#this is one of the best parts of working at a second hand bookshop btw best believe I am reading everything that was left behind in them

[lucydacusgirl]

I think my worst trait is that my nosyness overrides my moral compass in terms of giving people privacy like… I’m not gonna open a diary but if a diary is accidentally left open I’m reading that page. If you’re typing something interesting on your phone on the bus I will be reading over your shoulder. And simultaneously I am so anxious about people doing the same thing to me so I’m super careful about what I leave out and if people can see my screen when I’m on my laptop or phone.

[crowley-fe11]

Lost RP (dark!Crowley)

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say STAND WITH HONG KONG AGAINST THE CCP!

You both like Ineffable Husbands.

Stranger: ((Human AU. Totally based off another prompt on here. Dark!Crowley, Aziraphale felt there was something off about Crowley and was reluctant to agree to a date no matter how sweet he was by bringing him chocolates, treats and flowers. Despite his initial feeling, Aziraphale did fall for him, and although conflicted, he was urged by his friends to give him a chance. Crowley can be a part of the mob, not quite human, or even just a normal guy with an obsession. Go as dark as you want, no limits.)) Crowley, do you have a moment? -A

You: I always do for you. What is it, angel? C

Stranger: Thank you. I wanted to ... sincerely apologize to you. -A

You: What for? You haven't done anything wrong. C

Stranger: I’m just rather worried that I’ve been... callous and cruel. I do appreciate it, and quite love it when you come around the shop! You’re a very sweet man. -A

You: Please, you're definitely the sweet one here. And you certainly haven't been cruel in the slightest. C

Stranger: Thank you, dear. I’m glad you don’t think so! But you are certainly the kindest person in the world. -A [......] Do you perhaps want to go out to dinner this weekend? -A

You: Only trying to spoil a lovely and deserving gentleman. C Nothing would make me happier. When did you have in mind? C

Stranger: Oh, you’ve accomplished that! Your taste is truly impeccable, you brought me the best sweets. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth. -A ...Perhaps Friday if you’re free? And please, I insist on treating you to wherever we go. -A

You: Oh, good. Glad you've enjoyed them, and I'll definitely keep that in mind. C But you don't have to do that. I like treating you. C

Stranger: I feel so badly, you do simply everything for me. You’re too lovely, I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve it! -A ...At least pick the place, dear. I’m hardly picky, I quite enjoy many different things! -A

You: You've been a gorgeous, perfect angel. C How do you like Italian then? C

Stranger: You’re such a flatterer, you handsome thing. -A [....] I love it, simply wonderful flavors. Do you have a place in mind? -A

You: I do, and I think you'll really enjoy it. C What time should I come pick you up? C

Stranger: Oh, lovely, I can’t wait to see what you’ve chosen. Perhaps around six if it works for you? -A

You: That works wonderfully. I'll see you on Friday then? C

Stranger: Wonderful, dear! I’ll see you then. Please drive safely. We’re supposed to get snow. -A

You: I will, my lovely angel. C

Stranger: ((Would you like to switch to paragraphs?))

You: (Sure, would you like to start, or would you like me to?)

Stranger: ((Since Crowley’s coming over would you mind? ))

You: (yeah, sure thing!)

Stranger: ((Thank you! ))

You: When Crowley first laid eyes on the lovely bookshop owner, he couldn't help but shower him with gifts every time he was in the area. Flowers, chocolates, anything he saw that he thought that lovely angel would enjoy. Not to mention just sharing a few moments of conversation during his visits, peppered with easy flirtations, could easily make even the worst days so much better. And now he had a dinner date with Aziraphale himself, and Crowley couldn't be more thrilled. He'd made special reservations, and with snow lightly falling on the streets of Soho, he pulled up in front of the bookshop in his Bentley, soon getting out with a bouquet of roses, which he meticulously picked out to make sure he had the perfect ones to give. He stood just outside as he waited, right on time for when the other man wanted him to arrive.

Stranger: ((This is lovely! I just have to let me dog out really quick and then I will start typing!))

You: (No problem!)

