In Lilac Bloom

Accidental Contact.

The library was quieter than usual, the kind of quiet that made every sound feel louder than it should.

I got there first.

I settled at one of the desks and started to bring my books out, while waiting for Daniel to show up.

My eyes kept drifting to the entrance and I assured myself that I was just being punctual, nothing more.

A few minutes later, Daniel walked in.

Our eyes met almost immediately, and for a split second, neither of us moved.

“Hey,” he said softly, pulling out a chair across from me.

“Hey.”

That was it, no jokes, no bickering. Just that one word hanging in the deafening silence.

He brought out his notes and we both pretended to study.

Keyword being pretended.

Daniel’s pen hovered over his notebook, unmoving.

His eyes distant and unfocused.

They were fixed on the page but I could tell he wasn’t reading.

He looked disturbed and every now and then he’d shift in his seat uncomfortably.

I caught a faint smell- cigarettes.

My face contorted into a small frown.

“Okay, you know we’re not doing the assignment right? Just tell me what’s wrong, you seem very disturbed.” I broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Eh? What do you mean?” He said, acting as if he doesn’t understand.

“Look, I’m no expert but I can tell when something’s bothering someone, so spill.”

“I’m fine, really.” He said with a forced smile.

“Gosh, you’re so stubborn, just talk.” I rolled my eyes.

“I said I’m fine.” He said, with a frown and his voice going a few octaves higher.

“Whoa there, forget I ever asked you anything. We should just focus on the assignment yeah?” I said.

“Yeah.” He replied.

“So, I’ll take direct rule, you’d take indirect rule, got it?” I said.

“Sure.” He replied with a clenched jaw.

.

We both started writing furiously on our notebooks. Me out of annoyance and he out of, I don’t know, frustration?

My pen fell to the ground with a soft clatter and rolled to Daniel’s chair.

Oh great, now I’d have to talk to him.

Ugh.

He slid my pen towards me “You dropped this.”

“Thanks.” Our fingers brushed as I took it.

The contact was brief, accidental… But neither of us moved away immediately.

Something warm and fuzzy settled in my stomach.

Then the librarian cleared her throat loudly from across the room.

We both jumped back like we’ve been caught doing something illegal.

Daniel chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. “Guess we really should work now.”

I nodded in agreement, unable to form words at the moment.

For the rest of lunch, we worked quietly- really worked this time.

Still, every now and then, I’d catch him stealing glances at the clock, his knee bobbing up and down nervously.

When the bell rang, signifying it was time for the 6th period, he packed up fast.

“So um, I guess I’ll see you later then?” I said.

“Yeah, tomorrow.” He said amidst slinging his backpack on his shoulder.

“What do you mean? We still have at least 4 periods left for the day.” I said with a small frown.

“I have to be home right now, I have some… things I need to sort out.” He said with a forced smile.

“But you need a special permit for that, don’t you?” I asked.

He heaved a deep, tired sigh. “I’m going to get one from the principal right now, you go on ahead to class, and I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble because of me again.”

He gave me a small wave, turned round and left.

I watched his back disappear between the shelves, a strange feeling settling in my chest.

I wasn’t sure when it happened, but somewhere between

yesterday and now….

Daniel had become someone I cared about.

And that scared me a little.