As I step out of the cozy café, the warm sunlight catches my face, casting a gentle glow on my skin. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingers on my clothes, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers outside. I take a deep breath, feeling invigorated and focused.
I make my way to the university library. The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves accompanies me as I stroll across the lush campus green. The soft breeze carries the faint scent of cut grass and earthy soil.
As I approach the library, its imposing structure looms before me. The glass façade reflects the sky's brilliant blue, and the automatic doors slide open with a soft whoosh. I step inside, enveloped by the musty scent of old books and the hushed murmur of studious voices.
The library's interior is a treasure trove of knowledge, with towering shelves that stretch towards the ceiling like sentinels. Rows of neatly arranged textbooks and journals seem to stretch on forever, their spines bearing the weight of countless stories and ideas. The soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead casts an eerie glow.
I weave through the aisles, my sandals clicking on the polished floor. The air is thick with concentration, as students pore over notes and texts. I breathe in deeply, the scent of paper and ink filling my lungs.
My destination is the literature section, tucked away on the third floor. The stairs lead me to a cozy nook filled with classic novels and poetry collections. Tomes of Shakespeare, Austen, and Brontë line the shelves, their worn covers bearing testament to countless readings.
As I scan the shelves for my desired textbook, my fingers brush against the spines, tracing the embossed titles. The soft rustle of pages turning, the creak of leather bindings, and the whispered discussions of fellow students create a symphony of sounds.
My eyes land on the textbook: "19th-Century English Literature." I pull it from the shelf, feeling the weight of the book in my hands. The cover's smooth surface bears the university's crest, and the pages emit a faint scent of fresh paper.
Professor Neroll had given us an assignment that will be due next week.
I navigate the third-floor shelves to look for books to take alongside with this textbook, my eyes scan the spines of the books, searching for familiar titles. Suddenly, a figure catches my attention. River stands before a shelf, his lean yet muscular frame relaxed, one shoulder leaning against the bookcase. His tanned skin complements his buzz cut, accentuating his sharp jawline and defined features.
He's reading "Wuthering Heights" – a book I adore. I recall the tumultuous love story of Catherine and Heathcliff, and how it resonated with me.
River's unaware of my gaze, lost in the words. His expression is thoughtful, lips curved slightly downward.
I can't help but admire how effortlessly handsome he looks.
Without hesitation, I approach him, my sandals making soft contact with the floor. River's senses seem heightened, as if he's aware of my presence, but he doesn't look up.
As I draw closer, the scent of old books and leather bindings envelops us, mingling with River's subtle cologne. The fluorescent lights above cast an intimate glow, illuminating the space between us.
River's eyes remain fixed on the book, his expression unreadable. My heartbeat quickens, anticipation building.
I stand beside him now, our shoulders almost touching.
"I have a love-hate relationship with Wuthering Heights," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
River's gaze lifts, his piercing gray eyes meeting mine. I bite my lip, stifling a gasp. The intensity in his eyes is mesmerizing.
YOU ARE READING
The Ru Effect
Teen FictionMeet Edafe Kobiruo, the spark that ignites River's stagnant life. With her fearless spirit and unapologetic individuality, she challenges River to confront his fears and rediscover his passions. But as their bond grows stronger, the shadows of River...