Stranger: “Oh, stop being silly,” he muttered to himself before he returned to his day of stacking shelves. In theory, Crowley should have been the man of Aziraphale’s dreams! He was frankly /beautiful/, considerate, attentive, and brilliantly witty. However the moment he had walked into his ship, he had felt such anxiety and deep-seated apprehension for him, and he couldn’t, for the life of him say why! He always made sure that he was ‘busy’ or meeting with friends, because he quite frankly didn’t wish to be alone with him. Over time, the feeling had slowly repressed itself, and Aziraphale could fully admit that he had quite the crush on him! He didn’t know such a stylish, nice, cool man would waste time wooing a reserved, slight prissy bookseller, but what was he to do against such attentions /except/ fall for him?! Crowley was charismatic and energetic about many topics, making Aziraphale smile when he spoke about his lovely car or his music or his plants. But it still didn’t stop the nervousness as Friday evening rolled around, Aziraphale in his normal suit and a bow tie, fleece coat and mittens. He didn’t like the cold! Anathema and Newt had called him mad for not even trying. And so he would! Perhaps the remaining nervousness would dissipate, after all he wasn’t used to putting himself out there! He saw the familiar car outside and had a tiny smile, stepping outside to greet him. “Hello, dear!” He said, but then he stopped, a more genuine smile overtaking his face. “Crowley! Oh my goodness, you shouldn’t have.” He insisted, putting a hand to his heart in shock. “They’re simply beautiful!”

Stranger: ((Aziraphale’s mittens are like Bernie Sander’s btw. Couldn’t think of any other kind he’d have 😂))

You: (That's too perfect 😂)

You: Crowley smiled adoringly once he saw his date all bundled up, and he soon handed Aziraphale the flowers he'd brought. "Not nearly as beautiful as you," he answered as he took in the sight of the lovely man. Bundled up was to say the least, and Crowley happily waited for the other to take care of the flowers. With how often he brought some over to him, he was certain he had a vase somewhere that would be ready. But he waited for Aziraphale to be ready before he offered his hand to the other. "Something tells me you'll love the heated seats," he mentioned as he led the bookseller to his car, smiling at him softly before opening the door for him. He then got in on the other side and smiled over at Aziraphale before he pulled out onto the street and started toward their destination. "How's your day been? Any interesting customers?"

Stranger: “Oh hush,” he said delightedly, taking the roses from him gratefully, taking a sniff even. He so adored flowers, and he was quite flustered whenever he received them. “One second, dear, let me just put these in a night vase, and then we can get a move on.” He said, as he turned back inside, hoping the pleased flush and racing of his heart would subside a little. He kept several vases because Crowley simply brought him so many flowers! He arranged them carefully, a find touch to their petals, and then hurried himself back outside. “Thank you for waiting,” he told him and Aziraphale’s inner avid reader of chivalrous romances absolutely preened as he held the car door open for him. “Thank you,” he said with a duck of his head, slowly climbing in his car. Crowley told him how much work he had put into it and it absolutely showed! He must love it very much. He settled, a sigh of contentment as he pulled off his mittens and relaxed in the car’s warmth. “My day was lovely, barely any customers!” He exclaimed. And perhaps it was odd, he just didn’t want to get rid of his books unless he had to. “Anathema did stop by.” More like giving him tips, ‘kiss him already you idiot!’ Much to the shy bookseller’s rampant disagreements. “Lovely girl, very smart.” He turned to him. “How was yours? Get into any dramatics with plants?”

Stranger: *nice vase

You: "I'm sure you enjoyed the quiet, then," Crowley offered with a smile as he glanced over at the other. He couldn't help but take in just how gorgeous Aziraphale looked as he drove down the snowy street. He'd heard Aziraphale bring up Anathema a few times before, and from what it sounded like, she was just about as bookish as the sweet angel beside him. "Oh, plants are growing nicely. Maybe my firm words with them are paying off," he added with a chuckle. "But today's been nice. Mostly looking forward to this," he added as he smiled over at Aziraphale. It wasn't long until he pulled up outside the restaurant, which looked fancy even from the outside. Once he'd parked, he got out of the car and helped the other man out of the car, offering his arm as he led him inside. Once they checked in with the hostess at the front, they were brought to an elegant table at a quiet spot of the restaurant, which was a bit quieter than usual in the first place, even with the snow falling that evening. Other than the waitstaff, the only other's in the restaurant were some gentlemen in dark suits posted discreetly by the entrance. Once again maintaining his manners, Crowley pulled out a chair for Aziraphale as he smiled at the other warmly before he took a seat across from him.

