Kaiser's eyes snapped open as the echoes of the flashback faded into the depths of his mind. Liam had later settled the case with most of the class favoring the idea of sticking together except an oddball like Sebastian who replied when Liam asked him why, saying.
"Hoho! I'm flattered, but it's inappropriate for a perfect being like me to collaborate with you all."
His remark had earned him a few curses since even the antisocial Mordica agreed.
Sighing to himself, he excused the class and headed for the library. A cold glint flashing in his eyes as they curved into crescents.
'Now onto the next target, who shall thou be?'
He was ready to hunt his next prey.
...
The air of the library was filled with the woody scent of printed paper. Students of different grades were scattered around, each minding their own business while maintaining the quiet atmosphere.
Kai's eyes scanned the first years he saw, trying to find anyone useful but came out disappointed.
He wanted to go back but his senses kept telling him he'd meet someone extraordinary today. Deciding to stop bothering himself, he explored the building. His expression was bland as always as he checked through the books, trying to find anything that could impress his mind.
Reaching the Mystery Section, his hands paused on a familiar book. After all, he was the writer. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at the book, remembering it was from one of his expeditions in his... was it 57th life? He couldn't remember.
Suddenly, he felt a wave of perception wash over him. His body trembled involuntarily but successfully resisted.
'What was that?'
His eyes snapped towards the source without turning his head. It was a girl with light pink hair and green eyes like that of gems. She had a look of shock on her face, hinting at an internal struggle as she stared at him.
After realizing she wouldn't blink or look away after 15 seconds, he decided to break the ice.
"Hello...?"
He called out in a weird tone that hinted his uncomfortability with how she was staring at him.
She snapped out of her inner monologue and hurriedly apologized.
"S-sorry"
"It's okay"
Brushing her apology off gently, he gave her a polite smile and asked.
"Are you interested in this book?"
Sofiya fidgeted slightly before nodding.
"Hmn. The librarian recommended it to me." Pausing slightly, she continued "But you can have it since you got it first."
"No need, I've read it before. Just feeling nostalgic." Kaiser countered as he passed her the book while glancing at the one in her bag.
"You read Mystery a lot huh?" He muttered softly.
'Seems like she's a very good reader. Quite honorable' He thought.
'I need to know more about him if I want to understand why my Soul Trait failed me. Unless he's two realms above me, it was impossible. This is a first. Befriend him because of that. Definitely not because he's handsome' She thought, convincing herself for a reason to reply.
"Hmm. Sure. I've been a bookworm since I was a kid and I always drowned myself in piles of books and so on. Used to be a hobby thingy. What about you?"
Now, her voice was devoid of it's earlier awkwardness and filled with subtle excitement that even she might have missed.
Of course Kaiser wouldn't miss it.
'Interesting'
"I do love the art of Reading and Writing myself and I especially enjoy Kevin A. Higgins works."
Sofiya smiled naturally, feeling nice. Something about Kaiser seemed to draw her in. He had this aura that made him seem totally separated from the world yet be the center of it.
The conversation spiralled into something more interactive, the earlier awkwardness of their meeting fading into the background.
"Wanna chat over a drink?"
Before she knew it, she blurted out her thoughts. Shocked, her eyes widened slightly but before she could retract her statement-
"Sure." Kaiser agreed.
'Huh? Just like that?' she thought, feeling excited.
Someone was showing interest in her book life. And it was something she desperately needed. If she didn't seize the chance, she might lose it.
...
Soon they settled in the cafeteria, facing each other as they enjoyed the slightly sour taste from the lemonade.
"This reminds me of a romance novel. Lemonade. Quite a sour but interesting storyline. Got me hooked in for like a month or so." She said as she adjusted her bangs.
"Very befitting of a lemonade then." Kaiser commented after a sip. The slurping sound only available to a pair of ears.
"Ever read, Ghostly Wails? It's a crossover between horror and mystery." He added as he put down his cup.
"Yes, I did. They wanted to make it into a movie but got banned." She answered with a small nod, her eyes watching him perceptively.
"Oh really?" Kai said, trying to sound surprised.
"You knew." She shot, pointing out his effort to tease her.
"Where's the fun?" He grinned a little, feeling at ease for the nth time today.
'Ah, there's my good ol' laziness!'
A soft pink hue crept on Sofiya's cheeks as she choked on her drink.
"Anyway, I'm also a writer in case you don't know." He said as he rested on the table and signalled for more lemonade.
"Obviously, I wouldn't know." Feeling aggrieved, she pouted. "What book anyway?"
"Just make your research on the 'Nameless Author' then come back to worship my works."
"Pfft. You're funny."
"I really wonder..."
Sofiya found herself genuinely laughing with a stranger she barely knew. And yet it felt oddly comforting.
'It's almost an hour already'
Glancing at her watch, she realized she had to leave, though she was reluctant.
"Alright, I think we've killed enough time. It was nice knowing you, Sofiya."
At that moment, he butted in, solving her inner turmoil.
"Yeah. See you soon!"
Waving slightly she watched him disappear into the crowd of students in the hallway, totally untraceable.
Suddenly, her eyes widened.
'Oh gods, I forgot to ask his name and class. How the hell does he know my name, even? I guess I'll ask when I see him. Will I even remember to ask? This was supposed to be an undercover investigation, damnit!'