu asking him if he's coming to practice later today. He decides that he should probably finish cramming before he heads to practice.

Seungcheol turns around. His eyes meet Joshua's. They lock eyes for a second before Seungcheol looks awayand blushes slightly. Seungcheol doesn't realize that Joshua is still staring at him until Joshua breaks the eye contact. Seungcheol hears a soft chuckle from Joshua.

Seungcheol doesn't reply but he turns back around. He tries to focus on his notes again. He sees Joshua putting his things in the storage cabinet behind the counter. Seungcheol hears Joshua walk behind him. Joshua places a hand on Seungcheol's shoulder. Seungcheol shivers slightly and he doesn't turn around to look at Joshua.

"Are you okay?" asks Joshua softly. His tone is full of concern. Seungcheol feels his cheeks getting warmer.

"Y-yeah. Just... tired," mutters Seungcheol.

"You don't need to worry about me," says Joshua as he removes his hand from Seungcheol. "I'll let you finish your studying in peace."

Joshua leaves the kitchen but when he enters the room again he stops.

"I guess you don't like sharing rooms," says Joshua. "And it must be tough working alone in here, huh?"

Seungcheol shrugs lightly. "Not really. There's enough people inside."

"So you don't mind sharing?" asks Joshua again. He doesn't sound angry, more curious. s strange. Seungcheol hasn't spoken much since he started working here. This place is quiet, secluded, peaceful. Not the best environment for making friends but Seungcheol doesn't want to lose the friendship he already has with Joshua. Or maybe that's the reason why he never speaks. It's easier to speak than make conversation, to keep it short, simple, and to keep the interaction brief. It's easier to keep silent than to speak. That's just how it is with Seungcheol.

Seungcheol looks up and meets Joshua's gaze.

"No. I don't mind."

A smile appears on Joshua's face. "Good."

Then he steps forward and starts to put his papers in his bag. "Alright, Seungcheol. I'm leaving now. See ya later."

"Bye, Josh," replies Seungcheol quietly. As Joshua leaves Seungcheol picks up his pencil again and continues to write down some notes.

Chapter 3

When Seungcheol was five his parents took him and his siblings to visit his grandparents in Australia. His grandma lived there while his grandpa lived in Australia. When they arrived Seungcheol was excited to learn the language and the culture. It wasn't long until he fell head over heels in love with Australia.'

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***