She is Reading My Thoughts Again Today - Chapter 69

Today She is Reading My Thoughts Again

Before the winter break begin, a few students come to the library to borrow some books. I overheard conversations about how they like that book or recommend this book written by this person. Then I overheard someone mentioned my favourite author which is relatively not very popular, I’m surprised they know him that my shoulders shook. I thought no one else read his books except me, but I guess I was wrong. Perhaps there are people who comes to the library that I don’t know. It feels somewhat delightful to know other people also read my favourite author’s book. I remember the first title he wrote, it is one of my favourite books of all time, I was so inspired the first time I read it. A long winter break will give me more time to read books without having to worry about exams or committee duty. However, this is only because I am a free student who only join a club activity called the Go-Home club. A background music is being played throughout the library, it is a song by the Brass Band, apparently they have no holidays except for the year-end and New Year’s holidays. I see one of my classmates who is a member of the brass band, come to borrow a book. Depending on how they use their time, they may be able to live fulfilling lives. If I were in a busy club myself, I surely wouldn’t have time to read books. It’s easy to imagine that they don’t have time to do anything. While respecting the brass band members who continue to make their untiring efforts in my mind, I return my gaze to the book in front of me.

“Hello.”

The sudden voice made me shook my shoulders in surprise. Then I look over to see a familiar face smiling at me.

“Why was your shoulder shaking just now?”

“It’s because the name of my favourite author was mentioned by a student over there, I was so surprised that my shoulder shook.”

I indicate the student with my eyes and explained so.

“Ahh, I see.”

It’s not something that we can talk about loudly. Just the fact I overheard their conversation is somewhat uncomfortable.

“I understand. I’ll forget what I just heard.”

“Thanks, I’d appreciate it if you do that. Does Kisaragi come here to borrow a book as well?”

“I already returned my books during the lunch break yesterday. I came here thinking it would be just in time for Hokuto-san to finish his duty today.”

When she told me so, I looked at my watch and saw the time for my duty had ended.

“It’s this late already?”

Looking back, I see a frightened librarian who is staring at Kisaragi. I was just about to tell him that he could go home first when Kisaragi came in. I kept apologizing in my heart, but only Kisaragi can hear me. It’s ironic.

“Please go back first.”

“Okay then.”

She obediently walked out the door. Seeing her leave the library, I return the book I was reading into the bookshelf.

“Usami-kun, it’s time, you can go home now.”

“Okay, but before I leave, can I borrow one more book?”

“Yeah, sure. Usami-kun hasn’t reached the lending limit yet.”

The maximum number of books that can be borrowed at the same time is seven. Since I had only borrowed five books, I should be able to borrow two more. That mean I should be able to borrow the book I was reading just now. Although, I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish those six books along with my winter break assignments. But still, I want to borrow it. So, I go to the bookshelf and take the book I want to borrow. Then I hand it to the librarian, who scans the barcode and process the book for me. After the borrowing process is finished, I put the book into my backpack.

“Thank you, I’ll see you in the third semester then.”

“Yeah, please take care of yourself and have a good new year.”

I bow lightly and leave the library. As I stepped outside the library, Kisragi is standing there waiting for me.

“You think this is déjà vu, right?”

“Yeah, I think it’s déjà vu.”

“Let’s go home together, but before that, there is one thing that’s different from before. What is it?”

I can’t hide my confusion at the sudden quiz. One thing, one thing, one thing that is different. Her question is rather ambiguous. Our relationship has changed since then, but I don’t know if I can give her that as an answer. While I’m wondering about it, she opens her mouth.

“The correct answer is, ‘Hokuto-san loves me now’.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I love you.”

“Ehhh…”

I couldn’t believe my ears when she said so in a light tone. She seems to be surprised at my reply as well, her eyes widened as she is looking at me. She looks more surprised than embarrassed. She seems to be terribly confused that she almost went to the music room instead of the stairs. So I grab her hand to bring her back to the stairs, go downstairs, and head to the front door. We put on our shoes and head to the school gate.

“What are you planning to do over winter break?”

“For now, let’s go Hatsumōde for new year’s visit.”

(Hatsumōde is the first Buddhist temple or shrine visit of the new year.)

“Uhh… that’s fine, but shouldn’t we go there on New Year’s Day?”

I don’t want to go there when it is crowed.

“That’s true. I want to relax at home for at least three days.”

“You can relax at home, but make sure to do your assignments, okay?”

Kisaragi’s shoulders shook at those words.

“Of course, hehe…”

Her voice was trembling as she said so. I’m not sure she will do her assignments properly.

“We should have at least one day to finish all of our assignments.”

She stares at me, but I don’t want to argue with her. She is fully aware that she should do so.

“…if our schedules match, let’s invite others too.”

“Kosaka said she had finished all of her assignments.”

“W-We’re in different classes so that doesn’t count.”

“Yeah, yeah. Well, you can ask me out anytime you want. I’ll go with you to play in the snow or whatever.”

“I hope it snows.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Kisaragi looks up into the sky. The forecast said that snow will begin to fall in a week’s time, but she doesn’t seem to know that.

“Ahh! It’s going to snow! You knew it!”

She looks very happy while wondering what should she build, a snowman, or a Kamakura? I don’t think it will snow that much, but if she is looking forward to it so much, I hope it will snow enough to make a snowman.

(Kamakura is a type of traditional Japanese snow dome. It’s pretty much the same as an igloo.)

“How about we call the others and have a snowball fight?”

“That sounds great. I bet Yuma-kun will aim for Hokuto-san.”

“Yeah, I think so as well…”

We laugh happily as we walk pass my house and continue walking to walk her home. A smile appears on my mouth as I think of how different this is from before.