Finding light in the darkest places—through love

Evelyn liked the library.

It was quiet.

 Predictable.

 A place where she could disappear between the shelves, where no one expected anything from her.

So, naturally, Adrian had to ruin it.

She was halfway through a novel when a loud thud made her flinch.

She looked up, already knowing who it was.

Adrian grinned at her from across the table, dropping his backpack onto the seat beside him.

"Figured I'd find you here."

She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus on her book.

"Why?"

"Because you're you."

She blinked. 

"…That's not an answer."

"It is to me."

She debated ignoring him, but experience told her that wouldn't work. 

Adrian didn't take silence as a dismissal.If anything, he took it as encouragement.

She sighed. 

"Do you even like reading?"

"Depends," 

he said, leaning back in his chair.

"If you're asking whether I'd willingly read a five-hundred-page novel, then no. But if you're asking whether I'd read one just to bother you, then yes."

Evelyn pinched the bridge of her nose. 

"You have too much free time."

"Probably." 

He shrugged. 

"But in my defense, this is the only time I get to see you outside of class."

She stiffened. 

"…Why would you want to?"

He tilted his head like the answer should've been obvious. 

"Because I like talking to you."

She stared at him.

People didn't say things like that to her. Not unless they wanted something.

"You don't even know me," 

she said finally.

Adrian's smile didn't waver. 

"Then I'll get to know you."

She should've told him to leave. She should've ignored him like she always did.

But instead, she found herself watching as he grabbed a random book from his bag and flipped it open—upside down.

She bit the inside of her cheek.

"That book is upside down."

"I know."

"You're not even trying to pretend you're reading it."

"Why would I? You're the only reason I'm here."

Evelyn blinked, unsure whether to be irritated or—no, irritation was the safer option.

She sighed, turning back to her book. "You're annoying."

Adrian chuckled. "You'll get used to it."

And the worst part? She already was.