The Mystery of the Missing Book
As Mr. Coo called them back, Mason and Owen exchanged puzzled glances before walking toward him.
Mason: "What happened?"
Mr. Coo: "I just checked the records, and according to the issue register, the book 'Suzan' has been issued today."
Mason: "Really? But that's impossible! I searched the entire library, and there was no trace of it."
Mr. Coo: "I know, and that's what's strange. We don't even have that book in our collection, yet someone has signed it out today. However, I didn't see her personally."
Mason and Owen exchanged another look, their minds racing with possibilities.
Owen: "Is there any information about the person who issued it? Like a name or anything?"
Mr. Coo flipped through the register again, scanning the records.
Mr. Coo: "Yes, her name is mentioned here."
Mason leaned in eagerly.
Mason: "Who is it?"
Mr. Coo looked up.
Mr. Coo: "Luna."
Mason's eyes widened as he turned to Owen, who smirked.
Owen: "Luna, huh? Bro, this is destiny. I think you should approach her. This book might be the perfect excuse to start a conversation."
Mason, still processing the coincidence, shook his head.
Mason: "Destiny? You're reading too much into it. It's just a coincidence."
Owen: "Well, you can make it your destiny. Go talk to her!"
Mason, trying to ignore Owen's teasing, turned to Mr. Coo.
Mason: "Which house does she belong to?"
Mr. Coo: "Shiwalik."
Mason nodded thoughtfully.
Mason: "Oh, I see."
Owen: "Alright then, should we go talk to her now?"
Mason: "Not yet. If she borrowed the book today, we should wait until tomorrow—give her some time to read it first."
Owen: "As you wish."
They left the library and headed back to their house. That evening, after finishing his homework, Mason noticed Owen casually lying on his bed, not even touching his math notebook.
Mason: "You're not doing the math homework? Do you really think Mr. Evan won't punish you? He did warn you."
Owen: "Oh, Mason, you're in 9th grade, but your thinking is like a 5th grader. Grow up, buddy."
Mason: "Let Mr. Evan 'grow you up' tomorrow!" he said, laughing.
They went to dinner, and just like the previous night, they ran into Lian.
Mason: "Lian, you're from Shiwalik House, right?"
Lian: "Yeah!"
Mason: "Oh, interesting."
They chatted briefly before saying goodnight and heading back to their rooms.
The Next Morning
Mason knocked on Owen's door.
Mason: "Owen, wake up and get ready for school. We're going to be late!"
Owen groaned from under his blanket.
Owen: "Sorry, Mason. Just tell the teacher I'm sick. I can't come to class today."
Mason folded his arms, smirking.
Mason: "Ohhh, so this is why you didn't do the homework! But seriously, a 9th grader making excuses like a 4th grader? That's just sad."
Owen: "I know you're trying to drag me along, but it's not working. I'm not coming."
Mason sighed dramatically.
Mason: "Owen, please! How am I supposed to talk to Luna? I need that book, and only you can help me!"
Owen: "Sorry, not happening. Now hurry up, or you'll be late."
Mason groaned.
Mason: "I will get my revenge for this!"
During Class
Mason reached class on time, but his mind was elsewhere. Throughout the morning, he sat there physically, but mentally, he wasn't present at all. He kept glancing at the clock, waiting for lunch break.
Finally, the bell rang. The students rushed out, eager for lunch. Mason scanned the cafeteria and spotted Luna sitting with her friend Sophie, eating something they had bought from the canteen. Taking a deep breath, he walked toward them.
Before he could say anything, Luna looked up and smiled.
Luna: "Hey, Mason!"
Mason froze. His eyes widened in shock.
Mason: "Wait… how do you know my name?"
—To be continued…