"Sometimes," Ashi admitted with a thoughtful expression. "But that's part of the charm. It's like finding treasure in a crowded place. The more you explore, the more rewarding it feels."
Haari chuckled. "You make it sound like an adventure."
"Because it is!" Ashi said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Her excitement was contagious as she marveled at rare finds and discussed her favorite genres.
"You really have an eye for books," Haari said, leaning over to glance at the mystery novel Ashi was inspecting.
Ashi laughed softly. "It's not like I'm a book expert or anything. I just… like finding stories that feel different. You know, the kind that sticks with you after you finish reading."
"Yeah, I get that," Haari replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I mean, I've read some stuff that made me think for days. But you seem to have, like, a real connection with books. It's cool."
Ashi turned to him, a little embarrassed by the compliment. "Thanks, but I'm just a regular book nerd. You're making it sound way more impressive than it is."
"Well, I think it's impressive," Haari said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
Ashi shrugged, her tone light. "I guess so. It's like… every book feels like a mini adventure, you know? Even if it's just a romance or a slice-of-life story, it's fun to get lost in someone else's world for a while."
"Yeah, I like that," Haari said with a nod. "So, do you have a favorite author? Like someone whose books you'll read no matter what they write?"
"Hmm, not really," Ashi admitted, tilting her head as she thought. "I mean, there are authors I like, but I don't stick to just one. It depends on my mood. What about you?"
"Me?" Haari asked, caught off guard. "Uh… I don't think I have one either. I just pick up whatever looks interesting."
Ashi smirked. "So, basically, you're saying you judge books by their covers."
"Hey, I didn't say that!" Haari protested, laughing. "But, okay, maybe a little. Sometimes a good cover can sell you on the whole thing."
"I knew it," Ashi teased, her smile widening. "You're one of those readers."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Haari asked, pretending to be offended.
"Nothing," Ashi said, still laughing. "I just mean you probably pick books that look cool without reading the back first."
"Guilty," Haari admitted, grinning. "But it works sometimes! I've found some great reads that way."
They walked past another stall, the vendor calling out deals on classic literature. Haari glanced at the books, then back at Ashi. "So… do you ever come to these fairs for anything besides books? Like the vibe, the food, or whatever?"
Ashi thought for a moment. "I mean, the atmosphere is nice. And the food's always tempting, but for me, it's mostly about the books. What about you? Now that you've been to one, do you think you'll come again?"
"Maybe," Haari said, shrugging. "But only if you're here to guide me. I'd probably just wander around like a lost puppy without you."
After walking through a few more stalls, Haari let out a small sigh. "Man, I didn't think book fairs would be this exhausting. My feet are killing me."
Ashi smirked. "Oh, poor Kichiro-san. Can't handle a little walking?"
"Hey, I'm just saying, we've been at it for hours," Haari said, pissed off. "And it's not just the walking. It's dodging all those people. It feels like I'm in some kind of obstacle course."
Ashi glanced around at the bustling crowd. "It is pretty packed. I didn't think it'd be this crowded today."
"Exactly," Haari said, gesturing to a group of people blocking the walkway ahead. "You've got to be a ninja just to get to the next stall."
Ashi laughed. "Alright, how about we take a break? There's a café nearby."
Haari's eyes lit up. "Now you're speaking my language."
"Of course I am," Ashi said with a grin. "I can't have my book-fair buddy passing out on me."
"Book-fair buddy, huh? I like the sound of that," Haari teased.
Ashi rolled her eyes but smiled as they made their way toward the café. "Let's just get you something to drink before you start complaining again."
"Hey, I wasn't complaining. I was making an observation," Haari said, feigning offense.
"Sure, sure," Ashi replied, shaking her head with a laugh.
The café was a warm little haven, tucked away from the bookfair's bustle. Haari and Ashi snagged a corner table by the window, soft jazz humming through the air, mingling with the rich scent of coffee and buttery pastries. Outside, the late afternoon sun dipped low, casting golden streaks across the glass.
Haari sank into his chair, cradling a steaming mug. "This place is nice," he said, glancing around—wooden beams, mismatched lamps, a chalkboard menu scribbled with specials. "How'd you find it?"
Ashi shrugged, sliding her bag under the table, a stack of new books poking out the top. "I've been here a couple of times after the fair. It's my decompress spot—calms the chaos."
"Good pick," he said, taking a long sip, the coffee warming his throat. He let out a satisfied groan. " Just what I needed. The fair was fun, but wow, it's also so tiring."
Ashi smirked, stirring her latte, the spoon clinking softly. "That's because you're not used to it. Book fairs can be overwhelming if you're not prepared."
"Yeah, no kidding," Haari said, rubbing his neck with a sheepish grin. "Felt like a maze with a mob at every turn—people shoving, stacks tipping. I'm amazed I didn't trip."
"You survived," she teased, sipping her drink, eyes glinting over the rim. "Thanks to your expert guide, obviously."
"Couldn't have done it without you," he shot back, grinning wide. He leaned forward, elbows on the table, the mug steaming between his hands. "So, this your usual post-fair move? Hole up here and recharge?"
"Pretty much," she said, tracing a finger along her mug's handle. "When I come alone_I usually sit here for a while...and read something I picked up. It's kind of my tradition."
