Page 40 of Sixty Meters Under

“What are we going to do?” Ayame asked once they were behind the closed door.

“I don’t know,” Ryosuke said, and looked around, not feeling like doing anything.

“Wanna watch a movie with me?”

Ryosuke especially didn’t feel like watching a movie with his fiancé, so he quickly added, “I think I’d rather read. I’m going to borrow another book. Be right back.”

Ayame pouted and her face showed a hint of disappointment, so Ryosuke said, “We can still watch it later.” He gave her a small smile as he headed towards the door.

“Of course.” Ayame forced a smile to her lips, and he disappeared on the other side of the door.

While Ryosuke walked through the hallway, his mind swirled. He didn’t know what to think as the anxiety threatened to crawl under his skin.

The library was almost empty, Ryosuke saw only a few residents in the reading corners, but the soothing smell of the books helped him to relax a little. He looked around feeling hismood lighten up a bit and walked to his favorite section to pick a new title.

While his eyes scanned for the most eye-catching spine, Ryosuke rose on his tiptoes and sensed someone stopping beside him and asking, “Need help?”

When Ryosuke heard it, he froze.

Even though he never heard his voice, Ryosuke knew, or maybe he secretly hoped, it was that particular person. But when he turned, he got it confirmed. Lennart stood there right next to him, and Ryosuke all of a sudden forgot how to breathe. He realized with horror that the man looked even better up close. His hair was combed back, and he could see every detail: strong contours of his face, subtle freckles on his slightly tanned complexion, a thin line shining in the center of his lower lip–a piercing he hadn’t noticed until now. And the cologne that flooded his nostrils, Ryosuke thought he might faint.

Ryosuke swallowed hard and uttered, “I-I was about to pull the ladder close.” He smiled nervously and looked away, hoping Lennart didn’t notice what he had stirred inside him.

“Which book?”

Ryosuke forgot which book caught his interest, so he looked up again in hopes to spot it. It took him a moment, and he finally said, “That one.” He pointed at the book he was missing only by a hair’s breadth to grab it by himself.

Lennart reached it without a problem, though the difference in their height wasn’t enormous, but enough for Lennart to reach a shelf higher.

“Thank you,” Ryosuke said and his face warmed. He felt his hands tremble and his voice waver.

Just don’t do something stupid, don’t say something awkward,Ryosuke repeated to himself.

“Anything else?” Lennart asked with a small smile.

“No. Not right now. I still have two books borrowed. So…” Ryosuke found himself blabbering.Dammit. But wait, why would he ask anything else?

“Do you usually enjoy murder mysteries?”

“I… Umm… Yeah.”

“I enjoy it too. One of my favorite genres.” Lennart’s smile broadened.

Ryosuke returned a smile and not knowing what else to add as his nervousness increased, he said, “I… I need to go.”

“Sure. I didn’t mean to bother you.” Lennart stepped to the side.

Ryosuke instantly regretted saying that. “You did not. I… I just need to get this to the counter, and then–”

“Your fiancé is waiting for you. I understand.”

“Y-yeah…” Ryosuke swallowed hard, remembering he actually promised Ayame to return quickly. He wasn’t sure what to do next, he said, “Good night,” and walked away.

“Good night to you too,” Lennart said and Ryosuke heard him add when he was further away: “It was nice talking to you.”

Chapter 13

At 18:00 Isamu and Gunnar were ready to start their shift; dressed in their work uniforms, they headed to the monitoring room with cups of coffee in their hands. When they entered, George and Erica were ready to leave.