CHLORIS POV

IT WAS Saturday. It’s a beautiful day to stay at home.

My original plan is to have an anime marathon. But I received a call from Flame. He said he'll pick me up and we will go somewhere. I still don't have any idea where he is going to bring me, but I immediately say yes. I hurriedly fixed myself, dressed up, and do some makeup.

Since that day, we found out that we have the same sentiments we became closer. And I love that. Aside from we easily understand each other, I felt like he needs me. He needs someone who can relate to what he was going through. He needs someone who had the same dilemma. And I believe that was me.

He led me to his passion--reading gothic stories, fantasy, mystery, and a lot of out-of-this-world stories. And it was not hard for me to love those kinds of stuff. I am into reading, also.

Exactly when I was finished fixing myself, the doorbell rang. I hurriedly come down the stair.

"I'll do it," I told Yaya Mercy, our house help, when she was about to open the door. I knew already that it was Flame who's outside.

"Are you going somewhere?" I can see that Yaya Mercy was surprised to see me dressed up.

"Yes, I'll be with my classmate. It's a school project." I secretly crossed my fingers. I lied. "We'll do a school project outside."

She might not let me go out if I told her I'll just hang out with my friend. Mom instructed her not to let me go out if it is not essential.

"Alright. Don't be late on your way home." She said without a trace of disbelief.

I nodded and went out.

I smiled widely upon seeing Flame standing, leaning on the outside our gate.

"Where to?" I asked him in excitement.

"At the old library."

For a moment, my smile wanted to disappear. But I reminded myself that I should not. Being with Flame during the weekend is already something I should be grateful for already.

"Wait, have you had your breakfast?" He suddenly asked.

That's not new. Flame is a thoughtful guy. "Let's dine somewhere near."

"That's the best thing I heard from you, Flame." Smiling, I reached for his arm and wrapped my arm around his. "Your treat?"

"Nah!" He clacked. "When did I ever let you pay for our meal, huh?"

I pouted my lips. "Let's go?"

We dropped by to fast food near the subdivision, grabbed breakfast, and proceed to the old library. We were roaming around when I decided to asked questions.

"Why did you suddenly think of coming here?"

I know that Flame loves the book, but he used to purchase it online. All the books he reads are electronic books or the so-called "eBooks". I doubt if he'll find books of his interest in this old library. Except, of course, if he prepared ancient texts at this moment.

"We have a research project in Social Studies, right? And you know how strict Mrs. Dimaano was in regards to the deadline." He pulled out a book from the high shelves. "She also doesn't want us to take it online. She preferred a lot of references."

I wanted to wince over him but preferred to nod when he faced me. So, I ended up telling the truth to Yaya Mercy. TSS! But whatever. At least, I would be able to finish my project while being with Flame.

I started to look for my own reference. I kind of like the idea of doing our projects together, even though it was an individual project. Flame asked me to join with him, and that was more than okay with me. The fact that he chose to do it with me is already great.

Nah! What is so surprising about that? He asked me to join him because he was not closed to anybody but me.

I wanted to yell the other part of myself who used to be against the always sunny side of myself. I've gathered enough books when I notice Flame stopped by at one side of the library and opened a book. I approached Flame.

"What is that?"

Flame seemed surprised by my sudden appearance. I snout pointed the small, thick book in his hand. It looks old, actually. The pages are crisp, and some had been tweaked. I can see the perforated signs that the termite devours the pages of the book. Flame closed the book and looked at the title. The book cover is thick and sturdy.

"FOUR CORNERS OF THE REVERSE WORLD." He read the title.

I knotted my forehead. “Why did you get that one? It has nothing to do with our lessons in Social Studies."

Flame tapped the thick cover of the book. "The title is interesting. I'll borrow this one, also."

I shrugged. He opened the book again. Some pages have the drawing of something I don't understand. Those seemed like symbols or like an amulet in ancient times. Some look like a badge. Words are written in the language I am not familiar with. I even suspected it is not an existing language. And if it does, then I don't know what kind of writing is that.

"Are you sure you wanted to read that? I think you wouldn't understand what is written in that." I tried to discourage him.

When Flame nodded, I just shrugged him off and let him do whatever he pleased. Knowing him, he really loves weird stuff like that. Maybe he just wanted to kill his boredom inside their house.

"Let's go? These books must be enough already?"

Flame helped me with the books I picked. When we asked the librarian to record the books we are going to borrow, we were surprised to know that the old book Flame lastly picked was not listed in the library record. Regardless, the librarian encoded to her computer that we borrowed the book FOUR CORNERS OF THE REVERSE WORLD.