SCPK 03

Chapter 3

 Library

I’ve always liked reading books.

I’m fairly omnivorous when it comes to genres—light novels, romance, light literary fiction, mysteries, sci-fi… whenever a hot topic comes up, I can’t help but reach for it, and my small allowance disappears in no time.

So, going to the city library in search of great works is normal for me, but I can’t focus because Tsukiyo Kaminagi, sitting next to me completely absorbed in her book, keeps distracting me.
I can’t help sneaking glances at her flawless face, and my heart starts racing.

“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.”

Maybe my tone sounded a little higher than usual.
I absolutely cannot say that I was staring in admiration. You’re not supposed to have such impure feelings for your best friend’s little sister.

“You know, recently it’s been like this here, but we also meet outside often, right?”
“Yes, that’s true. Hehe, I wonder why.”

Her little devilish smile, hand to her lips as if teasing, is incredibly cute.
Outside is one thing, but at the library, it’s natural for us to meet. She always tells me to invite her whenever I’m going to the library, via messages. We’ve met three days in a row now. If I ignore her, she’ll get mad later.
She also likes books, so she’s not just tagging along out of obligation—but still, why does she come if we’re not dating?
I remember what she said that one time:

“I… I think I might have started to like you, Taiyo-san.”

Is that why she comes? Hmm… maybe, maybe not.
Ah, I just can’t focus on the book.

“That was fun~”
“What were you reading again? Oh, that famous one, right?”
“Yes, I really like this author’s work.”

Maybe it’s a stereotype, but being a girl, she prefers romance novels. I like romance novels too, so maybe I’ll borrow one on the way home.

“It’s a story where the protagonist’s little sister falls in love with the protagonist’s friend… and somehow it feels like it’s about me.”
“Huh? About yourself?”

Her eyes widen, and she looks flustered, turning her body slightly toward me.

“N-no, it’s not from real experience, I just… empathized with the feelings, the characters’ emotions!”
“Hahaha, I get that. I often find myself empathizing with the protagonist too.”
“That’s right! …”

She sets the book down, clasps her hands, and relaxes her expression.

“I’m really happy that we share the same hobbies, Taiyo-san.”

Ugh!
My face is about to turn bright red. When such a cute girl says something like that, you can’t help but become self-conscious. It wasn’t even said to deliberately draw attention—it’s just fun to share hobbies as friends. She wouldn’t have said it just because it’s me.
I need to change the topic!

“M-my book too… see, it’s sci-fi, but there’s also a romance for the protagonist… the strong hidden feelings are something you can really empathize with.”
“Does Taiyo-san have hidden feelings too?”
“Ah!?”

I may have just dug my own grave. I don’t really have any such strong feelings… But then my eyes meet hers. Her big, bright eyes and long lashes almost pull me in.
Her moist, soft lips move.

“We…”
“…huh?”
“I think we should be quiet.”

The eyes of the staff member standing behind us are intimidating.
The staff here are scary… We were gently scolded and then returned to continue reading.