“This compendium on rare species is incredible!” Jane said excitedly. “Especially this chapter on deep sea creatures.”

Leo stood next to her as she quickly browsed over the pages of the book she was holding while cheerily commenting every small detail she deemed interesting. As a descendant of a noble family, he was allowed to visit the great library whenever he wanted, but his friend had more humble origins and was not as lucky, even if she had managed to obtain a scholarship and was currently top of her class at the kingdom’s academy.

That is why, several days ago, he had decided to surprise her by acquiring a special permission that would allow her to visit the great library. After pulling some strings, he finally achieved his goal and dragged her along really early in the morning. Needless to say Jane was incredibly excited and surprised when she found out she would be able to visit the library.

“I could stay here for hours and never get tired.” As she said this, she proceeded to close the book and perform some light shoulder and neck stretching.

Leo laughed. “Well, we have been here for five hours already, so I’ll have to believe you.”

“Time flies by when you are having fun!” After completing her stretching, she turned to him. “I still can’t believe I’m here, it feels like a dream. I’ve been able to read so many interesting things that I don’t know which book has been my favourite so far.”

She distractedly handed the book se was holding to her friend and turned around to continue browsing the shelves whilst pondering out loud.

“Perhaps that guide on herbs? It could be useful for elaborating medicines. Oh, but there’s also that book written by a craftsman from another kingdom on the characteristics of different types of metals and how to work with them. Of course, I must not forget about the novels, I love good stories!”

Jane’s ramblings continued for several minutes as the two of them walked around the aisles and reached a clearing where reading tables were located. They had not seen many people inside the library since they had arrived in the morning, so they were not surprised to find all the tables were currently empty.

“So, what do you think?” Jane enquired, as she suddenly came to a halt.

”… You lost me when you started talking about ancient runes,” Leo replied. At that point he was carrying two additional books Jane had picked along the way, but luckily they were quite small when compared to some of the tomes they had seen, so he had no trouble carrying them in one arm.

“A fascinating topic, indeed.” Jane said, as she started to look around. “In any case, you really didn’t have to keep me company all this time. I’m sure you’d prefer to spend your time doing something more entertaining than being stuck at the library with me.”

“Uhm… Listen,” Leo started, “the truth is I–“

“Aha!” She exclaimed. “I still haven’t checked out that section, be right back!” As she said this, Jane dashed off towards a sign that read ‘Ancient architecture’.

In a mere instant, Leo was left alone standing in the middle of the enormous library. “I just wanted to spend the day with you,” he sighed.

Knowing his friend, it would still take some time for her to rummage around that newly found section of the library. Leo decided to seat at a reading table and started to browse the compendium on rare species she had picked up earlier. It wasn’t often he could leisurely read a book without worrying about other responsibilities. Due to his noble upbringing, he was expected to work towards becoming a knight of renown, so he’d spent most of his free time training, as was his family’s wishes.

“Maybe it’s better this way,” he murmured to himself, as he closed his eyes and laid back. “She’s going to be a great scholar someday, and I’m just an idiot trapped by his family’s legacy. They would never allow it… and she deserves much more…”

The evening sun was coming in through a distant window, slightly warming the area where Leo was seated, and he could feel his conscience slowly fading away as he dozed off.

Suddenly, a pair of arms appeared from behind the chair and tenderly crossed over his chest as Jane poked her head from one of the sides.

“Hey! What are you reading?”

“In the name of… ” Leo said, startled. “Don’t scare me like that, Jane”. That part of hers had not changed since they were children. From time to time she would appear out of nowhere and surprise him, all while maintaining a radiant smile.

“Oh, come on. As if this were enough to scare you Sir knight-to-be,” she said, grinning. “So, what are you doing?”

“I was trying to read the book you picked up earlier, but I guess I’m no match for you. I can hardly make out half of its contents.” He then started to sit up. “Did you find anything interesting over there?”

Jane fell silent, as she slightly tightened her grip.

“I’m such a horrible person,” she murmured. “You went to such extents to obtain permission for me the visit the library and I’ve just been ignoring you all day.” Just as he heard this, Leo froze in place.

“No Jane, listen. I don’t mi–,” he started.

“I know you don’t mind,” Jane interrupted him. “You never do. Because you are the best person I know, and always put up with my selfishness.”

“I…,” he tried to say, still frozen. He could feel Jane had begun to tremble.

“And I always wish that these days could go on forever, just you and me,” she continued, sobbing. “But that’s me being selfish again. I have no right to wish for that. I’m the idiot, and you are the one who deserves much more.”

As he heard this, Leo gently grabbed her hands, still crossed over his chest, and whispered. “I guess… we are both idiots…”