The library door was open.
That alone was a mistake.
Kade sat at his desk, back straight, eyes fixed on the page in front of him.
The world outside didn't exist to him when he read. That was why he didn't hear the footsteps at first—
light, playful, careless.
Y/N slipped inside quietly.
She looked around in awe.
So many shelves.
So many books.
So much space.
She walked further in, curiosity pulling her forward. Slowly, she came closer to the desk—so close that she stood right behind him, watching silently.
Then her elbow brushed a shelf.
Thud.
A soft but sharp sound echoed.
Kade reacted instantly.
He turned around, alert, hand already moving to close the book—
And froze.
A small girl stood there.
Big eyes.
Messy hair.
And a wide, gummy smile.
"Hii, Kade," Y/N said cheerfully.
For a second, Kade just stared.
"…What?" he muttered.
Then, catching himself, he straightened and exhaled. "Y/N?" He frowned. "Where did you come from?"
She pointed behind her. "The door was open. I was playing and—" she shrugged, "—I came in."
The door.
He had forgotten to close it.
Kade let out a quiet laugh, more surprised than amused. "That explains it."
She smiled brighter. "This place is huge."
"It's not meant for wandering," he said, but his tone wasn't sharp.
He pulled a chair back. "Sit. Don't touch the shelves."
She climbed onto the chair obediently, feet swinging in the air.
"Okay."
Kade turned toward a small cabinet built into the side of the library—his private freezer. He opened it, took out a neatly packed pastry, and placed it in front of her.
"Strawberry vanilla," he said. "Eat slowly."
Her eyes lit up. "For me?"
"Yes."
She didn't hesitate.
She hopped off the chair and hugged him suddenly, small arms wrapping around his waist.
"Thank you!"
Kade stiffened.
For half a second, he didn't move at all.
Then, carefully, he stepped back—gently, not pushing, just creating distance.
"That's enough," he said calmly.
She looked up, confused for a moment, then nodded. "Sorry."
He watched her from a small distance as she returned to the chair, happily digging into the pastry.
Too close, he thought.
Always too close.
He kept his hands folded behind his back.
As she ate, cream smeared the corner of her mouth.
She didn't notice.
Kade did.
Without stepping nearer, he took out his handkerchief, waited until she looked up, then leaned just enough to gently wipe the cream away.
"There," he said. "Clean."
She grinned. "I like this place."
He didn't answer.
Because he liked it too—
only because she was in it.
And that was exactly why he stayed where he was.
At a distance.
Watching.
Protecting.
Admiring.
Never letting her see what he carefully kept hidden.....