Walking in Aren is greeted by the gentle chime of the bell above the door and the groaning of old floorboards. The smell of old books and coffee fills his nostrils with a sense of comfort and belonging along with the ambient sounds of paper being turned, light footsteps and the occasional placement of books being returned to their own cosy nooks and crannies.
The room is filled with the forgiving glow and flicker of candles in rusted lanterns hanging off walls and thick, sturdy bookshelves. Aren walks over to the closet bookshelf and grabs his favourite book and begins to read, he doesn't like to sit while reading it makes him feel sleepy. After a while, without losing concentration off his book, he reaches behind him to grab another book but feels something solid but soft.
Aren turns around and sees a tall, young, white haired man in front of him. He looks like a model. Aren thinks.
"You finished?" The man softly remarked.
Aren steps back. "A-ahh I'm so sorry I wasn't paying attention I-I" He spits out.
As Aren continues apologising the man just stands there quietly watching.
"You finished?" He says again.
Aren nods.
"Well, I have to go now I guess I may see you another time." He says.
The man walks towards the door but Aren dashes in front to stop him.
"Before you go! What is your name?" Aren asks.
"Raymond" The man replies.
"Well then, see you maybe another time Ray!"
Raymond pushes Aren against the door and glares at him with a death stare.
"Don't. Call me. Ray."
"Ah I'm sorry I-"
He lets go of Aren and pushes past him through the door. Aren was scared and concerned, Raymond went from gentle and cheeky to serious and cold all because of a name. I wonder what he associates that nickname with that is so bad? Maybe he just doesn't like nicknames? Aren thought.
To be continued....probably
YOU ARE READING
An Open Book
RomanceAren is a constant frequenter at the local bookstore, his only real passion is books. Until he met someone.
