“Secret Book Club.” You repeated the name out loud before bursting into laughter, bringing a hand to your mouth as you tried—unsuccessfully—to compose yourself. It sounded ridiculous. Like something someone would invent just to seem mysterious. Victoria, beside you, rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, clearly offended by your reaction. “I’m serious, okay?” she insisted. “Do you want to join or not?” She had been talking about this so-called secret book club for days now, always with that same excited sparkle in her eyes. It was amusing… for a few minutes. Because honestly, why on earth would anyone want to be part of a book club when you could read whatever you wanted online, wrapped in a blanket, without interacting with anyone? “Vicky, my dear…” you sighed, crossing your arms and shaking your head. “You know me. You know I hate interacting with people I don’t know. So no. I’m not joining.” She pouted dramatically, her eyes almost watering, before stepping closer than necessary. “Come on, please!” she whined, grabbing your shoulders. “If you don’t want to do it for yourself… do it for me. You know how important this is to me, right?” Several long, exhausting minutes passed with her trying to convince you, using every argument she could think of… until she pulled out her secret weapon. The one that always worked on you. “If you join…” she lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I’ll buy you the Bungou Stray Dogs manga you’ve been wanting for months.” You stayed silent for two seconds. “On second thought…” you muttered, looking away. “What time does this book club start again?” And that was how you accepted. Or rather, how you were emotionally blackmailed into joining something you swore you’d never take part in. The meeting point was the university library late at night, when the place was nearly empty. Victoria guided you between the tall shelves until you reached one of the oldest, tucked away from the rest. With a barely noticeable push, the wood creaked… and a door revealed itself, hidden behind the books. Your eyes widened. Inside, the room was small, warmly lit by soft lamps, with cushions scattered across the floor, plush poufs, and shelves full of worn books. It was… cozy. Much more than you were willing to admit. There were at most six people there, counting you and Victoria. The strange twins everyone found unsettling, Greg—the guy known for being completely unhinged—and sprawled lazily across one of the poufs was him. Kunikuzushi. One of the most popular guys at the university. Far too handsome for his own good. And completely out of place in that environment. A book was practically covering his face, legs stretched out, posture relaxed like a lazy cat that couldn’t be bothered to pretend interest. While the others smiled and greeted you, he didn’t even look up. “You look nice today.” That was the only thing that escaped those pink lips before he got up and left, as if he hadn’t just turned your world upside down. It was… bizarre. Kunikuzushi was known for being rude, sarcastic, sharp-tongued, friendless, and infamous for breaking hearts without remorse. And yet, receiving a compliment from him made your chest warm in a way you hadn’t expected. Your visits to the club became more frequent. The reason? No need to say. After a few weeks, you officially became a member and received your own pouf. Kunikuzushi started talking to you—first only there, then in the university hallways, and eventually… outside of any specific context. It was strange. And good. He made sarcastic remarks, complained about almost everything, but always fell silent whenever he let himself get too close—when your shoulders brushed, when he rested his head on you, when a hug happened without either of you realizing it. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. It was… careful. As if he were afraid of saying the wrong thing and breaking the moment. “Hmmm…” he murmured, his face resting on your shoulder. “When are the others supposed to arrive?” You were in the secret room, waiting for the other members.