Stranger: “Very much so,” he replied. “Selling my books is always my least favorite part!” Aziraphale had never been bold about anything in his entire life, but he did find himself considering Anathema’s words. Would Crowley like to kiss him? He dearly hope so. Aziraphale found himself more at ease, sharing a laugh with him. “Oh my dear, when you told me of your methods I was absolutely boggled! Your plants must be rather terrified of you. I... suppose they must not know how sweet you truly are.” And sweet he was, a sharp gasp from Aziraphale as he parked in front of the restaurant. He had so very often wanted to go here, but he never had! Aziraphale already felt underdressed, and he made a mental note to insist the bill be split. “Crowley, honestly.” He shook his head in fond amusement as the two went inside. It smelled /divine/, and oh how thoughtful was he? Charmed, he couldn’t possibly resist, perhaps being more bold than he had ever done so in his life, “Thank you, my dear,” he said, and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek in thanks, his own cheeks suddenly burning as he sat down. Oh no, should he have asked?! Perhaps he should have asked, oh dear. Suddenly nervous, he glanced over the available menu. “I think you’ve picked a perfect place!” He said, hoping to change the subject.

You: It had always intrigued him how Aziraphale never liked to sell his books, but if he loved them so dearly, it did make some sense. It was adorable, really. It was like the other man had his own personal library in a way. "Probably better that they don't get that idea. Maybe they'd get lazy as a result," Crowley mentioned with a playful smile. Though when Aziraphale gave him that gentle peck, his heart was soaring. His cheeks warmed as he quickly sat down. "Yeah, of course. You mentioned being a bit of a foodie, so I figured you might enjoy it here," he answered as he smiled across at the other man. It didn't take him much to book the entire restaurant for the night with his connections, after all, and Aziraphale seemed to enjoy peace and quiet. "We could get a bottle of wine to share if you'd like?" he suggested, taking in the sight of the other man, how lovely it was to simply bask in his presence...

Stranger: ((Jesus Crowley you bought out the entire restaurant XD lmaoooo ))

You: (Oh, those mafia connections, you know... ;) )

Stranger: ((Never once did aziraphale even be like “how can he afford all this stuff?” Nah he’s oblivious lol, or well not quite Bc of those initial feelings ;) ))

Stranger has disconnected.

[missmeikakuna]

Vocaloid fanfic- The Librarian and the Maybe-Bisexual Bookworm Ch. 4 [END]

This is a fanfic I wrote for Vocaloid Amino for a previous Pride Month and thought I’d post it here. Rated: T Fandom: Vocaloid Relationship: Yukari x IA Relationship Type: F/F Description: Yukari is a hardworking student who manages to balance her studies with her relationship with a boy. Things start to change when she meets her high school’s young, beautiful new librarian IA. Yukari asks her to help her find a lesbian-themed novel like one she’s read and all goes well until she realises she might be more like the characters in those novels than she thought.

Chapter Four: Going out with someone is like reading the same book repeatedly and finding something new to appreciate each time

Yukari walked out of the library and placed the pile of books onto the desk.

“Thanks for your help, Miss Yuzuki,” IA said with a wink. Yukari gave her a deadpan stare, hoping no one noticed IA’s obvious facial gesture. IA wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to her. It was her number.

The school bell rang. Yukari bowed and headed to class.

The class was boring, so she kept staring at Roro as if doing so would send him a telepathic message to stop ignoring her. It naturally didn’t work.

When school finished, she waited outside the Principal’s office for her parents.

Her father didn’t show up, but her mother stormed into the room and dug her nails into her arm as she grabbed it.

“What did you do? What did you do?”

Yukari said nothing, suddenly very interested in the patterns on the wooden floor. She tucked her lips in to prevent herself from crying.

“Speak to your mother. Are you listening to me?”

Still nothing. 

Her mother sat down with a huff. She let go of Yukari, cleaned her glasses with her turtleneck and crossed her arms and legs, tapping the air with her foot.

The Principal opened the door, tightening his loose tie and pushing his toupee into place, and welcomed the two in. 

The book was open and a few pages had creases on the corners. Yukari couldn’t help but glare at the Principal.

He shut the book and pushed it towards Yukari’s mother, who had one eyebrow up.

“Your daughter was caught reading this in school.”

