NOVEL NEXT 26: Library Date - 03
After having a light meal, we returned to the library, which apparently stays open quite late.
I glanced at the board displaying the opening and closing times. A handwritten note said, “Open until midnight today!”
I thought the owner must be quite spirited or living in the moment. Not the type I’d want to be friends with. Well, I don’t have many friends anyway.
Still, it was helpful—although I had no intention of staying until the last minute. It was good news for me, wanting to kill another hour or two.
Expecting to meet new people this time, I naturally looked at Kamidama, who I was unconsciously holding hands with. She blinked and tilted her head curiously.
“? What’s wrong, Uraku-kun?”
“I thought you might be banned from going alone. We can’t make noise inside, so I thought I’d let you decide where to go.”
“Oh, sharp as ever, Uraku-kun.”
“Anyone would have figured that out by now…”
Since yesterday, I’ve been completely at Kamidama’s mercy. Whatever I did, she was always next to me, making the day go her way.
She’s like a storm, and the best way to deal with such people is to let yourself be swept along.
I doubted Kamidama would pass easily, though. She might always hover around me. How am I supposed to deal with that?
“Then let’s take a quick lap around. After that, let’s pick two books and read together.”
“Not bad. We can discuss them afterward.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while.”
“No, it’s the first time… Stop making up a past… Catching past life vibes naturally like that.”
“Ehehe… I’m looking forward to it.”
Of course, Kamidama didn’t care about my grumbles. She squeezed my hand tighter and walked off happily.
I almost sighed but ended up smiling instead. I wasn’t catching past life vibes, just looking forward to our discussion.
I consider myself a decent reader, but I’ve never shared my thoughts with anyone. I’ve always admired that.
Enjoying and reflecting on stories alone is fine, but discussing them with someone is also one of the joys of creation.
Different perspectives on the same story can be fascinating.
Feeling a different kind of excitement, I let Kamidama lead me. This underground library indeed seemed to reflect the owner’s tastes.
The paintings scattered around showed that. There were so many, all in solid frames, that it felt more like an art gallery than a library.
Even someone like me, who barely managed a 4 in art (we use a 5-point scale), could enjoy it.
I understood why art gallery dates are a thing. I thought you’d need to know a lot about art to have a partner, but everyone has preferences in art.
Art galleries, with their diverse artworks, might be enjoyable for anyone.
There’s bound to be something you’ll like—though this isn’t an art gallery but a library.
Maybe I should visit an art gallery when I have time. I stared intently at a portrait titled “Angel in Uniform,” featuring a blonde girl.
For some reason, it drew my attention strongly. I felt the same when I saw an album in the archives.
I didn’t realize it, but maybe I like blondes.
I never thought I’d realize my preferences in an underground library… I’ll keep this to myself forever.
Just then, I felt a tug on my hem.
I didn’t need to think about who it was. Without thinking, I looked at Kamidama, whose cheeks were slightly flushed.
“Wh-what’s wrong? Why are you staring so much?”
“Well, it’s not anything special. I just like it.”
“Ehehe…”
“Why are you blushing? I meant the painting, not you.”
“That’s why I’m happy.”
“What’s with that ‘that’s why’? It’s too heavy for a conjunction.”
Is Kamidama also blonde? Her beautiful flaxen hair might look golden from a distance and with squinted eyes, but…
No, that’s impossible. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t look blonde.
Then why did Kamidama blush when I praised the painting…?
Maybe her brain is so loose it rattles when she shakes her head.
“Or did you paint this?”
“No way. I like looking at art, but I’m just an observer.”
“So, you like this painting too?”
“Hmm, that’s a tough question…”
“Is it something to ponder… I quite like it.”
I’ve often felt a sense of familiarity since coming to this town, even at Tatara High School and that classroom on the fourth floor.
Despite being new, it felt strangely familiar.
“Do you have memories of a past life? Are you just teasing me?”
“No way… Stop reminding me of my half-god, half-human past life fighting to save the world!”
“That’s a typical chuunibyou memory…”
“That was a razor-sharp comment…”
Could you add some kindness to your words? I said weakly, still staring at the painting, as Kamidama smiled.
“Ojou, how about modeling for a painting?”
“Stop calling me that… Huh? Modeling?”
“Yeah, I’ve been into painting recently.”
When I started missing school due to my frail health, he suggested that in the club room I couldn’t visit as often.
I thought it was his usual whim, but maybe he wanted to leave a trace of me.
Even with a short lifespan, he wanted to prove I existed in this world. Or maybe it was for himself.
“Well, okay… But do you have any talent for painting?”
“Trust me, I’m renowned for drawing stick figures.”
“That’s terrible! Nothing reassuring at all!”
“Well, well.”
“Not ‘well’! Just make me cute, okay?”
“That’s… difficult.”
“Hey!”
I protested, and he soothed me with a laugh, warning me not to get too excited or I’d collapse again.
“It wasn’t an insult; it was a compliment…”
“I didn’t find any compliment in it…”
“I mean, drawing a girl as beautiful as if she came out of a story and making her cuter is impossible, even for a pro.”
“Oh…”
“You’re really weak when praised…”
Get used to flattery… he said, but his ears turned red, showing his words were sincere, leaving me speechless.
That day didn’t end there. I continued modeling until he was satisfied with his painting.
So, it was indeed a masterpiece.
One or two coincidences are fine. But so many coincidences must be fate.
I can’t help but suspect you have past life memories. I know you’re not good at lying.
It’s fine if you don’t. But if you do, tell me.
Or maybe you just can’t remember.
If so, what should I do… or what will I do?
I don’t know, but I want to be by your side this time.