Third primary user

Chapter 4 - Kitten in a library

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Hours pass. The book is finished. And it's dark. I get up from my seat and walk back to the Agatha Christie section. I put back the novel in its rightful place and look for a new book. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with the book but it wasn't exactly exciting for my standards to take it home with me.

My hand falls over another book that I find myself interested in, but it seems I'm not the only one whose interest is piqued. I turn my head to the right, and I see him. His fingers accidentally brushing my hand. His cheeks turn bright red when our eyes meet. He looks away bashfully and retracts his hand. He offers a quiet apology and is ready to leave. I don't let him.

"Wait. Did you want the book? If you want to read it, it's fine. I can always just look for another one." I reassured him. He wanted to protest but in the end, he relented. He took the book and thanked me.

"Thank you, uh...."

"(Y/N)." I offered him my hand. He seemed surprised since after all teenagers don't really shake hands but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. He took my hand and shook it with no hesitance.

"That's a great name. Mine's Thomas but you can call me Tom or Tommy. That's what everyone calls me anyway." He offers me a bright smile which I don't reflect. I nod in acknowledgement and the atmosphere becomes awkward. Neither of us knows what to say further.

"Do you come here often?" I asked him after a bit of silence. He's overjoyed at the change of mood.

"Ah, yes! I love reading crime fiction. I just love how there are so many puzzles and so many hints! By the end of the book, the answer is finally given to you, and you feel like 'Yes I saw the signs and I knew that had to be it!' or 'It all makes sense now'. Those kinds of feelings just make me feel so overwhelmed and satisfied at the same time!" He rambled on obviously gleeful to talk about the subject. I personally could relate to his feelings but the way we both react is obviously very different. Though it is nice to see someone that shares the same passion as me.

"I must agree. The suspense is unfound in other genres. Also, the complexity and intelligence of the events are so fascinating you can't help but be pulled in. Or I suppose if you are looking for intensity and suspense you can also find it in erotica..." I murmured the last part, but Tommy clearly heard me and turned as red as a tomato and started stuttering something about not being into that kind of stuff. Amused with his bashful behaviour I released a deep chuckle.

"Well, then I guess Crime fiction will suit you just fine." I grinned at him, and he scoffed and looked away not truly offended just being playful. My grin turned to a gentle smile and my eyes softened. This is what my life should be like. Having easy people to read. Have them laugh at simple harmless jokes. Not an emotionless doll that seems to like playing with me. I realized I was thinking about her again and frowned. To mask my sudden displeasure, I looked back to the books and chose another book with Hercule Poirot. Tommy noticed this and pointed it out.