The day went by in a blur. It's either my classes were uneventful or I just don't care enough to focus my attention on them.

From previous experiences, I know it's most likely the latter rather than the former. After lunch, I knew Julie's words still stung, reopening a wound that I would rather pretend didn't exist. I've spent the last thirty minutes going through our conversation in my head, knowing she only means well.

'But I doubt anything she says can help me,' I thought distractedly as I scribbled on the back of my notebook.

The hardest part of loving someone too much is receiving most of the pain after the breakup. Like what The Script's lyrics say, "When a heart breaks, it don't break even". Taking in a deep breath, I stared at the name I'd been scribbling on the paper. Anthony. I immediately crumpled and stashed it inside my bag, causing my seatmate to glance in my direction.

"Hey, is everything alright?"

I must've looked like a mad woman, acting so aggressively for no reason while we were in the middle of our English class. I turned to him apologetically.

"Sorry, just... a lot in my mind."

That was an understatement.

Just then, I noticed he was quite good-looking. Easy on the eyes, as some might call it, with that prominent nose and sharp facial features. The mischievous glint in his brown eyes told me he didn't believe my lie, but surprisingly, he played along.

"Well, in case you need to let off a few things from your mind, I'm the guy to look for."

He spoke with such confidence that bitterly reminded me of someone. I know I shouldn't judge a person's character off the bat with it, but I felt rather uncomfortable in his presence. Never mind that he looks more like a model than a student.

"Yeah... sure. Thanks, I guess."

"No problem. I'm River by the way."

"Ebony."

When the professor dismissed us, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Before River could even ask me more about myself, I quickly made an excuse, grabbed my bag, and scurried out of the classroom. Seriously, I'm silently thankful that there's a good chance that I might not see his pleasant face again because this is a general subject at the university. Students from all degree programs enlist in general subjects so there's a big chance that we aren't from the same institute or college building.

When I was about to reach for my phone inside my bag, I suddenly felt the soft texture of the tissue paper I kept.

Upon opening it, the Library Ghost's words---in neat and cursive handwriting---stared at me expectantly.

'Do all ghosts write this legibly?'

A smile crept its way to my lips. Instead of rushing home, I wouldn't miss the chance to be the first person to uncover the mystery of the strange and caring ghost inside The Eastwood Archives.

*

I'm a bit disappointed that there's no manual on "How to Lure a Ghost" among the plethora of books in the public library. But how odd would that be, a book on catching a ghost inside a library with a ghost?

"There."

I stepped back and marveled at my masterpiece. For the first time since who-knows-when, I feel proud of myself.

"Real or not, I bet not even the library ghost would be able to resist this."

The lone plate of chocolate chip cookies under the light of a lamp looked out of place. I was a bit hesitant to put a light on it at first, but how can the ghost possibly find it when it's so dark in here? It's only ten o'clock in the evening, and yet I doubt anyone can find anything inside the library at this hour.

I'm just a concerned citizen.

'Concerned for a ghost? You completely lost it, Ebony,' a voice inside my head commented.

The moment I heard the footsteps, I quickly hid behind one of the shelves. With my heart hammering inside my chest, I waited for the Library Ghost to appear.

There I saw a figure clad in a white blanket approach the table. I smiled when the Library Ghost scanned the study lounge as if he (or she) thought the library was haunted too. My eyes trailed down to its feet, where a pair of worn-out red Converse shoes caught my attention.

I'm no detective, but that plus the height and the silhouette only leads to one conclusion...

"A he," I whispered to myself.

To my amusement, the library ghost finally (and hesitantly) sat down on the chair I prepared for him and started eating the cookies. I watched as a hand reached out from under his blanket, grabbed a cookie, and disappeared under it again. The munching noises finally gave me the last piece of the puzzle.

"You're not a ghost, are you?"

The Library Ghost turned in my direction in surprise as I walked out of my hiding spot.

I smiled and walked towards him, noticing the carved holes in the blanket where his warm brown eyes stared at me in shock. The Library Ghost didn't move from his spot, hand still holding a cookie. Upon realizing this, he quickly returned the half-eaten cookie and turned his head in embarrassment.

If it weren't for that blanket, I'd probably find his cheeks flushed red.

Was he embarrassed that I caught him eating a cookie red-handed or was he embarrassed that I figured out he's the famous Library Ghost?

I sighed.

"Hey, it's okay," I sat on the edge of the table beside him. I don't wanna appear as a threat. Now that I've caught the ghost, I don't know what happens next. But of course, I'll never admit that to him so I shrugged as if I got it all planned out.

"So... you're the Library Ghost who appears at midnight? You're quite early."

To be honest, I thought I had to wait a couple of hours until he appeared.

There was a moment of silence before he finally turned to me. His gaze held a sense of familiarity when he got a closer look at my face. I see no malice in his eyes, just innocence and curiosity.

"And you're the girl who fell asleep crying."

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