Her mother looked at her, the book and finally the Principal.

“You must be joking. Why would my daughter bring something like this? She’s a good child.”

The Principal shrugged. “Maybe you should ask your daughter.”

Yukari’s mother glared at her. Yukari bowed her head. 

“I… I heard it was a good book and…”

Her mother turned her gaze from Yukari to the Principal.

“Will there be any punishment for this?”

The Principal shook his head. “I hesitate to give a first-time offender a punishment aside from confiscation, so long as their parents are able to discipline them. I’ll leave it up to you for now.”

Both Yukari and her mother stood up and bowed. As expected, Yukari’s mother dragged her out of the building and to the car. However, she didn’t start the car and simply sat, rubbing the bridge of her nose. She took off her glasses and stared into them as if an explanation would materialise in the lenses.

She spoke in a haunting quiet voice. “I’m glad you’re reading but I don’t understand what appeal that book would have to you. You’re not a… homosexual. I don’t know how you could look at a cover like that and decide that book’s worth your time.”

Yukari snivelled as tears started creeping out of her eyes. She rubbed her eyes but that only made the crying worse. Her mother grabbed her arm and pushed it down.

“Are you going to explain it to me?”

Yukari cried louder. “I’m sorry! I can’t help it. I didn’t want you to know.”

Her mother leaned backwards. “Know what? Are you trying to tell me… I don’t remember raising a homosexual. And what about your boyfriend? What’s his name?”

“I’m not a ‘homosexual’. I’m… I-I’m… Oh God, I didn’t want to tell you this. I’m… bisexual. I… broke up with Roro because I...liked another girl.” She murmured the last part but her mother seemed to hear it.

He mother put her hands on the steering wheel with a tight grip. She licked her teeth with her mouth closed.

“Don’t go… telling other people, okay? I’m not against homosexuals but… it’s not exactly something you need to parade around. Does anyone else know?”

“Roro.”

Her mother’s face went lily-white. “I see.” The two were silent on the way home. Yukari looked out the window, saw a speed limit sign and noticed how slow the car was moving. She almost missed the speed at which IA drove.

At home, Yukari lied down in bed and rubbed her runny nose. After getting some tissues, she took out her phone and the piece of paper.

She was about to name the contact number ‘IA’ but remembered what IA said.

“It has to be secret, though.”

It has to be secret.

Secret.

She decided to name the contact ‘Ichiko’. She was the first girl she fell for and the name started with ‘I’.

She spent almost five minutes thinking of what her first message should be.

Eventually, she settled on something simple.

Hey, it’s Yukari. Can’t wait to see you.

Yukari hugged her pillow to contain her giddiness. This feeling quickly gave way to worry. Did she sound too desperate?

IA responded later that night.

Hey, beautiful. Same here. Btw, I just bought ‘ANOTHER’ lesbian romance novel and so far it’s ‘AMAZING’. I’ll lend it to you when I’m done with it. 

Yukari chuckled at the way IA used quotation marks. The couple chatted about books until Yukari felt her eyelids start to get heavier.

As the next day appeared, Yukari stood by Roro’s desk while waiting for him to arrive. No one else had entered the classroom yet.

When he did, he ignored her and sat down.

“Um… Roro, can we talk?”

“What’s there to talk about?”

Yukari put her hand on his shoulder. “I want to be friends. You know, like we used to be.”

Roro said nothing, circling a dent in his desk with his finger. Yukari bit the inside of her cheek in thought.

“I’m really sorry. I just thought It would have hurt more if I led you on and pretended to still like you.”

“You did lead me on, though. Do you know how it feels to know that someone you really like was thinking about someone else behind your back?”

Yukari let go of him and looked at her hands as if they had blood on them.

“I… didn’t think about it that way. Is there any way you can forgive me?”

Roro rubbed his face up and down repeatedly from his cheek to the side of his eye. He looked at Yukari’s frown and felt his heart twist.

“Let me think about it. Just give me some time to grieve.”

Yukari gave him a soft smile before sitting in her own seat.

When Yukari told IA after school about Roro, a grin on her face, IA’s own smile was tiny. Deep lines appeared between her eyebrows, which were close together.

“Oh. Good. Great. Congratulations. Wonderful.”

Yukari’s smile dropped but she didn’t question those words.

