In the bustling school library, the air was filled with the soft rustling of turning pages and the occasional whisper of students seeking information or indulging in fictional worlds. Among the rows of bookshelves, Hiroshi navigated his way through the aisles, his eyes scanning the spines for particular titles he wanted to read.
"Gaining knowledge in advance is always the best option if you want to succeed. "
As he found some books he got at the far end of the library, his gaze fell upon a familiar face.
There, seated at a wooden table by the window, was Frill Shiranui.
She sat with her back straight, engrossed in a book, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Frill possessed an aura of calmness and collectedness that seemed to radiate from within.
Hiroshi's lips curled into a grin as he sauntered over to her, clutching the books he had been seeking. He pulled out the chair across from Frill, causing her to glance up from her reading, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement.
Frill was someone who Hiroshi found amusing, someone who exuded such tranquillity amidst the bustling school environment.
"Hey, Shiranui-san," He greeted her, trying not to startle her from her reading.
Frill looked up, her gaze shifting from the pages to Hiroshi. There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself, her expression returning to its serene state. "Oh, hi, Shirotaka-san," she replied, her voice soft yet articulate. "What brings you to the library?"
Hiroshi looked at her.
"Doing some research.
So, what about you?" He asked, genuine curiosity lacing his words.
Frill's eyes brightened, appreciating the conversation.
"I'm always here," she replied with a small smile.
"It's my escape from the chaos of the world. Books have a way of taking me to places I've never been."
Hiroshi nodded, understanding her sentiment. "I feel the same way.
I guess we have some things in common."
Frill smiled a faint blush showing on her face.
They then continued reading their books.
Frill's curiosity was piqued as she noticed the collection of books in Hiroshi's hands.
All of them were about theatre and the ways of acting.
She couldn't help but ask, "I see you have quite a selection of theatre books there. Are you interested in joining a theatre group?"
Hiroshi chuckled lightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Ah, you've caught me," he confessed, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "I do have a secret desire to be on stage, but I'm afraid I have no experience in acting or performing."
Frill raised an eyebrow, sensing there might be more to Hiroshi's words than meets the eye.
"Oh? You seem quite knowledgeable about theatre for someone with no experience."
Hiroshi leaned in slightly, his tone conspiratorial. "You are a sharp one. Well, let's just say I've picked up a thing or two from all these books. "
He then thought about it a bit.
"To be honest, I haven't had any formal training," he replied, feigning innocence.
"But I do have a knack for improvisation. You never know when you might need to step into the spotlight, right?"
Frill smiled as she saw through his witty response. "Oh, a natural performer, then?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
Hiroshi leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, I wouldn't say 'natural' per se, but I can certainly hold my own when the occasion calls for it."
Frill chuckled softly, finding Hiroshi's playful banter endearing. "Well, if you ever decide to pursue acting seriously, I'm sure someone like you will do great."
She took her book and stood up.
As Frill rose from the chair, preparing to leave, she turned back to Hiroshi.
"If... if you ever need someone to support you, I guess... I'll be here," she said, her words laced with a touch of embarrassment.
Hiroshi's eyes widened, the gratitude in his expression deepening.
"Thank you so much!"
After some time...
Ruby glanced nervously over her shoulder as she hurried down the crowded school hallway, her heart racing with a mix of anxiety and confusion. Her brother, Aqua, had warned her about the guy who had been showing interest in her lately. He called him suspicious, but Ruby couldn't understand why.
The guy, Hiroshi, seemed genuinely nice and friendly to Ruby. Still, Aqua's words had planted a seed of doubt in her mind.
Beside her, her best friend, Minami Kotobuki, watched her with concern. "Ruby, slow down. What's going on?" she asked, trying to keep pace with her friend's hurried steps.
"I...I just need to avoid Hiroshi," Ruby whispered, her voice laced with apprehension. "Aqua told me to be careful around him, and now I'm not sure what to think."
