Chapter Text
She felt more than seen that it was still early in the morning. Without opening her eyes, she knew the sun had yet to rise, with only darkness and coldness spreading outside her window. She recounted her plan for the day. Yes, it was still too early to start, but what else could she do besides enjoying the warmth and comfort of her bed at this hour?
She planned to visit their campus library to get an early start on her literature assignment. But before that, she would first go to the cafe near her place to get her usual drink (quad over ice) to get her daily dose of caffeine. Then, she would pass by her Biology professor’s office to submit her report on Epigenetics and Gene Expression. And then...
The next thing she knew, she’d been awakened by her phone’s alarm. Maybe the abuse she’s given herself in exchange for a few submissions is catching up to her.
She quickly moves to follow her plan for the day. Now, with her to-go cup in hand, she’s going to the library.
She’s been stuck with this routine for almost four months since she started attending Nevermore University. It’s so mundane that most will find it dull. In the months of her stay at the university, the confines of the library and the explorations it offers were the only things that caught her attention.
“Wednesday!”
She does not have to turn to tell who’s calling her. She could recognise that friendly and energetic voice wherever she went.
“Terrible morning to you, Eugene.” She said without glancing at the boy trying to catch up to her. She hugged her coat to fight off the chilling breeze.
“Hi! Do you still have your notes in Cell Biology? Can I borrow them? I was assigned to make a report about it, and your notes will be very helpful. I know how you take them. Your notes are almost like a report!”
“All the resources you need are in the library, Eugene.”
“Is that a no?”
Eugene gave her his puppy eyes. This futile attempt at persuasion usually ends with her uttering unsavoury words to the person in front of her, but this is Eugene. She adores him too much as a family.
It was enough reason to tolerate him.
“I’ll give them to you at lunch.”
Eugene happily thanked her before they parted ways.
Finally reaching her destination, she quickly made her way to her spot at the back of the library. Wednesday took off her coat, settled on her seat and started working on her assignment.
She was deep in her work when she felt a presence beside her.
“Uhm.. Excuse me?”
The small and shy voice made Wednesday turn to its source.
She’s greeted with blonde hair with pink and blue tips, a colourful sweater, too-fruity perfume, and captivating bluish-grey eyes.
She was so lost that she forgot why she turned in the first place.
The stranger must interpret her silence as her permission to continue talking.
“Err, I’m also taking Professor Smith’s Introduction to Literary Theory, and I know this is sudden, but I would like to know when you will be done with this book?” the stranger pointed to a reference book she’s using along the other books.
“... Are we in the same class?” Wednesday asked. Dumbly.
“Yes.”
“Pardon me. I just never took notice.”
“It’s okay. It’s not a shock, really. I’m always sitting at the very back. But I do notice you. You’re always sitting at the front.” The stranger gave her a very bright, all-teeth smile.
She should hate the look.
“I always enjoy your exchange with the professor. I learn more every time you do.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
Now she’s being dumb.
She averted her gaze from those eyes, very captivating eyes , and took a moment to get herself together.
“I will still need the book... and I do not know when I will be done. The assignment we were given is quite a challenge.” She said with a soft and apologetic tone.
She’s never apologetic. Something’s off.
It must be the quad, she reasons out despite knowing its irrelevance.
“Oh, it’s cool. I understand...”
Wednesday thought it was the end of their conversation, but the stranger lingers where she stands.
“Uhm, do you mind... Can I maybe...”
The only thing she could do now was look at the stranger while she searched for her words. She hates herself for finding it... endearing.
Still, Wednesday waits.
She never waits.
She can’t wait for Eugene as he catches up to her earlier. Eugene, who’s her only friend.
But this stranger…
The girl must have noticed that she was waiting for her and took a deep breath.
“Can I join your table and work on the assignment with you? That book is minimal, and the other students have already borrowed the other copies...” Wednesday can’t help but notice how the stranger fidgets with the tip of her colourful sleeves.
Then she slowly looked up to those eyes.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing the book, right?
… Right?
“Only if you promise you’ll work quietly.” She said after a full minute.
Wednesday never really understood how a person can be so bright, but this stranger is beaming.
“Excuse me for a bit. I’ll just go get my things.” And the girl left.
Wednesday pulled her gaze from the retreating girl and glared at the space before her.
Something’s off.
Not with the stranger, but with her.
Within her.