IA immediately snapped out of her mood and gave Yukari a hug. 

“IA, remember…” Yukari hissed. IA let go and blushed.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I just couldn’t wait to see you.” She raised her voice to her normal volume. “Help me out with these books.”

Thankfully, IA didn’t wink this time. Yukari followed her into the office.

IA grabbed her hand. “So what do you want to do after I close the library?” She brushed her hand with her thumb. Yukari looked at their intertwining fingers with pink cheeks. The corners of her mouth rose.

“Can we just hang out at your place? I like your apartment. It smells of books.”

“Um… okay.” IA couldn’t help but giggle at the request. “We can watch TV. Uh, what time do you need to be back?”

“If I’m home by 7, I should be fine.”

IA looked at her watch and nodded. She moved her hand from Yukari’s hand to Yukari’s cheek, stroking it with her thumb. She only did this for a second before stepping back and pulling out several books for Yukari to carry.

At IA’s apartment, the couple sat on the couch and watched a few episodes of a TV show. Yukari couldn’t tell what the show was about. She was too busy feeling her skin heat up when IA grabbed her hand and rested her head on her shoulder.

A large part of Yukari’s mind screamed, ‘Kiss me!’ She almost kissed IA herself but the rest of her mind was reminded of a rule she read in a magazine when she was around 10.

If you try to kiss on the first date, you’re likely to scare your date off.

As Yukari stared at the bookshelves rather than the television, a question popped into her head.

“IA, what made you decide to be a librarian?”

IA rolled her shoulders back as if she was using them to turn back time or at least remember her past.

“Well, I always wanted to own my own little bookshop. It would be called ‘Cloudrider Book Emporium’. You know, since reading books is like entering a dream world.” She laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand. “I was a stupid kid. I wanted it to focus on fantasy and science fiction books since those take you to another world,”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Do you really think I’m the kind of person who could handle a business? I chose the next best option, which was being a librarian. So, what do you want to do when you leave school?”

Yukari shrugged. She figured her parents would tell her which university they wanted her to attend. And what course she would study. And what job she would have.

“I’m sure a smart girl like you’ll be able to get a job you want,” IA said, nuzzling her head into Yukari’s shoulder.

“Well, I’m sure if you found the right assistant, you could make your business a reality. It sounds really cute.”

IA giggled again but, judging by her red cheeks, this was more out of embarrassment than amusement. Yukari tilted her head until it was touching IA’s. They watched the rest of the episode in comfortable silence.

IA and Yukari made a routine out of this, watching television after school every day. Sometimes IA would put some popcorn in the microwave and put way too much salt in the bag. Whenever she did this, she would tell Yukari about her ideas for new popcorn flavours, ranging from steak to eggplant. Yukari always found herself laughing at each new idea.

Two weeks later, Roro shuffled up to Yukari. With a closed mouth he licked down the inside of his cheek for a second, his eyes not meeting hers. He then sighed.

“Look, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier. It would be nice to go back to how things were. Is it too late for us to be friends?”

Yukari shook her head and reached to give him a big hug, almost pouncing on him. He stepped back in shock.

“Um, since when do you initiate a hug like that?” he asked in a voice that made it seem like he was about to laugh.

Yukari’s eyes became the size of records. IA’s response to the question about her speeding habit played through her mind.

She could come up with no reply for Roro. She just stood there, dumbfounded and with the colour pink splashed onto her cheeks.

Roro chuckled. “Geez, you see a ghost or something?” He noticed her cheeks. “Was it a sexy ghost?”

Yukari snapped out of her surprised state and lightly slapped him on the arm. The two joked around until class started.

A week later, Yukari brought Roro to the library, telling him about her new relationship along the way.

Roro’s stance was a little tenser than before, but he put on a smile. 

So did IA when Yukari introduced her to Roro. Her eyebrows were furrowed, but a smile was technically on her face.

“Um… nice to meet you, Mister Yuma.”

Yukari patted Roro’s back. “I need to find a book for class. I’ll be back.” She left the two, who stared at each other in silence. IA eventually dropped the smile.

“So you’re the guy who made her cry, huh?”

Roro took a step back and averted her stone-cold gaze. 

“You don’t think I cried too?”

“Oh, I’m not saying you didn’t. It’s great that you finally came around and became her friend again.”

