Bump of Fate

Chapter Three: Diving into the What-If

Ava pushed aside the lingering thoughts of the mysterious message as she settled into her favorite corner of the library, laptop open and research papers scattered around her. She had deadlines to crush and fantasies to ignore. But the thrill of "See you soon" lingered like a dare.

As she typed away on her latest article, the creaky old doors of the library swung open. A guy with messy hair and a backpack slipped in, scanning the rows like he was searching for something – or someone. Ava's eyes met his for a beat, curiosity piqued, before he vanished into the stacks.

Lily texted: "Book club at mine tonight! Ethan's picking the juiciest rom-com." Ava smiled, typing back: "Count me in."

The stranger reappeared at the edge of her vision, lingering near the romance section. Ava raised an eyebrow. Was he…checking out the competition?

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with an _unknown number_: "Lost in the library. Can you help?"

Ava's heart skipped. Was this…it?

Ava's thumbs flew across the screen: "Where are you?" The reply came swift: "Near the 800s. Come find me." A shiver danced down her spine. Was this a game? She glanced around – the library was eerily quiet, rows of books stretching like shadows. The stranger's gaze flicked up from the romance novels, locking onto hers. He raised an eyebrow, as if daring her.

Ava stood, her voice barely a whisper. "Lily, I…need to go." Lily's puzzled face appeared on screen. "What’s wrong?" "Just…something came up." The stranger matted away, leaving a bookmark with a scribble: _Meet me by the archives. – A_

Her heart pounded. Archives were off-limits after hours…but that was the point.

Ava slipped through the dim aisles, pulse racing. The archives loomed ahead, doors half-hidden in shadows. A hand reached out, pulling her in. "Lost, aren't you?" a low voice whispered.

Darkness swallowed her. The door creaked shut.