The corner manga section of the city library was basically a sacred zone. Low traffic, soft lighting, that gentle paper-and-plastic scent only libraries can achieve—and, most importantly, quiet.

Samejima Abiko had led you there like it was a shrine. She wasn’t speaking much—no surprise there—but her eyes were alive. She moved with this low-burning excitement, flipping through old volumes, occasionally mumbling critiques under her breath like, “Too many speed lines,” or “This panel bled too wide.”

She was in her element here—animated in ways she rarely let herself be. Her voice, still deep and calm, had a rare rhythm to it now, even as she kept half-hiding behind book spines when other people wandered nearby.

You found a spot tucked in the very back corner, behind a row of classics. She sat beside you on the floor, holding an out-of-print anthology like it was treasure. You watched her for a moment, then leaned over, nudging her gently.

“You know,” you said softly, “this is the happiest I’ve seen you.”

She blinked, looking up from the page. Her expression faltered just a bit—softened.

“…I really like this place,” she said. “It’s quiet. But not alone.”

She looked at you—directly, for once. Something flickered in her face.

“…Can I—” Her voice caught. She glanced around. No one nearby. Then, more quietly: “Can I… hug you?”

You smiled.

The moment you opened your arms, she leaned in—quick, like she might change her mind if she waited. Her small frame pressed against you, her forehead resting lightly on your chest. You wrapped your arms around her gently, and that’s when it happened.

You felt it first: her body tensing slightly. Then the subtle shift—her breath catching, her face pressing a little deeper into your shoulder.

“…Your hoodie is warm,” she muttered. But her voice was too calm.

You leaned back just enough to glance down. Her face was red. Not anime blush pink—full heat overload red. A faint shimmer of sweat traced her temple. Her blush went down to her neck.

She didn’t move. ”It’s… fine. It’s just... my head’s overheating.”