Roro looked like he just ate a lemon. “Yes. I ‘finally’ did.”

“Are you over her yet?”

“I… don’t see how that’s important.”

IA saw Yukari turn around and wave. She put the smile back on.

“Well, you seem like a nice guy. I’d hate for you to live with unrequited feelings. I know how that feels.” As she continued speaking, she took a few books from the returns box and slammed them on top of each other to create a stack. “Just… don’t do anything to make her cry again, okay? I’m sure you’re smart enough to not make the same mistake twice.”

Roro finally allowed himself to look at her, and he did so with flames in his eyes. Their gazes were fierce enough to make it seem like there should be a spark of lightning worthy of scaring Zeus appearing between them.

“Well, since you’re a librarian, I’m guessing you’re smart enough to learn from others’ mistakes.”

Yukari headed back to them. Before she could greet them again, Roro stormed out of the library. Yukari looked at the IA, then the door, then IA again.

IA sat by her desk and began scanning students’ borrowed books, forgetting to muster up a smile. Her jaw was clenched and her eyes were narrow as they looked down.

“I-IA?” was all Yukari could say. Who was this person in front of her?

IA was back to normal that night and every night for the next few weeks. One night, IA asked Yukari what her parents were like. It took a while for Yukari to figure out the answer.

“Well, they’re the kind of parents who are around you when they want you to do well in school but don’t care about anything else so they leave you to do whatever you want outside of study time. I don’t really talk to them much.”

IA instinctively gave her a hug. Yukari didn’t cry, but a big grin crept onto her face as she heard IA’s heartbeat speed up.

The two looked at each other and inched closer. IA caressed Yukari’s cheek.

“Can I… kiss you?”

Yukari nodded and closed her eyes. IA’s lips were as soft as feathers, almost tickling Yukari’s own lips.

The couple chuckled. “That was our first kiss, wasn’t it?” IA asked. 

A later night, Yukari asked if they could hang out with Roro one day. IA nodded her head with creased eyes and the smile of a lemon sucker.

Roro grimaced at the offer but agreed to join them, and the three went to a park on a Sunday afternoon. IA brought a picnic basket and a blanket, or rather she bought a picnic basket and blanket for the occasion. Roro brought three store-bought bento boxes.

Together they chatted and ate like there was no animosity between them. However, when Yukari left the blanket to pat a dog, the glares returned.

“She’s changed since dating you,” Roro remarked.

IA ripped the tail off a fried prawn. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Not bad. Just… different.”

Silence.

Roro eventually continued. “You didn’t try to change her, did you?”

IA dropped her prawn and curled her hands into fists.

“Why would I want to do that? She’s wonderful. As much as I’d like to grow alongside her, I still want the core of her to remain. A good relationship won’t completely alter you, only improve you.” She picked up her prawn again and took a bite. “But that’s something adults figure out, so it’s not surprising if you don’t know that yet,” she said with the food still in her mouth.

Roro stood up. “If you’re so much more mature than me, then you’re clearly too mature for Yukari.”

IA stood up as well. “She’s certainly more mature than you. What’s your problem?”

“What’s your problem?” Roro shouted.

Yukari ran back after hearing this. “What’s going on?”

The other two ignored her. “Well sorry for thinking it’s a little strange that my girlfriend wants to spend time with both me and her ex!”

“Well sorry for being ‘mature’ enough to stay friends with people after a breakup!”

“So you can worm your way back into her heart.”

“You’re pathetic. Calm your tits before throwing around accusations!”

“Enough!” Yukari yelled. She turned to IA. “I thought you trusted me.”

IA gestured to Roro. “How can I trust you around this guy when I know you’re bisexual?”

That last word caused a few people in the park to stare at them, including a teacher from Yukari’s school. Yukari froze, her eyes wide and her mouth open.

She eventually closed her eyes as they started to spit out tear after tear. IA felt as if someone had grabbed her heart and treated it like playdough, but before she could apologise, Yukari picked up her handbag and ran away.

IA tried to apologise over text that night but Yukari refused to reply, instead choosing to cry into her pillow.

The next day, the teacher from the park told IA that the Principal wanted to speak to her.

The Principal showed her security footage showing her taking Yukari to her car. She was told to pack her things. That night she ended up staining her pillow with tears as well.

However, the image of Yukari’s smile made her feel bittersweet, which she considered an improvement over the soul-crushing sadness of the situation. 

