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' Just to keep my smile, what would you do? '
' I'd carve it to those who despise you, if it meant keeping you all to myself '
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PROLOGUE 2
I approached the store ahead, my eyes fixed on its wooden entrance, with a golden nob that shined. Perhaps a quick browse wouldn't hurt, and a few new books would certainly be a welcome addition. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was drawing me in, like I'm supposed to be here.. something that I needed to discover. With a mix of curiosity and a hint of anticipation, I grasped the door handle and gently pushed it open.
Once inside, the bookstore unfolded before me like an opened book. The air carried a faint scent of old novels, mingled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a corner café. To my left, a warmly lit reception table beckoned with neatly stacked bestsellers and new arrivals, I'd probably check them out later, see if any of them catches my eyes. Across the room, cozy chairs nestled between towering bookshelves offered quiet corners for reading.
The atmosphere was quiet yet alive, each shelf was an art of colors and titles. It made me quite giddy to be honest. For me, It was more than just a store; it felt like a haven where stories waited to be discovered and shared. Soon, a lady appeared behind me, causing me to startle and stumble back in surprise. Geez, that was scary.. I gasped audibly, feeling as though my soul had left my body.
She greeted me with a gentle smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes, her voice carrying a warm and inviting tone. I fixed up my uniform, clearing my throat as I composed myself. Damn, that was embarrassing. " Hello, young man.. " she crooned softly, her stature diminutive but her presence commanding attention nonetheless. She stood no taller than 5'3", her dark brown eyes twinkling kindly beneath the subtle lines of a life well-lived. Her gaze flickered momentarily to my Evergreen Hills University ID hanging around my neck.
I mean who wouldn't? The university I attended was renowned not only for its strict nature but for its distinguished reputation in academia and research, it was at the northern part of the city. From its ivy-covered halls where generations of scholars had walked to its state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries. The university was obviously a popular subject since if you were to be accepted, the whole neighborhood would know . Its faculty includes even distinguished professors and researchers known for their contributions to academia and society.
Students from diverse backgrounds converged on campus, usually sons and daughters of successful artists that or their parents were wealthy enough to afford the jaw dropping tuition, but they were usually scholars whom were accepted through a scholarship, like me obviously.
