An encounter in the library

Advanced Nurturing's library was huge. Was that only to be expected of one of Sakurajima's leading high schools?

Sakurajima seemed to place a great deal of importance on students' interest in reading and such.

The sprawling library naturally housed a wealth of books across every category. Even works that were difficult to find on the market could be found here.

In the manga section, Natsukawa even spotted works he had transcribed when he was first starting his business, works that had not existed in this world...

Natsukawa Tatsuya made two or three rounds and still had not reached the end. No wonder the students in the original story liked holding reading groups at the library. It could easily accommodate a hundred students from several grades.

In one corner, Natsukawa found Shiina Hiyori.

Target: Shiina Hiyori

Current Affection Rating: 40

She was reading quietly, the setting sunlight from outside slanting across her soft white hair to form a beautiful scene.

In fact, Shiina Hiyori had already spotted Natsukawa Tatsuya out of the corner of her eye.

After inviting Natsukawa Tatsuya through her messaging app, Shiina had been wondering hopefully whether he would come.

Natsukawa said he had other things to do today, and we agreed to come read at the library together another day.

Was it too presumptuous of me to invite him like this...?

What if Natsukawa has something important to do but finds it hard to turn down an invitation from the first girl he met? Wouldn't that cause him trouble?

But the new school's library is just so impressive. There are so many books worth reading here. I really want to share this happiness.

I remember Natsukawa saying he's the type whose interest in different things depends on his mood that day, so he might not come.

Oh, this is so difficult. I want Natsukawa to come, but I'm also worried about disturbing him and don't want him to come.

But if Natsukawa doesn't come, I'll probably be a little disappointed, won't I?

Just a little.

Hiyori, do you think Natsukawa will come?

Amid her thoughts, Shiina Hiyori noticed that Natsukawa Tatsuya had already arrived at the library and was walking toward her.

Ding! Affection Rating +3

Shiina Hiyori noticed out of the corner of her eye that Natsukawa was looking at her, and a ripple stirred in her heart. Shiina did not know why this change had arisen within her, but she felt happiness spreading. She decided to stay still and continue looking down at her book.

After all, she had only just been thinking about him, and now they were meeting already.

Unfortunately, Shiina Hiyori could not suppress her desire to share the books with him right away, and she smiled and waved at Natsukawa Tatsuya.

"Natsukawa, I'm over here!"

Since this was a corner of the library, no new students had come here on the first day of school, and the few scattered upperclassmen were in other sections. Their conversation therefore did not disturb any other students.

"Sorry for the wait. I came right over as soon as I saw your message, Shiina."

Natsukawa had also seen the change in the Affection Rating. It seemed to get harder to raise as it increased, though perhaps the different female characters each had their own mindsets.

Of course, he was already halfway to winning over the bookish Shiina Hiyori, so he should strike while the iron was hot and reach the level of good friends. That was also why Natsukawa had chosen to come.

Shiina Hiyori really wanted to say something along the lines of apologizing for taking up Natsukawa's time, but she judged that he probably managed his time properly and would not mind such things.

He had probably given it sufficient consideration before coming.

So Shiina Hiyori smiled and said:

"Natsukawa, you took less than ten minutes. It looks like you really value our friendship."

"Of course I do. Let me see what you're reading, Shiina. You seem pretty excited!"

Once books came up, Shiina Hiyori was no longer troubled, and she smiled.

"Yes, it's a book you rarely see on the market. I never expected the school library to have it. Guess who the author is. You probably haven't read it, Natsukawa, but I'll tell you afterward."

Natsukawa Tatsuya walked behind Shiina Hiyori, moved closer, and looked at the book she had placed on the table, leaning forward with his head to her right.

Natsukawa's chin was only two centimeters from her shoulder!

Shiina Hiyori's previously calm heart began to churn.

Natsukawa probably isn't doing this on purpose, is he?

Yes, Natsukawa's gaze is focused purely on the book. Hiyori, stay calm!

Put on that usual air of perfect composure!

Shiina Hiyori's face flushed slightly, her heart skipped a beat, and she remained completely still.

Only then did Natsukawa straighten up and say:

"This should be Strange Tales by the English author Feiluomengqi, right? It's been really popular among students lately. It's hard to buy on the market." (Made up. No need to search for it.)

Only then did Shiina Hiyori finally breathe a sigh of relief. Resting her left hand on the table, she turned halfway around and smiled.

"I didn't expect you to know this book too, Natsukawa. It looks like you weren't lying when you said reading was one of your interests."

"Of course I wouldn't lie to you, Shiina. I've only learned about a few excerpts, though. I haven't read the book."

Shiina said happily:

"Natsukawa, let me tell you about the part I just read."

Shiina Hiyori then took out a book she had prepared beforehand beneath her own and handed it to Natsukawa Tatsuya.

"Natsukawa, I prepared this for you!"

Natsukawa Tatsuya checked the cover. It was identical to the book Shiina Hiyori was reading. He then sat down across from her.

