Leah

“Leah, are you done rearranging the fiction section?” The librarian, Miss Pearson spoke up, raising her head from the computer. “There is a new batch of books coming today. I want them organised as well.”

“What about the shelves?” I got down from the ladder, pushing the trolley full of books as I moved to the next section.

“Don’t worry. There is enough space for them.” She went back to her computer, her bony fingers typing quickly across the keyboard. “I just have to enter the new books and then I’m done.”

I hummed, one by one setting the books in their respective places. “The Great Gatsby . . . Eliza and her Monsters . . . The Night Circus.” I ticked the books off the list, moving through the tall wooden bookshelves as I kept organising them. “Almost done.”

I pushed the trolley, stopping in my tracks as I saw a book lying on the table. “They always forget to submit the books back to Miss Pearson.” I took the book, keeping it on the trolley. “Finding Light in the Dark.” I flipped the book open, checking the section it belonged to. “It’s not a library book.”

“Ah, the silence is too boring.” Miss Pearson muttered, pulling out her cell phone as she began playing a song. “My favourite—shit, must complete this work.” The typing resumed.

‘I still remember that moment’

‘Like a tune ringing in my mind’

‘You blankly staring at the ground’

‘While I stared at you.’

“Miss Pearson, do we have a book in the library named Finding Light in the Dark?” Her eyes peered from the blue screen, staring at the book in my hand.

“Oh? Wait a second.” She clicked on the mouse, typing the name of the book. “No. That book does not belong to the library. Just leave it right here. I’ll ask the students when they come back from vacation.”

‘They were busy in themselves’

‘While you continued to space out’

‘Such fascination did I feel’

‘When you remained back.’

“Okay.” I went back to the trolley, pushing it towards the end of the room. I pulled out the last remaining book, climbing up the ladder as I placed it in its place. “Done.”

I climbed down, adjusting my skirt as I went towards Miss Pearson. Her fingers moved faster than ever, her head moving in rhythm with the song. 

“And done.” She smashed the last key, moving the mouse as she closed off the computer. “No more work for me.”

‘Luxury lights and silky drapes’

‘Shining diamonds and white pearls’

‘None matter when my eyes found’

‘Your frame in the hall.’

“To The Little You by Leo,” I remarked, Miss Pearson’s ears perking up as she smiled at me. “You seem to be a fan of his.”

“How can I not? His charming music and the way he writes about the girl he likes, eek! It’s so cute.” She chimed. “Looks like you are a fellow fan as well.”

‘Your smile was something I craved’

‘Making it my mission to see it’

‘Little jokes and reading you, alas’

‘But didn’t see you smile back.’

“I’ve known him for a while.”

She sighed. “If only we knew who he is.”

“That seems like a far-fetched dream since Leo had announced his decision to never reveal his identity.” I submitted her the checked list as she signed it.

‘Felt a little sad, a bit disappointed'

‘But it was the stepping stone’

‘That would let me see you again’

‘The beginning of many meetings.’

“One can dream.” Her phone pinged, immediately checked it as she let out a sigh. “The principal wants a list of books in his office right now.”

She kept her phone on the side, pulling a sheet of paper as she began writing on it. “Leah, just find these books and take them to the Principal’s office. You can leave after that.”

I took the paper from her. “Okay.”

‘Now have many years passed’

‘Both of us outgrown ourselves ever since’

‘Even if I wasn’t the person you want’

‘I would dearly thank the little you.’

“Ah, spring.” She stopped the music, stuffing her phone in her bag as she rushed to the door. “The keys are kept on the table. Give them to the principal after locking everything up.”

“I will.”

The stack of books was in my hand, walking through the corridor. Workers swept the garden, collecting all the fallen leaves into piles. Footsteps walked in rhythm with the leaves brushing against each other.

“Brat, stop sulking. It’s high time you start working.” One of the workers spoke up. “The Principal will soon be going around to check.”

“I hardly give a damn about that old hag!” I turned towards the source of the voice, staring at Sho Frey as she argued with the worker.

“Watch your words. If the principal hears about this, your ass is stuck here for another two weeks.” The worker bent down, picking up the broom as she handed it to her.

Sho muttered bitterly. “Yeah, right.” She began cleaning, sweeping the leaves with a pout on her face.

I felt a sudden jerk, someone walking past, stumbling as the books fell with a thud. I dropped down, picking the books one by one. A hand came into my view, holding one of the books. I glanced up, taking the book as I stood up.

