6.2
Back in the hallway, Hiyori hurriedly followed after me.
Although it was a short distance, she was still slightly out of breath.
“Here—”
After catching her breath, Hiyori showed me a paper bag.
It could be inferred that it contained a book from its shape.
However, it probably wasn’t from the library.
Hiyori took out the book with her slender fingers and held it out to me.
“This is one of my favorite books. Would you mind reading it if you have the chance?”
There was a book cover on it, but I had an idea of what it was.
“Is this, by any chance, the author you mentioned earlier?”
“I guess it's easy to figure out, huh?”
A book by an unknown author introduced out of the blue, disregarding genre.
Considering the situation, it was relatively easy to guess.
“In the case that you had already read it, I didn't think I could’ve easily given it to you as a present.”
There was a difference in how much joy an unread book versus an already read one could bring as a present, after all.
The statement must have been made with such considerations in mind.
“If you only want to read it, you can borrow it from the library. But if it's a work I really like or one I'm particularly fond of, I want to have it on hand.”
“So you went out of your way to buy it with your own money.”
“Also... this book isn't available in the library.”
That meant it wasn’t even possible to borrow it.
I could ask the librarian to get it, but looking at Hiyori's situation, I could tell that this book wasn't something that would appeal to everyone.
Perhaps she personally liked it but didn't think it was worth promoting.
“Are you sure I can have it?”
Even for just one book, this kind of paperback wasn't a cheap purchase for a student.
“Yes. Actually, this is the third time I've bought this book. The first time was when I was in junior high, and I still have it in my room. The second one was when I entered this school.”
And the third one was bought to be a gift for me.
“I think I understand your tastes pretty well, so I'm confident that you'll be happy with it.”
“I feel bad making you go through the trouble.”
I couldn't keep her holding it out forever, so I took it with my hands.
But then a little question arose.
“Did you perhaps carry this around with you until you met me?”
I asked since I hadn't told her that I’d be here today.
“I would’ve come right away if you had just told me.”
“Well, yes. But... it's only been a few days, so it's not a big deal.”
“Well then… see you later.”
I wondered if the somewhat reluctant look on her face was just my imagination.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login