A/N: so, guys, I'm going to start doing dedications because all of you truly deserve it. Even if you don't notice, all of you inspire me and make me want to continue writing every time you vote and comment.
So, this chapter is dedicated to ComicsAndChill because they're so kind hearted and they're one of those readers who comment sweet things. (My favorite type!)
Thank you, ComicsAndChill , for reading this book and for supporting me. I will forever be grateful.
Anyway, this is about to be a super long chapter. You're welcome :).
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"Ciao!" Cig yelled out when he saw her across the park.
She looked up and grinned. "Ciao, Cig."
When she reached him, she pulled out her phone and glanced at him. "So, I searched for any Italian books in my house and it turns out... I don't have any."
"That's okay, " he nodded. "We can check out a book from the library."
"Yeah, I was thinking about that. My phone says there's a nearby libraryâ"
"Oh, no need for phones, Rainy. I used to go to the library with my mom every day when I was a kid. It's only a few blocks away, " he told her.
"Well then, lead the way!"
He smiled, but before he began walking, he reached for her hand. Her cheeks became pink and she looked down.
Seeing her blush made his heart flutter. He was so in love with her that at any moment, he felt he would explode of happiness.
And she felt things with him, things she did not understand. But she yearned to learn because she wanted to be happy.
With him.
"So, Rainy, how many books have you read this year?" he asked her, giving her hand a little squeeze. "Perhaps too many to count?"
"I think so, " she laughed and he joined her.
It wasn't too hot or too cold that afternoon. It was bright and breezy, just the right weather for them.
They looked around as they passed some small shops. He pointed the big things while she pointed out the small things. But they both loved everything.
Their differences brought them together and caused them to see the world in a different light. In their light.
To him, if there was anything perfect in the world, it was her and him. Together.
He lead her across the road, holding her closely, before turning a corner. "Here it is!"
"Oh, wow..." she trailed off as she gazed up at the building.
"Nice, right?"
"Nice?" she chuckled. "This is the biggest library I've ever seen!"
"Yeah. It's pretty old, too, " he nodded.
She looked back down at the doors and pulled his hand. "Let's go already! Let's find our Italian books."
"Okay, okay!" he laughed and followed behind her.
As soon as she walked in, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. He couldn't help grinning.
"Do you like it?" he questioned and she smiled at him.
"Cig, I love it. This is heaven. Jesus, it's so beautiful!"
"Language books are over there but you should check out something else too. The books here are fantastic. Especially the mystery books, " he informed her and she nodded.
"Alright, thanks, Cig. Do you want to look at the Italian books or...stay with me?" she gave him a shy smile.
He couldn't resist her beautiful smile. He couldn't resist her at all.
For two and a half hours, they talked, recommended books for each other, discovered new books, and laughed so much. They had fun.
There were moments that she would lean on him or he would hold her hand. They simply couldn't stay away from each other.
"Hey, Rainy. Are you in a hurry to get home today?" he asked her, holding the three books they checked out, but she shook her head. "Well, are you hungry? We could eat somewhere."
She grinned. "Sure. Have any suggestions?"
"Um..." he paused. "Oh! We should go to an Italian restaurant!"
"Yeah, where's that?"
"I'm pretty sure it's...oh, it's right across, " he pointed and she nodded. They held hands again while they walked to the restaurant.
When they got seated, he gave her a menu first before taking one for himself. She smiled kindly at him as a thank you.
He cleared his throat. "I, uh, think the pizza here is good. I've had it before, just the plain cheese."
"Oh? I am in the mood for pizza. Do you want to share one?" she quirked an eyebrow at him and he nodded.
"Small or medium?"
"I think small is fine. From the picture I see here, it's pretty big, " she said.
"Alright. I'll order for us."
He told the waiter what they would like to eat and they each told him their drinks. The waiter nodded, smiling, before walking away.
"Thank you, " they both called after the waiter.
She faced him. "So, Cig, how are you today?"
"I'm very good, thank you. How are you, Rainy?" he leaned forward, beaming at her.
"Happy, " she sighed and he put his hand over hers comfortingly.
"Me too."
Her eyes wandered down to their hands and she interlaced their fingers. A smile spread across her face as she stared at their hands.
Happy, she thought.
Soon after they ate, they stood outside and looked at each other. He stepped closer to her, which made her heart pound.
His hands found hers again while he gazed at her. She couldn't find the courage to meet his eyes.
Slowly, he lifted up her chin and they locked eyes.
Their hearts hammered.
Her breathing hitched.
His eyes searched her eyes.
Then... he began to lean in.
And she leaned in too.
But when their lips were just centimeters apart, they stopped. Their thoughts swirled and they opened their eyes.
In each other's eyes, they knew. They saw.
So, he closed the distance between them and softly pressed his lips against hers. His lips lingered there before pulling away.
They both took deep breathes and she looked up at him.
"Cig?"
He gulped. "Yes?"
"Thank you, " she whispered and he nodded.
"Oâof course. Do you, um, want me to walk you home?" he asked her, uncertain.
"Sure, " she smiled at him before they walked hand in hand to her house.
And the entire way, her heart fluttered with my happiness.
She knew what she felt now. She understood everything.
She was in love with him.
And little did she know, he was too.