“Oh, I didn’t know it was your birthday the other day. Belated Happy Birthday, Rin-senpai!” Calvin greeted me when we met at the cafeteria the next day.
I was sharing with him my latest findings that I got carried away in telling him about the photo session.
“Senpai?” I repeated. I thought it was funny but at the same time cringe-y.
“Yeah, like in the anime. Cool, isn’t it?” He chuckled and seemed proud of his idea.
I am the youngest in the family so I had no idea how it feels to have a younger sibling. Maybe in a way, it's like this.
“Ah, speaking of pictures, my sister used to take pictures a lot,” he said.
“Now that you mention it, have you checked the camera she had left behind? Are there any more pictures that could be related to the case?” I asked.
Calvin frowned. “That’s another strange thing. We couldn’t find it. We looked everywhere and even asked her classmates if someone borrowed it. But they didn’t know a thing.”
“Do you think she had hidden it somewhere? If she was using it for her investigation then she must be keeping it—”
“Rin?”
“Safe,” I finished my sentence, turning my head towards the voice who had called my name. I knew that voice very well.
“Y-yana. Buying something?” I greeted her, trying to keep it casual.
“Er—actually I’ve been looking for you,” she said. I could tell something was off.
“Why? Did something happen?”
She looked at me and then at Calvin and quickly answered. “Ah, it’s nothing. I’m just wondering if you want to spend the break with me. I mean, since it’s study period after this… I thought… you might want to go to the library.”
I don’t know how to put it, but she seemed not her usual self. She used to be so straightforward with me and a bit demanding. I was new to this timid side of her.
“Of course. I’d love to.” I got up from my seat and smiled at her.
“Bye, senpais!” Calvin waved at us as I exited the cafeteria with Yana.
“I didn’t know you had a friend from a younger year,” Yana said to me as we headed off to the library.
Good thing I had already thought of a believable explanation just in case. “Well, it’s not really a friend… It’s more of I’m helping him in his subjects. He actually approached me when he was having a hard time doing his homework in the library.”
“I see… That’s very nice of you then.” Yana nodded. “And you have been tutoring him around since then?”
“Pretty much…” I laughed awkwardly to hide my nervousness.
We entered the library and Yana chose a table at the far side, near the window; an area blocked by a large bookshelf. Students didn’t usually frequent that place because the AC wasn’t strong there. It was my favorite spot, though, and it was where Yana had found me one time I went missing.
We quietly sat down next to each other while I waited if there was something she wanted to tell me but she just gave a big yawn.
Sensing she might be bored, I talked to her instead. “What do you want to study right now? Ah, do you want me to get that book you didn’t finish last time? Wait I’ll—”
To my surprise, Yana grasped my wrist which stopped me from leaving my seat. “Just stay here...” she mumbled. She gently lowered her head to the table, finding a comfortable spot on top of her folded arms.
Her eyelids began drooping and I smiled to myself. So she wants to sleep, huh. I guess I’ll be on the lookout then… even if the librarian doesn’t mind.
I didn’t bother getting a book to read. The sunlight was nice and soft and it was quiet with no one else at the moment. Yana was sleeping soundly while I spent the entire time watching the gentle rise and fall of her back. Alternately, I couldn’t help but to look at how calm her face was.
How many times has it been that I get to watch her sleep? I mused. I feel so lucky.
There were a few strands that fell sideways to her face and I felt the urge to tuck them behind her ear. But slowly… gently… careful that my fingertips wouldn’t brush her skin. I didn’t want to wake her up.
Yana stirred a little, though, inching closer to the table. I retreated my hand just in time when I heard her gasp and jolt back.
“Oww…” She hazily opened her eyes and felt her ID. “It… stabbed me…” she mumbled.
“Ah, you should remove your ID first before you sleep. That’s No. 1 rule of napping, you know,” I remarked expertly even though she wasn’t listening. Then I reached for the strap on her neck and helped her remove it.
“Why are you so cute?” I said with a quiet laugh. “Sleep more, okay?” I whispered to her as I fixed her hair once again.
Holding her ID, I took a look at her picture then tried it on just for fun. I mused at how an innocent-looking object could be a possible cause of injury if worn in that position.
I settled it close to my heart, and almost instantly, as if on cue, it dawned upon me—the missing key.