“Leah Gardenia, right?” Sho asked, switching her gaze from the books to me as I nodded my head. “What are you doing here in school during the holidays?”

“Um, I came to help Miss Pearson in the library.” Her eyes went to the books on the trolley. “It’s for the principal.”

“Tch, that old hag.” She muttered under her breath. “Come, I’ll treat you to a cold drink.”

“No, it’s fine—”

“I insist.”

Sho pulled out the can. “Strawberry?” I muttered a thank you, taking the drink from her. She settled beside me, opening hers.

“A cold drink is the perfect solution for a cool mind.” She emptied her drink, tossing it in the dustbin nearby. “Why aren’t you drinking yours?”

I looked down at the can. “I’ll drink this later.” I stuffed the can into my pocket. Sho stared down, moving her legs to and fro. “Nice shoes.” I remarked.

Sho looked down, twisting her feet to get a good look. “I customised them. Turning old things new is my quirk.” She chuckled. “But it’s just a hobby.”

“How did you end up here?”

“Oh, you know, filling balloons with helium and shooting them up in the sky.” She looked at me. “You didn’t see the balloons on the last day of school?”

“I was on sick leave.”

“Dammit, you missed the fun. Anyway, for punishment, I’m supposed to clean the school for two weeks.”

“Are you the only one—”

“Oh no. Today, the Principal caught Samuel Marks fighting with a bunch of college students in front of the school. He’ll be busy with me.” She turned towards me. “You’re friends with Samuel Marks, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t say that we are close enough to be friends. We just know each other.” I got up, her eyes fixated on the ground. “I’ll be leaving then.” I began to leave.

“You cannot hide the truth.”

A chill ran through my spine, piercing my skin all over. It suddenly felt cold in May. I could feel my hair standing on its end. I stopped in my tracks. She spoke nothing more, the silence settling down.

“Yeah, you can’t.” I turned towards her.

“That’s exactly what the Principal had said to me. Dammit, it’s almost like he can see everything.” Her gaze remained calm. “Bandage that hot-headed freak. He needs it.”

“Where do you think I can find him?”

“Ask that old man. He’ll tell you.”

The door opened, his recognisable red hair coming into my view as I entered. He muttered incoherent words, scrubbing something on the table with force—white earphones, both in his ears connected to his phone in his pocket.

“Samuel,” I called out, knowing well enough that he won’t be able to hear my voice.

Yet he flinched, ripping his earphones out as he turned towards me. “Leah . . .” His tone wanders off, staring down at the first-aid box in my hand. His lips turn up in a smirk, resting his palm on the bench. “My nurse is here.”

It was clear whatever he had done wasn’t just a fluke. His left eye had begun to blacken, bruises and cuts decorating his arms and face. The condition of his uniform corresponded with his physical condition.

“Still violent as always.” I stated, standing in front of him as I kept the first aid on the desk. “Learn to control that head of yours.”

“Tch, it was them who started it.” I opened the box, pulling out a piece of cotton and an antiseptic. I dipped the cotton in it, immediately putting it over his arm as he yelped. “Give me a heads up, Leah!”

“Stop whining.” I proceeded to apply it all over his visible wounds. I kept the used cotton aside, pulling out a cream as I put some on my finger. “Look here.” I held his face, soft texture under my fingertips as I applied it to the cut above his eye.

“You’re acting like a mom.” He stared at me, his hands resting on the desk. He smirked. “Quite ironic, isn’t it?”

“What?” I deadpanned.

“Don’t make me laugh, Leah.” He leaned closer, his red hair burning just like his eyes. His hand went up, caressing my cheek right under my eye. “You still have it, don’t you?” He moved back, holding the keychain dangling on his finger.

“Give it back.” I moved on instinct, trying to grab it.

“Why should I?” He sat on the desk, the keychain still in his hand. He eyed it. “You haven’t changed.” He looked back at me.

“I could say the same about you, Samuel. You’re still the same.” I took the keychain from him, almost without any effort. “It’s rude to take something that isn’t yours.”

“Don’t give me that crap.” He shrugged off, closing his eyes as he put his earphones back again.

I turned on my heel, leaving the room when I felt him tugging on my arm. “Take it.” He pulled out an album. “It’s Leo’s latest album. It came out yesterday. I was lucky enough to get one of the early copies.” I stared at the album, Leo’s signature written in a golden marker.

“You didn’t have to do this.” He pulled me back, resting his head on my shoulder as I heard him sigh.

“Think of it as me making it up to you. Okay?”

“Hm.”