James, the youngest sibling of Vanessa and William, sought refuge in the quiet solitude of the Ashworth University library.
Following William's departure from town, events had spiraled around James, leaving him anxious and overwhelmed.
The library offered a temporary escape from the chaos. He buried himself in a thick textbook, hoping to find solace and calm his racing mind.
After my brother left town, so much has happened at the palace, he mumbled to himself, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. Vanessa... she's changed. I suddenly feel bad for Lita. I hope this chaos settles down eventually... I need to calm myself.
James close his eyes for a bit as he suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from behind him,
"James?"
A soft low tone voice as he looks up from the textbook he saw Railyn, a classmate from his senior year of highschool, is also now a college student, and studying the same university ad him.
A wave of warmth washes over him as he sees her. Railyn's presence is a welcome distractions from his worries. Railyn approache him with a gentle smile, her eyes reflection of concern.
"How are you doing?" She asks, her voice all soft and friendly. James was surprised to her question but she appreciates her kindness.
"Nothing much, just reviewing things for lessons," he said gently. "What brings you here?" He mumbled to himself, Why is she here?
"Oh, nothing," Railyn said. "I just noticed you've been distant lately. Is something wrong?"
James put down his textbook on the wooden table. "Oh, just a lot on my mind," he replied. "Spacing out a bit from social things might help, I guess..." He return a smile.
"Well, you know you're always free to talk to me, James," she said softly, a warm smile on her face. She sat beside him, adjusting her blue uniform skirt, and placed a concerned hand on his shoulder. "I'm your friend, after all, and I'm always here."
"Thanks, I appreciate that," James said, returning her warm smile and laying his hand over hers on his shoulder. "I'll try my best to catch up after this time apart, I promise."
"Great to hear! Now cheer up!" Railyn said, settling back in her chair. "So, would you mind if I joined you in reviewing?"
"Of course, why not?" James nodded.
"Awesome!" Railyn exclaimed, a little too loudly.
"Sh!" The librarian warned, causing both of them to blush sheepishly before giggling softly and looking back at each other.
While they reviewed, James gazed at Railyn, a soft smile playing on his lips.
She wasn't bad at all... She'd helped him, been there for him, noticed everything. Railyn Berg, a commoner...
I guess this isn't as bad as I thought, James mused. I'm probably overthinking everything that's happened.