She abruptly sat up. Yukari’s words played over and over.

“You could make your business a reality.”

The next morning she headed to a bookstore and headed to the economics section.

Yukari still hung out with Roro, but it just wasn’t the same as before. The jokes started becoming less and less frequent. It remained this way until exams.

Just before the final exams, IA spotted Roro heading home from school and stopped her car, rolling down the window a little.

“Mister Yuma, can I speak to you for a sec?”

Roro continued walking for a bit and IA followed him. “Please. You deserve an apology.”

Roro stopped and glared at her. “And what about Yukari?”

“I just haven’t built up the courage for that yet.”

“So I’m supposed to be your guinea pig so you can know how to get her back on your side?”

IA looked down at the concrete next to the car, her hand folded over the top of the remaining glass window. 

“I don’t think she’s going to be on my side. I don’t think she’s going to forgive me and even if she did, she probably won’t forget. If I can make myself say sorry and let her know how much I mean that apology, that’s enough.”

Roro saw IA’s expression and felt as if a hole in his heart has been patched up. He felt freed from some mysterious force as soon as he realised that he would not have worn that expression if he was in her shoes.

“So I noticed you’re not in the library anymore,” Roro said. “What happened?”

“Oh, I’m making plans for a bookstore business I want to create.”

“How’s that going for you?”

IA laughed. “Not super great, to be honest. I really need some people to help me since I hardly know anything about budgeting or planning. I don’t have any employers. I want to make an international online store but my English is a little rusty.”

Roro stroked his chin. “Huh. Have you thought about hiring some people who are good at different languages?”

IA rubbed the back of her neck. “I didn’t think to do that. Thanks for the tip. Um, goodbye, and once again I’m sorry.” She drove off. When Roro arrived home, instead of procrastinating like he expected to do he went straight into studying for the exams.

Graduation rolled around, and after the ceremony, Yukari and her parents passed a building available for lease. IA was standing in front of it and tapping her chin. When she saw Yukari she beamed at her.

“Yukari! Can I speak to you?”

Yukari continued walking. Her mother asked her who it was and Yukari didn’t answer.

“I won’t ask for anything, I just think you deserve to hear me say sorry,” IA pleaded her.

Yukari stopped and turned around. She told her parents to wait there as she walked back to IA.

She crossed her arms. “I must say it was unexpected. That day it was like you were a completely different person.”

“It was the same me, just a crappy side of me. I was just…” IA began to tear up. “I was so scared that you’d leave me for someone else like you did to Roro.” She shook her head. “No, I shouldn’t give excuses. I was an insecure idiot and I ruined everything. I love you and someone who’s in love with someone shouldn’t treat the other person like that. So, um, goodbye. I hope you find someone wonderful who doesn’t have a terrible side to them.”

Yukari rubbed her lips together in thought. IA waited patiently for Yukari to return to her parents. Yukari remembered a message she received before exams.

The other day IA apologised to me. Has she said sorry to you yet? She said she was going to- Roro row your boat

She grabbed IA’s hand, causing her to stare at her like she’d grown a second head.

“I doubt anyone is perfect and has no terrible side to them. They just learn to keep it in check. Just… don’t use my sexuality as an insult ever again.”

“Roger that. I’m such as idiot.”

“I’ll… I’ll message you tonight. You have one more shot. No third strikes. I’m only giving you two.”

IA nodded. “I look forward to redeeming myself.” She almost gave her a kiss but then she remembered that Yukari’s parents were standing there.

Yukari managed to get into university and, with the permission of her parents, changed her course to Business. IA had told her about the bookstore and Yukari jumped at the idea.

Roro got a high score in English for the first time in a while and used that knowledge to help with the building of the bookstore website.

IA still felt jealous whenever Yukari was hanging out with someone else, but she learned to control her feelings by reminding herself that Yukari loved her. The store took a while to gain customers, so IA was by herself a lot of the time and she used that time to reflect on her previous mistakes.

About a month into Yukari’s first year at university, she introduced IA to her parents. They were a little worried until they saw the way IA’s eyes sparkled whenever she talked about their daughter.

After classes, Yukari helped out at the store, so sometimes it wasn’t just IA and the books. Sometimes it was her, the books and the adorable bookworm she fell in love with.