The moment we arrived on Newport Beach Public Library, the only word that came out from Mitsume is "Wow." She was too mesmerized by the numerous books around the establishment.

"Mitsume loves books?" Shawn asked as he walks towards me after reserving a seat.

We only stood on the corner, watching Mitsume roam around the shelves.

"Yeah..." I answered softly before turning to his side, "Which class are you in?"

"I'm on the same class as you," he said, chuckling afterwards before walking. "Let's go?"

He's on the same class as me? But why I haven't noticed him... I nodded at him before calling Mitsume's attention.

"Mitsu-kun." I hissed under my breathe since this is a library, we are not allowed to make noise.

It took me a few calls before she turned to me. How would she focus on studying if she's this hyped up because of what surrounds her? Sighs.

"Oh, gomen nasai!" she apologized with a her hand joined in front of her face as she walking towards me then we followed Shawn from behind.

"Until when are you going to stay here?" Shawn asked while we were looking for the books we could use.

"Got you," I murmured as I saw a book of Fundamentals of Management. "Hm... Until November." I answered upon taking out the book from the shelves then I walked towards the opposite shelf.

While looking for a book of College Algebra, I remembered his answer to my question earlier— that we were on the same class. "Why haven't I seen you on the class I'm in ever since I attended the University?" I asked out of curiosity.

"I just got out from the hospital a few days ago," he stopped from searching and when I turned to him, he's already holding three books. "That's why I'm here, to study what I missed."

"Oh..."

After a couple of hours of studying, I suddenly felt hunger. I turned to my left where there's a wall clock only to see that we've been studying here for almost three hours already and it's now four PM in the afternoon. And when I turned to them, I saw Mitsume too focused on the book she's reading— Introduction to Economics with Land Reform and Taxation. We're both taking Business Administration since according to my parents, I'll be the one to take over our business in Yokohama which is a real-estate company.

Shawn's focused on his books as well for he hasn't attended the lecture for almost a week. I wonder what his deal is... I meant the reason why he got hospitalized.

I took a deep breathe, shaking off the thoughts I'm having. I took a piece of paper and a pen then I wrote:

"I'll just go out and grab something to eat, I'm starving."

I slid the paper to where they could read it and they just gave me a thumbs up.

I let out a soft chuckle. They're too focused, I bet they will ace the exams. I grabbed my sling bag before heading out of the library to go on a convenience store we passed by on our way here.

While walking, I couldn't help it but to smile as I think of Mitsume working hard. I've witnessed how she works hard before up until now just to meet her parents' expectation. Mori-san— her father, is too strict when it comes to career. He's a doctor after all.

I bought a strawberry milk and a sandwich on the convenience store. There were no much people inside so it did not take long for me to pay the foods.

I sat on the round table I saw outside the store to eat the sandwich then I fished out my phone from my bag to check my Line to see if there were any message from my friends on Japan.

And I'm not mistaken. My inbox is flooded with their "I miss you, Ichika" messages along with their questions if I'm doing good.

I started typing my replies on them. I'm not expecting to receive a reply since it's already evening in Japan but I waited a few more before I stood up.

I hid my phone back to the pocket of my sling bag before I started walking back to the library. I wanted to buy the two a food to eat but they won't allow us to bring foods inside since eating is prohibited inside the libraries.

I headed straight to the where the Japanese novels are placed to look for Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human.

But while I'm currently focused on searching, I suddenly stumbled on something. It's a good thing that I hurriedly maintained my balance so I didn't fall.

I looked down on the floor to see where I stumbled but I only saw a guy sitting on the floor with his back leaning on the shelves. And a book of I Am a Cat— a Japanese Novel written by Natsume Soseki, is covering his face. So I'm not sure if he is sleeping?

Why does it feels like... Deja vu?

I crouched down to check if he really is sleeping because I'm afraid this poor boy might get scolded by the librarian. I slowly took of the book from his face and surprisingly, I know who it was.

It's none other that Yohan.

I slightly tapped his cheeks, waking him up. He's sleeping peacefully and I don't even know if this is allowed here. Also, he might cause inconvenience to those who are going to get a book. And that's my main concern.

"Hey, wake up..." I whispered softly, still tapping his cheeks lightly.

"What..." he muttered as he slowly opens his eyes. He blinked thrice and when he finally adjusted to the light— I think, his eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm with Mitsume, we're studying together with Shawn. And I happen to stumble on your feet while looking for No Longer Human." I explained then I stood up.

He lifted his hand up, I offered my hand then he held it. This is the first time I get to hold his hands. It's not too rough, and it's quite big for mine. But it fits perfectly.

"Oh my gosh—"

I turned to where it came from only to see Mitsume, staring on our hands.