After Shiina extended her invitation, Hashima followed her.
A few minutes later, she stopped and turned. "We're here. This is Shelf 11."
"Thanks, Shiina-san."
Hashima smiled gratefully, then turned his attention to the shelves.
Given the library's decade-long history, its collection was extensive, covering many mainstream works. Shelf 11 housed books by famous mystery writers like Keigo Higashino, Agatha Christie, and Soji Shimada—authors whose works had been translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide.
"This is impressive. I've never come here before—what a waste."
Hashima had read plenty of mysteries in his past life, making him something of an enthusiast. He didn't need to fake his interest—he genuinely wanted to read.
"The Tokyo Zodiac Murders... I remember not finishing this last time."
"And The Puppet Master's Mansion—I heard it's an amazing orthodox mystery."
As he murmured to himself, Shiina's eyes brightened. She felt like she'd finally found a kindred spirit, her heartbeat quickening slightly.
"Um..." The gray-haired girl spoke up hesitantly.
"Hmm? Did you need something, Shiina-san?"
Hashima ran his fingers over The Clockwork Castle, a beautifully bound 1991 novel by Yukito Ayatsuji that he hadn't read yet.
"Do you... really like mystery novels?" Shiina mustered her courage. Normally, she wouldn't initiate conversation like this, but today's encounter had piqued her interest.
"Yeah. I read a lot in middle school, but I had to cut back when exams came up," Hashima replied with a light smile. "And since starting high school, I've been too busy until recently. That's why I came here today."
"Shiina-san, are you a fan too?"
"Yes. I love mystery novels—I've always kept up with them."
Hearing his confirmation, Shiina studied his face intently before nodding.
"That's great. Then I guess we're fellow enthusiasts?"
Hashima pulled out another Ayatsuji novel, The Black Cat Mansion, and glanced at the girl. "Were you planning to read here today, Shiina-san?"
"Yes. I've already picked out my books and checked them out."
"Ah, do I need to check these out too if I'm reading here?"
Hashima was puzzled. Normally, reading in the library didn't require checkout unless you were taking books home.
"It's because I sometimes lose track of time while reading," Shiina explained softly. "So I check out books beforehand. That way, if the librarian reminds me at closing time and I haven't finished, I can just take them without inconveniencing her."
"I see."
Hashima nodded. Shiina really was a bookworm through and through.
Using their shared love of mysteries would make approaching her much easier.
"Then I'll check these out too. I plan to stay until dinner."
Hashima picked up the two books he'd selected and turned to Shiina. "Could you save me a seat? I'll be right back."
"Of course."
Shiina watched him hurry off before selecting a reading spot. She placed a book on the opposite side of the table to mark it for him.
A few minutes later, Hashima returned with his books.
"Thanks again, Shiina-san. You've been a big help."
He sat across from her and opened the first book.
"It's nothing. Finding a fellow fan makes me happy." Shiina smiled faintly, her expression softening.
"Then let's get started."
Though he intended to "invest" in her, Hashima kept his demeanor natural. Overeagerness would seem odd—using mysteries as a conversation starter was enough for now.
The best approach was piquing her interest so she initiated further interaction.
With that in mind, Hashima immersed himself in his book.
The intricate plot of the orthodox mystery captivated him, leaving him utterly still, eyes glued to the pages.
Across from him, Shiina found herself distracted after a while.
It was rare to meet someone who shared her passion, and seeing him so engrossed convinced her he was a true enthusiast.
She wanted to talk more, even if he was from Class A. She refused to let her only sanctuary be tainted by class rivalries.
Then I'll just treat him as an ordinary classmate.
With that resolve, Shiina returned to her book.
Around 6 p.m., after over an hour, Hashima finally closed his book and checked the time.
As he stood to leave, Shiina spoke up.
"Um, Hashima-kun."
"Yeah? What is it, Shiina-san?"
The moment she initiated conversation, Hashima discreetly opened the system's stock page.
[Purchase Shiina Hiyori stock?]
[Purchase successful. Shiina Hiyori stock now at full capacity.]
[Current Shiina Hiyori stock: 3,000. Remaining funds: 10,600.]
Though his funds were dwindling, Hashima held several high-value stocks he could liquidate if needed.
Now it was just a matter of strategy.
"Will you... come back to read again?" Shiina's cheeks flushed slightly. She'd mustered her courage to ask—it felt somewhat forward, given they'd only met twice.
"Tomorrow?" Hashima pretended to think. "I have a study session, so probably not."
"Oh. I see." Disappointment flickered in Shiina's eyes.
Of course. We're not in the same class—it's not easy to become friends.
"How about we exchange contact info? That way, we can chat about mysteries whenever. Since we both like them, I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about."
Noticing her dejection, Hashima seized the opportunity.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?" He looked at her expectantly.
"Mm. I think we'll have a lot in common, Hashima-kun."
Pleased by his request, Shiina happily exchanged contact details with him.
"Thanks again for today. I'll head out now—see you."
"Mm. Goodbye, Hashima-kun."
Shiina waved gently, her demeanor serene.
[You exchanged contact info with Shiina Hiyori. She feels she's found a rare kindred spirit. Shiina Hiyori stock rose by 10 points. Current price: 40.]
"Looks like I'm on the right track. This stock, like the others, isn't tied to class competition—I'll need to play this carefully."
Hashima smiled, stroking the two mystery novels in his hand.
Truly, books hold their own allure. The ancients hadn't lied.