Soon, the library appeared before Shikime Natsu's eyes. It was quite large, and... looked rather nice.
It seemed like a good place to study.
Shikime Natsu observed his surroundings for a moment, his eyes scanning the various book categories.
His gaze landed on the mystery novels. Shikime Natsu had read Keigo Higashino's 'Malice', 'The Devotion of Suspect X', 'Journey Under the Midnight Sun', and 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store', as well as Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express'. He had a rather good impression of mystery novels.
Just as Shikime Natsu approached, he suddenly noticed a girl with beautiful silver hair standing on her tiptoes, trying to reach a book on the upper shelf. Due to her height, she was struggling a bit.
"Is it this one?"
Shikime Natsu walked over to the girl's side and helped her get the book she wanted.
"Thank you."
After taking the book she wanted, the girl gave Shikime Natsu a sweet smile, her voice very gentle.
It was only then that Shikime Natsu got a clear look at the girl. Her long, silver hair cascaded naturally to her waist. She had a pair of purple eyes, a small and cute face, and very fair skin. She wore the school uniform, and below her skirt were white calf-high socks that beautifully outlined the shape of her legs. The Absolute Territory of the girl was also something one couldn't easily look away from.
[Ding~]
[CG11: First Encounter (Shiina Hiyori)]
[Do you like to read?]
[Congratulations, Host. You've obtained the Skill Card: Photographic Memory (You will never forget something after seeing it once. You can glance at the top student's paper when you go to the bathroom during an exam, and you'll be able to copy it perfectly.)]
What was with that note?
Shikime Natsu felt humiliated. He was the one who placed seventh on the entrance exam, you know!
Of course, the ability itself was quite good.
"You're welcome."
Shikime Natsu smiled and nodded at Shiina Hiyori. This girl seemed to be the literary type—very cute, with a light and airy feel to her.
"I'm Shiina Hiyori from Class 1-C. Do you like reading mystery novels too?"
Shiina Hiyori noticed that Shikime Natsu's gaze seemed to be on the mystery novel section and took the initiative to speak.
"Yeah, I do. I like them a lot. By the way, I'm Shikime Natsu from Class 1-A. It's nice to meet you."
Shikime Natsu nodded. Right now, more than mystery novels, he was more interested in chatting with Shiina Hiyori. If most people were given the choice, they would surely pick the beautiful girl over the mystery novel, right?
"What book are you looking for? If you don't mind, I can help you look for it."
Wow, another angel?
Looking at the gentle expression on Shiina Hiyori's face, Shikime Natsu's heart couldn't help but leap with joy.
"Actually, I don't know what book I want to read yet. Do you have any recommendations, Shiina-san?"
Shikime Natsu asked. That wasn't a lie; he had originally planned to look for books by familiar authors like Agatha Christie or Keigo Higashino.
"Is that so? In that case... I recommend Cornell Woolrich's 'Rear Window'."
"I think it's over here...."
Shiina Hiyori's gaze quickly fell upon a lower shelf. She bent down slightly and then pulled out a book.
"Great, it's still here."
Shiina Hiyori still wore a very gentle smile on her face. When she smiled, even her eyebrows relaxed, a sight that couldn't help but lift one's spirits.
"Thanks, I'll be sure to enjoy it."
Shikime Natsu nodded with a smile.
"Yes, I look forward to hearing your thoughts after you finish reading it, Shiki-san."
"If you don't mind, Shiki-san, you can sit and read with me over here. There's still space."
Even though they had just met, Shiina Hiyori was more than happy to read with a fellow book lover.
"Then I won't impose."
Shikime Natsu nodded, followed Shiina Hiyori to a seat, sat down, and opened the book in his hands.
It was still early. Rather than going back to his room to read all alone, it was better to read alongside a beautiful girl.
When reading a physical book like this, Shikime Natsu could always easily immerse himself in it and enjoy the story.
Shiina Hiyori watched Shikime Natsu's serious expression, a faint curve forming at the corners of her mouth. She was happy to have a new book buddy. After all, not many people in her class liked reading mystery novels, and she wasn't very good at talking to people to begin with, so she had few friends. Plus, it had only been two days since she came to this school, so she was currently all alone.
Now that she had a book buddy, Shiina Hiyori felt very happy.
I wonder what he'll think of it?
Shiina Hiyori's emotions began to stir. Would he like the novel she recommended? Or would he find it a bit boring?
This was the emotion called nervousness. The girl secretly observed Shikime Natsu, who was reading, through her peripheral vision, trying to guess his current thoughts from his expression.
Unfortunately, she couldn't tell at all.
The girl's small feet under the table lifted slightly, then lowered, then lifted again, and lowered again.... It would be nice if we could become friends, this was the girl's small wish.
Soon, an hour and a half had passed. Shikime Natsu had finished reading the entire novel. One room, one murder, a group of neighbors—just these few elements could form a wonderful story.
It was a truly excellent novel. Shikime Natsu had even forgotten about the beautiful girl sitting in front of him.
"Shiki-san, are you finished reading?"
Seeing Shikime Natsu put down the book in his hands, Shiina Hiyori did her best to suppress the restlessness in her heart. She wanted to know Shikime Natsu's opinion of the book, she really wanted to, but her tone remained unhurried and extremely gentle, as soft as cotton candy.
"Yes, I'm done. It's a very exciting story. Do you have any other novels to recommend, Shiina-san?"
Shikime Natsu asked with a very satisfied expression.
"I'm so glad you liked it."
Seeing the genuine expression on Shikime Natsu's face, Shiina Hiyori couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"This is another novel I'd recommend."
Shiina Hiyori placed the novel she was holding in front of Shikime Natsu.
"Isn't this the one you were going to read?"
Shikime Natsu looked at Shiina Hiyori with some curiosity.
"I've already read this book. Rather than reading it again, I'd rather share it with you."
Shiina Hiyori chuckled softly, her mood joyful. Her calves swung back and forth under the table, very happy.
"Is that so? Thanks, then."
Shikime Natsu nodded and took the book Shiina Hiyori handed him.
"By the way, it's getting late. Have you eaten yet, Shiina-san?"
Shikime Natsu asked after putting 'Rear Window' back in its original spot.
"Not yet. I'll eat later."
Shiina Hiyori shook her head. She had also lost track of time just now. She had originally planned to go eat but had waited a little longer.
"In that case, would you like to eat together? My treat, as a thank you for recommending such a great book. I'd also like to share my thoughts on it with you."
Hearing Shikime Natsu's words, Shiina Hiyori swallowed the refusal she was about to give. Share his thoughts with her?
Anticipation.
"Thank you, Shiki-san."
___
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