Chapter 8: Talking to Ani
Adam's heart races as he stands near the ticket counter, a bundle of nerves.
Ani is right in front of him, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, with a slight gleam that catches the morning sunlight streaming through the station windows.
She's dressed in her academy uniform: a pink shirt with a structured collar, a neatly ironed green skirt, and a pair of black, low-heeled shoes. Her serene yet focused expression is one he's seen many times from afar in class, but now, up close, it's nearly overwhelming.
Ani glances at Adam, her eyes widening a little. "Wait... did you really read this book?" She gestures at the mystery novel titled Who's the culprit?, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.
Adam, barely managing to look at her, nods, clutching the book he'd just picked up for her.
"Yes... I've read it," he replies, sounding far more confident than he feels.
Ani, surprised, raises an eyebrow. "I didn't know you took the train from this station too. I don't think I've ever seen you here before." Her gaze remains inquisitive, trying to recall any past encounter with him.
Adam scratches the back of his head, still avoiding eye contact. "Oh, no... I usually don't. I had some errands here, so I figured I'd catch the train from this station today." The lie feels awkward on his tongue, but he manages a polite smile, hoping she won't question it further.
Ani shrugs, casually slipping her phone into her pocket. "Ah, I see. That explains it," she says with a slight smile, a glint of interest in her expression.