Haari nodded, watching her for a beat, the jazz filling the pause. "Sounds chill. But…" He tilted his head, voice softening. "Kinda lonely, right? Just you and the pages?"
Ashi's gaze flicked to the window, then back, a small shrug lifting her shoulders. "Not really. It's peaceful—me time. But…" She paused, her lips quirking. "I guess it's different when you have someone to share it with.
"Glad I could crash your tradition then," he said, flashing a warm smile that crinkled his eyes. "I also had fun "
" You had "
" Yeah it was better than scrolling Rafta's meme dump at home."
She laughed, light and easy, setting her mug down. "Oh, come on—those memes aren't that bad. But yeah, me too. It's nice—talking, wandering. Feels more… real with someone."
The conversation rolled on, effortless—Haari mocking the guy who'd nearly bowled him over for a rare paperback, Ashi admitting she'd snagged a cookbook on impulse. He fished a crumbly scone from the plate they'd split, popping it in his mouth mid-story, while she doodled on a napkin with a pen she'd dug from her bag.
He nodded, sipping his coffee, the mug warm against his lips. "Yeah. Let's do it again sometime."
"Deal," Her expression softened, her smile mirroring his, small but steady.
After a comfortable silence, Ashi spoke up again. "Kichiro-san, thank you for the other day."
Haari looked puzzled. "You've already thanked me so many times. You don't have to keep repeating it."
"No, not that," Ashi said, her tone more serious. "I mean for the ice cream you included in the lunch box."
"Oh, that?" Haari laughed lightly. "It was nothing, really. Just a little extra thought."
Ashi hesitated, looking down at her mug. "There's something I didn't tell you. I… really like ice cream. Even at my age, I still get excited about it. But it's kind of embarrassing to admit that out loud."
"Eh? Ice cream?" Haari blinked, surprised.
"How could you know?" Ashi said, glancing at him with a sheepish smile. "I've never told anyone. I'm worried people might laugh at me for liking something so… childish."
"Laugh at you?" Haari tilted his head. "Why would they do that?"
Ashi fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. "I don't know… because it seems immature?"
"Who knows, maybe I would," Haari teased with a smirk.
"What?!" Ashi's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting in disbelief.
"Just kidding!" Haari quickly added, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm not going to laugh at you, Nicawa-san. It's perfectly normal to like ice cream, no matter your age. In fact, I think it's great."
"You really think so?" Ashi's expression softened, though there was still a hint of doubt in her eyes.
"Of course," Haari said with conviction. "Everyone should enjoy the things they love, no matter what other people think. If ice cream makes you happy, then eat it as much as you want!"
Ashi's lips slowly curved into a smile. "You promise you won't tell anyone?"
"I promise," Haari said sincerely.
Ashi let out a small, relieved laugh. "Thank you, Kichiro-san. I feel better now."
Haari leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Good. Now let's head back; it's getting late."
"Yes, let's head back," Ashi agreed, her smile lingering as they finished their drinks and prepared to leave.
The café door chimed softly behind them as Haari and Ashi stepped outside. The crisp evening air greeted them, carrying a faint chill that pricked at their skin. The streets were alive with a gentle hum—distant conversations, the soft rumble of passing cars, and the occasional clinking of wind chimes from nearby shops. Overhead, the sky had darkened into a deep indigo, sprinkled with the first few stars daring to peek through the city's glow.
Haari shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, glancing up at the sky. "Man, it's colder than I expected. I should've brought a scarf or something." He exhaled, watching his breath form a little cloud in the air.
Ashi tucked her hands into her coat as she shot him a knowing look. "You didn't check the weather, did you?"
"Nope," Haari admitted with a shrug, his tone sheepish. "I thought, 'Eh, how bad could it be?' Clearly, I was wrong."
Ashi sighed, shaking her head in mock disappointment. "You never plan ahead, do you? You're lucky you didn't freeze to death at the book fair."
"Hey, I survived, didn't I?" Haari grinned. "Besides, you'd have dragged me around anyway, even if I was half-frozen."
Ashi rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips. "Dragged you around? You were the one trailing after me like a lost puppy."
"Well, I had to make sure the book fair expert didn't get lost in the crowd," Haari shot back, smirking.
Their chuckles mingled with the soft tap of their footsteps on the pavement, the station just a few blocks ahead. The streets had hushed, the bookfair's roar fading into a distant hum, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the occasional car rolling by.
"So," Ashi started, her voice breezy as she nudged him with her elbow, "did you actually buy anything back there? Or were you just tailing me for kicks?"
Haari grinned, hands shoved deep in his pockets. "Uh… nah, didn't grab anything," he admitted, scratching his neck. "Looked at some sci-fi stuff, but nothing stuck. Guess I was too busy dodging elbows—and keeping up with you."
Ashi raised a brow, smirking. "What, no haul? I thought you'd at least snag something cool after all that wandering."
"Nope," he said, laughing low. "I'm a rookie—didn't know what to pick. You're the pro; I just followed your lead."
She slowed her step, her grin softening into something warmer. "Well… good thing I've got you covered then." She unzipped her bag, fishing around for a second before pulling out a slim paperback—worn edges, a sleek spaceship on the cover. "Here," she said, holding it out, her cheeks tinting pink. "It's one of my favorites—thought it might be your speed."