THE NEW BOOK STORE
Elena's POV
The soft sunlight slipping through my curtains woke me up way later than usual.
I groaned and pulled the blanket over my face, smiling faintly.
Weekend.
No alarms. No rushing. Just peace.
"ELENA!" Mom's voice echoed from downstairs. "Wake up!"
I sighed. "Coming, Mom!"
Dragging myself out of bed, I freshened up and changed into a simple pastel top and jeans before heading downstairs. The smell of toast and eggs greeted me instantly.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Mom smiled, placing a plate in front of me.
I yawned. "Good morning…"
As I started eating, she spoke again, "I have to meet a friend today. So you'll stay home, alright? And please study. Your exams are close."
I nodded obediently. "Okay."
After breakfast, I went back to my room and opened my books. For the next couple of hours, I forced myself to focus — highlighting lines, solving a few questions, revising notes.
But soon, my eyes drifted to the corner of my desk.
My favourite fictional romance novel.
I picked it up, telling myself, just one chapter.
One chapter turned into three… and before I realised, I had reached the last few pages. The ending made my heart ache in that bittersweet, beautiful way only fictional love stories can.
I closed the book slowly.
That's it? Already?
The second part had just been released — and I knew exactly where to find it. A new bookstore had opened in the nearby mall.
I hesitated for a second… then smiled.
Why not?
Within half an hour, I was on my way with the driver. The mall felt calm, not too crowded — perfect.
After wandering around for a bit, I entered the bookstore. The faint smell of paper and coffee instantly relaxed me. I searched through the romance section until my eyes landed on it.
There.
The sequel.
Just as I reached for it, another hand brushed another book just beside mine's.
I blinked and looked to my side.
Grumpy !!
For a second, both of us just froze, surprised.
"You?" I blurted. "What are you doing here?"
He raised a brow. "My brother needed a book. I was just… looking around."
"Right…" I muttered, slightly awkward.
We stood there for a moment before the silence turned oddly comfortable.
"You read romance?" he smirked, eyeing my book.
"And you judge people?" I shot back.
He chuckled. "Fair enough."
We ended up talking — about random things. The mall, the absurd prices, exams, how annoying weekends could get when you had nothing planned. Nothing deep. Just… normal.
Surprisingly normal.
Somehow, we ended up in the food court.
"One bubble tea," I said to the waiter.
"Cold coffee for me," he added.
When it was time to pay, he slid his card forward. "I'll handle it."
"No," I protested. "We're not doing that."
He looked amused. "Why not?"
"Because I don't need charity."
"Stubborn."
"Annoying."
In the end, we split the bill — half and half.
As we were about to leave, I felt that familiar urgency.
"I need to use the washroom. Hold this," I said, handing him my book.
He nodded. "Don't take forever."
I rolled my eyes and walked off.
When I came out, I noticed a few guys standing near the entrance, staring far too openly. I ignored them and tried to walk past.
One stepped right in front of me.
"Where you going, beautiful?" he smirked. "How about a date with me?"
"Move," I said coldly. "You're blocking my way."
Another one stepped closer. "Awwh, don't be shy."
Annoyance quickly turned into discomfort. I stepped back, clutching my bag tightly, pulling out my phone to call the driver.
But before I could, one of them grabbed for it.
"Give that here."
"What are you doing?!" I struggled, pushing his hand away.
The scuffle made me lose balance — I stumbled and fell to the floor, my phone sliding away.
One of the guys bent down, gripping my chin, trying to lift my face.
"Don't touch me," I snapped, fear flashing in my eyes.
And then—
A loud thud.
The guy flew back, crashing onto the floor.
I looked up, heart pounding.
Adrian!
His jaw was clenched, eyes dark with anger. He stepped forward protectively as the other boys hurried to help their fallen friend before backing away and leaving.
He turned to me and extended his hand.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
I stared at his outstretched hand, still shaken… but oddly relieved.
Slowly, I placed my hand in his.
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