The Library - Milex

Miles

Guilt was tearing my body away as I walked to the checkout counter, but the fact I'd buy another coffee for him made me feel better.

After checking out my book, I admired it for a few seconds, eager to start it. I placed it into my bag, soon traveling to the exit door.

》》》

Thoughts of Alex filled up in my head, desperate to know how I could crack a better conversation with him after that little... incident.

He probably just isn't that great with people... I thought. Wait, didn't I just spill coffee on him? I facepalmed myself for forgetting that.

I eventually reached the café, opening the door and letting the bittersweet aroma of coffee take over my sense of smell. I sat on a chair reading my book, waiting for Alex.

My eyes drifted off to the window in front of me, distracting myself from my book. I couldn't help but giggle to myself when I saw Alex scurrying through the street, toward the café entrance.

I waved at him, signaling at the chair behind me. He tilted his head down, finding his way through the chairs. Alex plops beside me with a relieved expression, like he just ran away from some monster. Those streets are crazy, so I understood his exhaustion.

"What coffee do you usually order?" I ask, putting my book away.

"Just... just a regular coffee." He breathed. "Alright!" I smiled and trotted to the front.

My eyes traveled the whole menu one last time, finally deciding to judt get the same thing as Alex.

While returning to my sweat, I noticed Alex writing some stuff down in his coffee-stained journal.

I shouldn't be nosy. I reminded myself and sat down. Alex noticed me and immediately shut his notebook closed, creating a loud clapping sound.

"Sorry." He muttered, looking down.

I chuckled. "It's alright."

I wanted to start up a conversation with him, to break the tension, at least. He didn't look too well, seemingly uncomfortable.

"Well, anyway, what other books do you read? It seems like you got good taste!" I said, hoping it didn't make Alex feel even more uneasy.

"Umm... well, to start, my-my favorite book is 'Saturday Night & Sunday Morning' by Alan Sillitoe." He finally looked up at me, conveying his words with his hands.

"Alan Sillitoe is a great author, I've read some books from him and enjoyed all of them!" I grin. "I've still yet to read Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, though. What'd you rate it?"

"Twenty out of ten!" He laughs.

I felt relieved by the fact that Alex was warming up to me, making me forget what happened in the library.

"Order for Miles? Miles Kane?" I heard a barista call.

I told Alex I'd be right back and grabbed the tray the barista left.

Alex happily sipped on his coffee, staring out the window. I did the same, watching a group of birds fly freely in the sky. I was too lost in thought to realize Alex wasn't looking anymore.

"Chocolate cake?" Alex gazes at the slice of baked goodness. "Who's that for?"

"Right... so, uh, I still felt kinda bad for you while ordering, so I got you some cake." I cringed at my statement.

Alex's eyes lit up like a toddler receiving the toy he wanted for Christmas, grabbing the fork. He was about to dig in before something stopped him from doing so. He got up from his seat and hugged me.

"Thank you, Miles!" He grinned. "Now I really do think you made my day."

I couldn't help but smile back, proud of my actions.

The man in front of me went back to his seat, instantly devouring the cake piece by piece.

"You want some?" He offered a chunk.

"Sure." My hand went to grab the other fork on the plate.

"No, you git," Alex giggled as he scooped the piece of cake onto his fork and held it near my face. "Take this."

I cracked a smile of awe, and of course, I ate it. Who could resist a nice piece of chocolate cake? Not me.

We couldn't take it seriously anymore and started to laugh. Our conversations lasted for ages, and before we knew it, the sun was setting, catching the attention of both of us.

Alex gaped at the sight. "The sunsets beautiful tonight, Miles!"

The sunset mesmerized both of us, watching it until the sky turned into an inky blue. We turned to each other again, blood rushing to our faces.

Although I didn't want to leave Alex, I knew I had to take care of my dog at home.

"I hate to say it, but I have to go now. My dog's probably hungry."

"YOU HAVE A DOG!?" Alex whisper-screams.

"Yea-"

"I NEED to see it!" He begged.

I pulled out my phone, showing Alex my lockscreen. My husky, Mare.

"AWWWWW!" Alex grabbed my phone and admired my dog. "You have to let me see it in person- wait whats it's gender?"

"Her name's Mare, and she's a girl!"

"Even cuter!" Alex's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Um, I get you have to go now, but do you wanna meet up tomorrow in the library at 2?"

"Of course!" I waved him goodbye and got into my car, proud of what I did. And hey, I got a new friend in the process!