“Like Warm Winter Sunshine”
Chapter 1: The Encounter
Hoshimi City Library was a spacious, modern facility occupying the 5th to 7th floors of a sleek high-rise made of glass and steel.
Through the large glass windows, you could enjoy a panoramic view of Hoshimi City, with the clear winter sunlight pouring in pleasantly.
Tall bookshelves lined each floor in orderly rows, and people could be seen enjoying their books as they moved gracefully through the aisles.
It was 2 PM on December 24th. While many were busy with Christmas Eve preparations, Yota quietly wandered through the library floor, searching for a specific book.
Although Yota was a habitual reader, this was his first visit to this library.
As a system engineer, he usually relied on e-books, but today he felt a special urge to hold a physical book in his hands.
It was a rare holiday afternoon, and he felt an impulse to step away from screens and immerse himself in the tangible world of books.
The reading area by the window featured cozy single-seater chairs bathed in warm sunlight.
Captivated by this serene view, Yota slowly strolled through the literature section on the 6th floor.
At that moment, a young woman carrying books passed by.
She wore a white blouse with a navy skirt, her short black hair leaving a distinct impression.
Her name tag read, “Hoshimi City Library Librarian: Yuina Kuwashima.”
The sight of her holding books brought a gentle warmth to the atmosphere.
A glance at the book cover revealed it to be a work by Hikari Umino—the exact author Yota was searching for.
“Excuse me,” Yota said, calling out to her.
“Where can I find Echoes of the Waves by Hikari Umino?”
Yuina smiled warmly and replied, “I’ll show you.”
Her smile carried the joy of someone who delighted in sharing the world of books with others.
As they walked between the shelves, she added, “I love that book too.”
Her words made Yota’s heart skip just a little.
“What part left the deepest impression on you?” Yota asked, almost reflexively.
Yuina paused and tilted her head, thinking deeply—a gesture that reflected the sincerity of a librarian who took books seriously.
“I really enjoyed the story about Crow,” she replied, her expression softening in a way reserved for moments spent discussing books.
“I found the descriptions of how the lines between reality and fantasy blur to be especially striking,” she added.
Yota nodded in agreement, captivated by her words.
“Oh, here it is,” she said, stopping in front of a bookshelf and pointing to the spine of the book.
In that instant, their fingertips lightly brushed against one another.
It was a fleeting touch, but it left a small yet lingering impression on both their hearts.
Chapter 2: Overlapping Feelings
Two weeks passed after the rush of December, and Yota returned to the library to return Echoes of the Waves.
Yuina was working at the return counter, her profile gently illuminated by the soft winter sunlight streaming through the windows.
Wearing thin black-rimmed glasses, she exuded an intelligent aura.
When Yota handed her the book, she couldn’t help but say, “Next week, the film adaptation of this book is being released.”
Her voice brimmed with the excitement of a book lover.
Her eyes sparkled, revealing a girlish enthusiasm unlike her usual calm demeanor.
“Really? I was actually thinking of going to see it too,” Yota replied, his voice reflecting the same sense of anticipation.
Their conversation naturally flowed.
As they exchanged thoughts on favorite scenes and memorable quotes, they began to sense a shared closeness in their sensibilities.
In the quiet library, the two spoke softly yet passionately, occasionally mindful of other patrons nearby.
Their dialogue seemed endless, as though they had forgotten the time.
“Would you like to have tea in the break room?” Yuina suggested.
“It’s just about my break time,” she added.
Yota was momentarily surprised but couldn’t hide his delight.
The library staff break room was tucked away on the 7th floor.
From its large windows, the winter cityscape stretched out below.
The roads weaving between skyscrapers and the bare trees in the park sparkled in the afternoon sun.
Over warm cups of coffee, they gradually closed the distance between them through their shared love of books.
Yuina revealed that she had loved books since childhood and had always dreamed of working in a library.
Yota, on the other hand, admitted that his job as a programmer favored logical thinking but that he was also drawn to the whimsical worlds of fantasy novels.
“If you’d like,” Yota hesitated slightly before continuing.
“Would you like to watch the movie together next week?”
Yuina blushed slightly and nodded. “Yes, I’d love to.”
Their break was only 15 minutes long, but it became a cherished moment for both of them.
As they exchanged contact information, they both noticed their fingers trembling slightly.
[To Be Continued…]
(Note 1)
Hey, everyone! Listen up!
This story is purely fictional and has no relation to actual people or organizations.
So, feel free to enjoy it without worry!
(Note 2)
The story was created based on responses from multiple AIs and then written by me.
However, AI responses are not always correct, so please be cautious.
I try to verify details through books and the internet as time permits, but mistakes might still occur.
So, please double-check any important information yourself!
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Thank you so much for reading this far!
