The California sun poured through the high windows of the library, casting long golden rectangles across the worn wooden tables. Dust motes drifted lazily in the beams, suspended in the quiet hum of the air conditioning.
It was third period, and the library was nearly empty. A few students scattered at distant tables, headphones on, laptops open. The only consistent sound was the soft scratch of your pen against paper.
You had been studying for the biology exam for the past hour. Your notes were spread out in front of you, highlighted in three different colors, your textbook open to the chapter on cellular respiration.
The chair across from you scraped against the floor.
You didn't look up. You already knew who it was.
Dylan Carter
drops into the seat, leaning back with his arms crossed You know it's a beautiful day outside, right?
He was wearing a black hoodie, sleeves pushed up to his elbows, revealing the ink that crawled up his forearms. His dark hair was slightly messy, like he'd just run his hand through it. The shaved line through his eyebrow caught the light.
Lily Bennett
without looking up It's always a beautiful day in California.
Dylan Carter
smirks And yet here you are. Inside. Studying.
Lily Bennett
That's what people do in a library.
Dylan Carter
tilts his head That's what you do in a library. Everyone else is outside.
He reached out and tapped the corner of your textbook, pulling it slightly toward him. You finally looked up, your green eyes meeting his.
Lily Bennett
Do you need something, Dylan?
Dylan Carter
grins Maybe I just wanted to see my favorite blondie.
Lily Bennett
sighs I have a name.
Dylan Carter
I know.
He said it softer that time. Almost like he meant it. Then he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his voice dropping just a little.
Dylan Carter
You've been here since the bell rang. You haven't even gotten up to get water.
Lily Bennett
raises an eyebrow And you noticed that because...?
Dylan Carter
shrugs, looking away Coincidence.
The silence stretched between you. Somewhere in the back of the library, a book thudded as someone returned it to a shelf. Dylan's eyes flickered back to you, and for just a second, the teasing edge in them faded into something quieter.
Dylan Carter
clears throat Anyway. You need anything? Snack? Coffee? A rescue from your own study session?