I inhale deeply as I step through the doors. The space is practically empty once more, making it much easier to spot him. There, in the middle aisle, just beyond the central tables.
He seems to be rearranging some of the books on the shelves. My heart begins its melody, an uneven thrumming that grows stronger with each step. It’s actually unfair how much his face affects me.
But, I can’t let him know that. I need to be nonchalant. Desirable, mysterious.The innate urge to laugh bubbles in me.
How ridiculous is it that I, an 18 year old girl, does not know how to even flirt with her crush?
Once I’m close enough to Rafayel, I wait for him to turn his head the slightest in my direction, before casually sauntering past him, toward the neighbouring shelves. Feigning cluelessness.
Like a sign from God, I happen to stumble onto the young-adult romance section.Perfect.
I pretend to be occupied with the titles, and stand on my toes to reach for a particular Ann Liang title I’ve been interested in.
“Hey.”
Slowly, I turn, meeting Rafayel’s eyes and am greeted by his sweet smile as he approaches.
“I thought it was you.”
My heart reacts instantly, pounding itself against the walls of my chest. I attempt to match his smile with one of my own.
“Yes, it’s me,” I say.
I focus my attention back on the book, reaching up and pretending to struggle. Rafayel comes up behind me.
“Let me get that for you.”
His chest brushes against me as he reaches up too, his fingers closing around the book.
“Thank you, I’m too short for this,” I laugh.
Just as he pulls out the book, it somehow slips from his grasp, and the book comes tumbling down. I throw my hands up in defence, shielding my face, but he grabs it with ease before it has a chance to hit me.
We look at each other, before bursting into giggles.
“And I’m too clumsy for this,” he chuckles, meeting my gaze.
Time stops. Or it speeds up. I don’t know, I can’t tell. My breath catches in my throat, and I need to look away right there and then, to relieve my chest. I don’t though.
I have to stick to the plan. I need to stick to the script.
He breaks the stare first.
“So, new book, huh?” he points out, gesturing toward the book.
“Yeah, I thought I’d treat myself for all the hard work I’ve done lately for uni,” I explain, chuckling a little.
“I won’t say no to that,” he says, smiling, “How about the book I bought you?”
“I’m getting through it,” I lie, with a smile.
A beat lingers before us, an uncertainty. I meet his gaze, and it’s all green.Not brown.
I recall Diane’s words. Maintain eye contact. Compliment him. Reel him in. I swallow.
“You look good today, by the way, Rafayel,” I confess.
Rafayel’s lips part in a sort of surprise. I’m unsure if that’s a good thing, until I notice the twitch of his lips. It’s all the positive reaction I need.