Shiina Hiyori shared stories she had read before with Natsukawa, along with the parts she found interesting, and Natsukawa responded patiently. It was clear that Shiina Hiyori was very happy to discuss mystery books.

Then, at Shiina Hiyori's request, Natsukawa agreed to start reading a new section with her. Every ten minutes or so, they discussed and speculated about where the plot would go next and which sentences were particularly well written...

Like fellow readers exchanging their thoughts, they shared their happiness and discussed the stories in the book as time slipped by unnoticed...

At one point, Shiina Hiyori looked up at Natsukawa reading intently, then lowered her head to her own book again, though her heart fluttered faintly.

Is this what it feels like to have the reading companion I've wanted?

Ding! Affection Rating +5

By the time they finished discussing a section they had read, it was already nine at night.

Only then did they begin chatting about things other than books.

Natsukawa looked at Shiina Hiyori across from him and smiled.

"It's gotten late without us noticing."

"Yes, time seems to pass especially quickly when I'm reading with you, Natsukawa."

Shiina Hiyori smiled as she packed her bag.

"Let's stop here for today. I'll put these two books away and won't read ahead, then read with Natsukawa again next time. Is that all right?"

"No problem. If I have time, I will!"

"Although I know you don't mind, Natsukawa, I still want to ask. I must have kept you from quite a few things today, right?"

"Not at all. I've finished getting my dorm room in order."

"Shiina, you haven't been in the library ever since the ceremony ended, have you?"

Shiina Hiyori said sheepishly:

"Why would you think that, Natsukawa? I did at least go out to eat, buy things, and return to my room. I just spent most of my time here."

"Shiina, you really love reading. It's a nice hobby..."

Shiina Hiyori happily stood up and bowed to Natsukawa Tatsuya before sitting back down.

"Thank you so much! Natsukawa, thank you for reading novels with me. I had a wonderful day! I never expected to find the reading companion I'd hoped for on my very first day of school!"

"There's no need to be so formal. Aren't we friends? I'm happy to read with you too, Shiina. Let's come to the library together again when we get the chance!"

Shiina Hiyori objected:

"Reading companions. Reading companions!"

Natsukawa teased:

"All right, reading companions. I never expected you to have such a cute side, Shiina. I've wanted to say this for a while, but you look really lovely when you smile. I always thought you were very impassive."

Shiina Hiyori placed both hands on the table and sat upright, her face as calm as still water as she answered with composed assurance:

"I've always been this impassive. Nothing like what you described ever happens!"

In truth, Shiina Hiyori's heart fluttered faintly. Calling me cute...

She was well aware of her own looks, and being complimented by Natsukawa really did make her a little happy.

However, having maintained her calm demeanor for so long, Shiina Hiyori was also excellent at controlling her expressions. She quickly suppressed the blush that was about to surface and replied with complete confidence.

"Cuteness has nothing to do with me. I'm simply a calm and composed person. Even if I occasionally smile at something that interests me, that has nothing to do with being cute!"

"Natsukawa, your deduction is wrong. My emotions don't change easily!"

Natsukawa's next words broke through her defenses. Feigning confusion, he said:

"Oh, is that so? But your face was really red when I first arrived at the library."

Shiina Hiyori instantly recalled the moment Natsukawa had leaned close to her. Her face flushed, and she gave him a little kick beneath the table.

Natsukawa Tatsuya: Huh? That soft sensation... Shiina's little foot?

"So! Natsukawa, you were doing it on purpose back then!"

Huh? I actually took the initiative to touch a boy's body. That should be all right between classmates, shouldn't it?

No, I kicked him!

At that thought, Shiina Hiyori's face grew even redder, like clouds ablaze at sunset.

Natsukawa smiled and apologized:

"All right, all right, Shiina. I apologize. Don't be angry. Your face has gone red with anger. I'll make it up to you."

"Hmph, it's all because you made me angry!"

Shiina Hiyori would never admit that she was blushing out of embarrassment. That would not fit her persona.

The two then headed out of the library, with Natsukawa also entrusted with carrying Shiina's bag.

The sounds of their cheerful conversation and laughter echoed through the night.

"To make it up to me, you have to buy me milk tea!"

"No problem. You can have whatever kind you want, Shiina!"

"Then I suppose I could consider forgiving you. But as punishment, Natsukawa, I'm going to call you by your first name from now on! Tatsuya, right?"

"What a harsh punishment! In exchange, could I call you by your first name too, Shiina?"

"That will depend on how sincerely you apologize!"

"Hmph, hmph! I can be very petty, you know!"

"Shiina, this really isn't like you!"

"Hardly anyone's around now anyway. None of our classmates will see."

"Tatsuya, prepare yourself! I'm going to order the most expensive milk tea!"

Ding! Affection Rating +20

Current Affection Rating: 68

Achievement unlocked: [Important Friend]. Reward: 60 friendship points!