#library date

It’s Saturday morning, and you slowly wake up by some warm kisses on your cheeks and forehead. Your caregiver softly whispers “good morning, my sweet angel”, before gently lifting you in their arms. 

They make you your favourite breakfast while they let you watch cartoons, before changing you into comfortable but cute clothes, and heading towards the library like they promised you the day before. 

“What book my sweet pea, is going to choose?” They ask before kissing your cheek loudly, making you giggle. 

You wander through the library aisles, your little hand grabbing theirs as your eyes drift over the colourful books. The scent of new and old paper and the quiet hum of the library make you feel cosy and safe. And the warm presence of your caregiver makes everything better. 

After a moment of wandering through the shelves, you spot a bright illustrated storybook and point excitedly. Your caregiver smiles softly, their heart melting as the sight of your eyes lighting up. 

“This one, please,” you ask with your soft voice. 

“Such a great choice, baby.” They say as they pick you up in their arms, looking at the book you keep in your little hands. 

You find a snug corner with a cushioned seat, and they settle in with you perched on their lap. As they begin to read aloud, their voice gentle and soothing, you rest your head against their shoulder, letting the warmth of the moment wrap around you. 

By the time the story is over, you’re nearly half asleep, and they whisper, “shall we take this one home, sweet pea?” You nod softly, feeling nothing but joy in your little library date together. 

🧸.

He looked up when you sat down.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"You came."

"I said I would."

He pushed his glasses up. "I know. I just —" He stopped. "I've been looking forward to this all day."

"To studying?"

"To seeing you."

You felt your face warm.

"That's —" you started.

"Smooth?" he offered. "Romantic? Completely out of character?"

"I was going to say unexpected."

He shrugged. "I'm full of surprises."

You studied for an hour.

Well, you tried to. He kept stealing glances at you.

"You're not reading," you said.

"I'm appreciating the view."

"The view of my textbook?"

"The view of you."

You snorted. "That was terrible."

"I'm out of practice."

"You've never been in practice."

He laughed — a real laugh, bright and unguarded.

"Yeah," he said. "Fair point."

You got up to find a book.

When you came back, there was a piece of paper on your notebook.

You wrinkle your nose when you're concentrating. It's adorable. — S

You looked up at him. He was staring very hard at his textbook.

"You wrote this?"

"No."

"You're the only one here."

"Could be a ghost."

"A ghost wrote me a compliment?"

"Friendly ghost."

You folded the note and tucked it into your bag.

"I'm keeping this," you said.

"For evidence?"

"Because it's cute."

He went very still. "You think I'm cute?"

"Don't let it go to your head."

"Too late."

The library closed at nine.

You walked out together into the cold night air. He held the door for you. You didn't expect it.

"Thanks," you said.

"My mom raised me right."

"Did she also raise you to stare at people?"

"I'm not staring. I'm observing."

"What's the difference?"

"Staring is creepy. Observing is scientific."

You laughed. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you're still walking with me."

You ended up at the campus observatory.

He knew the code to get in — something about an astronomy club he'd joined freshman year. The dome was cold and dark. Above you, the sky was visible through the open roof.

"I used to come here when I couldn't sleep," he said.

"Does it help?"

"Sometimes." He pointed up. "See that cluster? Pleiades. And that bright one? Jupiter."

"You're such a nerd."

"I prefer 'enthusiastic learner.'"

"That's not a thing."

"It is now."

He was quiet for a while.

Then: "Can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

He looked up at the stars.

"I've been thinking about you a lot. Like — a lot a lot. To the point where it's kind of embarrassing."

"How embarrassing?"

"I almost walked into a door yesterday because I was thinking about the way you said my name."

You stared at him.

"Satoru, that's —"

"Pathetic? Yeah, I know."

"I was going to say sweet."

He turned to look at you.

"You're not supposed to agree with me when I insult myself."

"Then stop insulting yourself."

He opened his mouth. Closed it.

"That's —" He stopped. "I don't know what to say to that."

"You don't have to say anything."

He reached for your hand.

"I'm glad you texted me," he said. "That first time. I almost didn't."

"Why not?"

"I was scared you'd say no."

"And now?"

"Now I'm scared you'll realize I'm not worth the trouble."

You squeezed his hand.

"Too late," you said.

"For what?"

"I already think you're worth it."

He stared at her.

"Can I —" He stopped. Swallowed. "Can I kiss you?"

"Here?"

"Here."

"In the observatory?"

"I panicked and chose the place. You can choose the next one."

You laughed. "That's not how this works."

"I'm new to this."

He leaned in. His lips were soft. His hand was warm on your cheek. His glasses bumped your nose.

He pulled back.

"Sorry —"

You kissed him again.

He made a small, surprised sound. Then he kissed you back — deeper this time, but still gentle, still careful.

When you finally pulled apart, he was smiling.

"I've wanted to do that for a while," he said.

"Then why didn't you?"

"I was waiting for the right moment."

"And the observatory was it?"

"The stars felt right."

"That's very romantic for someone who called himself 'out of practice.'"

"I have my moments."

He walked you to your door.

"So," he said.

"So."

"Same time tomorrow?"

"Same place?"

"Same place."

He was still holding your hand.

"Satoru?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for tonight."

He smiled — soft and warm.

"Thanks for coming."

He kissed your forehead.

"Goodnight," he said.

"Goodnight."

He turned and walked away — but he looked back once. Just once. And then he was gone.

You woke up to a text.

You smiled at your phone.

You laughed and got out of bed.

A/N. part three will be their first actual date !! (not a study date, not a walk) — stay tuned. heh. 😼😼

P.S, this is js a quick work i made, sorry if its short!! 😭 i'm still moving houses ill make it up to u guys <3