Minami frowned, glancing around as they turned a corner. "Well, maybe Aqua's just being overprotective. He's your brother, after all. But if Hiroshi hasn't given you any reason to be suspicious, maybe you should give him a chance."
Ruby nodded uncertainly, her mind torn between her brother's warning and her desire to believe in Hiroshi's sincerity as a friend. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the figure approaching until it was too late.
"Well, well, look who we have here," a playful voice chimed in front of them.
Startled, Ruby's eyes widened as she looked up to see Hiroshi leaning casually against the lockers, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. His red eyes sparkled with amusement, and Ruby couldn't help but feel her cheeks flush at his sudden appearance.
Minami shot Ruby a knowing look before stepping back, giving the two some space. Ruby stammered, "Shirotaka-san, what are you doing here?"
Hiroshi chuckled and pushed himself off the lockers, standing upright and crossing his arms.
"Oh, just thought I'd surprise you, Ruby-chan," he replied, his voice lighthearted.
"I noticed you were in such a rush earlier. Got something to hide?"
Ruby's cheeks grew warmer as she realized how flustered she must have appeared. She nervously tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear and glanced at Minami, who was trying her best to suppress a giggle.
"I-I... It's nothing, really," Ruby stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "I was just... in a hurry."
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Just a hurry, huh? Well, you know, you have been avoiding me lately. Mind telling me why?"
Ruby bit her lip, feeling conflicted. She didn't want to offend Hiroshi or hurt his feelings, but she also didn't want to disregard her brother's concerns. She took a deep breath and mustered the courage to speak her mind.
"It's not that I'm avoiding you, Hiroshi," she began, her voice sincere. "It's just... Aqua warns me a lot to be careful around guys nowadays, and I couldn't help but get a little worried. I know you've been friendly to me, but he seemed concerned for my safety."
Hiroshi's playful expression softened, and he took a step closer to Ruby, his eyes filled with understanding.
"Ah, I see. Well, I can't blame Aqua for looking out for you. He's a good brother, after all."
He paused for a moment, searching Ruby's eyes.
"But I promise you, Ruby-chan, I'm not that kind of guy."
Ruby felt a sense of relief wash over her as Hiroshi's words resonated with her.
With that said Hiroshi left her alone.
Minami, who had been watching the exchange with a soft smile, stepped forward, relieved to see the tension dissipate.
"I'm glad you two worked it out. Now, can we all go grab some lunch together? My stomach is growling!"
At night...
A girl walked into a cozy cafe, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Her boyfriend had asked her to meet him there, and she couldn't help but wonder what he had in store. Spotting him sitting at a corner table, she made her way over, a smile lighting up her face.
"Hey, Honey," she greeted, leaning in for a quick kiss on his cheek. "What's up? You sounded so mysterious on the phone."
Her boyfriend smiled, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischievousness. "I have a favour to ask, " he said, his voice full of charm.
"It's a little unusual, but I know you'll understand."
The girl nodded eagerly. "Of course, Honey. You know you can always count on me. What do you need?"
Her boyfriend's gaze locked onto hers, and he spoke in a hushed tone, "I need you to help me with your connections to join this certain theatrical company quickly because I've heard they do not want new members for the moment. "
The girl's eyes widened, surprised by the request. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating the implications. Yet, her love for him overshadowed any doubts she may have had even though they started dating one week ago.
"I'll do my best, Honey. For you."
Satisfied, he leaned back, visibly pleased with the girl's answer. He excused himself, citing a need to use the restroom, and made his way toward it. Once inside, he locked the door and turned to face the mirror, a sly smirk playing on his lips.
"Ah, the lengths people will go to for love," he chuckled to himself, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Foolish, simple-minded people."
As he stared at his reflection, the coldness in his eyes betrayed his true intentions. Behind the charming facade, someone who willed to do everything as long as he was entertained was.
"These kinds of people are nothing more than just pawns in my game."
The guy who stood there was none other than Hiroshi himself.
Author's Note: Hi my dear readers!
This story is going well but it will take more chapters to go into its core so I wanted to ask you what you think about it so far.