Chapter 34 (1/2)

How could one’s chin and lips be such a beautiful art piece? One couldn’t help but silently watch even his small habits.

“I suppose we have to first be honest with each other.”

But I can’t be any more honest than I already am? As Ray finished his sentence and neatly dropped off, Vivian couldn’t help but swallow in slight disappointment.

But in those few moments she dropped her guard, his hand approached her left hand and quickly overlapped their hands. He had merely covered her hand, yet it was big enough that she could not see her own.

He circled the silver ring that sat on her ring finger with fingers rough with calluses. Then, he spoke.

“I think I’ll be busy for a while. I will tell you the rest at the library soon.”

Ray turned formal as though he was chased by a number of important things and checked his pocket watch. Vivian reflexively responded with I’ll see you at the library and almost unconsciously extended her arm for a handshake as if to seal a deal.

…..So what exactly was the conversation we just had?

As she still swam in confusion, he added onto his previous statement.

“Just the two of us. Secretly.”

Ray, who whispered quietly, softly took her hand and his fingers slipped onto the weak skin on the inside of her wrist and stroked it. Vivian gripped her fist. It was only a little bit of skinship, but sparks ran throughout her arm and her body.

Vivian couldn’t help but to nod blankly.

***

“Hm…….”

There was nothing.

Vivian had started to search through the counter, but she couldn’t find anything even similar to a notebook. She even reached down and grabbed at the floor, but all that she could find was dust.

Marie, who had quietly watched over her actions, walked over and asked, “What’s the matter?”