When Lilia said that, she tried to pass by the boy. But just before Lilia could get through, the boy handed me something. When I looked at it, it was a small handkerchief.
"What's this?"
"He... He seemed to be crying. You can use it if you need it."
Both Lilia and Sakura seemed surprised by this. No way, does he really not know who Lilia is?
"You… don't know who I am?"
When I asked him directly, the boy tilted his head.
"Have we met somewhere?"
Lilia, hearing this, shuddered slightly, and a small grin escaped her.
"Think a little, okay?"
"I'm Lilia. Nice to meet you."
"Oh, uh… Ray," he replied.
It seemed that Lilia had guessed he hadn't given his family name, and Ray had not mentioned his either.
"Ray. I'll remember that," Lilia said. "Now… What?"
Lilia stopped immediately as she was about to walk toward the exit. Ray gently grabbed her sleeve. Lilia turned to him, tilting her head in confusion.
"Uhm... why don't we talk for a bit? I'm a bit lonely being here alone..."
At that moment, I wished I could go back to my class, but I knew that wouldn't be something Lilia would say. Since Lilia herself hadn't gone back to class yet, it didn't seem like a bad idea to stay and chat with him. Lilia concluded it was fine and nodded in agreement.
Ray led me to a small private room connected to the library. The room had a table with chairs set around it, and there were more chairs stacked in one corner.
Lilia had never been in this room before, but she had heard of such places. There were ten rooms lined up in the hallway leading from the library, meant for people who want to do joint research or study alone. She had heard these rooms required prior reservations to use, but since last year, they were always occupied. It seemed this was one of those rooms.
The table was covered with reference books and various materials. Ray, having brought his own book when he came here, placed it in the corner of the table. He then took one of the chairs from the stack and placed it in front of Lilia.
"Go ahead," he said.
"Thanks," Lilia replied, sitting down as she thanked him. Ray sat directly across from her.
"It sounds like you're really studying here," Lilia observed.
At the sound of Sakura's voice, Lilia turned her gaze toward the materials spread across the table. It was the same reference book Lilia had used a year ago. Apparently, there was only one thing younger than Lilia herself. As Lilia reached for the reference book and opened it, Ray panicked and spoke up.
"Shh, sorry! I haven't cleaned up yet…! I'll finish quickly!"
"It's fine, you don't have to worry about it. Are you studying here alone?"
"Yes… Yes, ma'am."
Ray answered while awkwardly lowering his hips. Lilia casually glanced at the notebook in front of Ray as she flipped through the reference book. The notebook was open, and the problems inside were filled with blanks.
"Is there something you don't understand?"
Ray let out an embarrassed sound, realizing that Lilia had noticed his open notebook. He quickly started cleaning it up in a flurry of motion.
"Ah, sorry! It's... it's nothing, just... something messy...!"
"Nothing's wrong. More importantly, what are you struggling with?"
"Uh... Yes, there's something I don't get…"
Lilia naturally took the notebook Ray was trying to hide. She glanced over it to see where the blanks were, then immediately closed it.
"I'll explain it."
"Huh?"
"You'll understand. Just open the reference book."
Ray hesitated but eventually opened the book at Lilia's instruction. Lilia, moving next to him, began to explain the problem.
"Hm. What's this?"
Sakura's voice echoed in her head, wondering why no one had answered the problem.
"Let's call it a day for now," Lilia said, closing the reference book. Ray sighed in relief. Lilia raised an eyebrow at his reaction and opened her mouth to speak.
Because it's Lilia's fault for making me study without a break for six hours, right? Don't be mad at me, okay?
Ah... It's been a long time.
Yeah. I feel sorry for Ray... I didn't want to say anything because he seemed to enjoy it.
Sakura's voice made Lilia reflect on the situation. She had enjoyed teaching Ray, especially since he picked things up so quickly. Once Ray learned something, he remembered it easily. It was that quick learning ability that made teaching him enjoyable. However, looking at Ray, who was now slouched over, Lilia realized that perhaps she had pushed him too hard.
"I'm sorry, Ray," Lilia said.
Ray looked up at her with bright eyes.
"No! It was really easy to understand! Thanks!"
Ray's head was bowed with enthusiasm. Lilia replied without hesitation, but the corners of her mouth lifted slightly in a smile.
Haha, Lilia, you look happy.
That can't be true.
Lilia glanced at the clock, realizing it was time to leave.
"Yes, thank you," she said, and with Ray still bowing his head, she quietly exited the room.
The library was nearly empty now. The classes had just ended. Lilia headed straight for the exit, not wanting to worry Alisa.
"Mr. Lilia!"
Ray's voice called out to her from behind. Lilia stopped and turned around. Ray was standing there, looking a little flustered.
"What's wrong?"
"Well... if you have time, could you come back later?"
Lilia blinked, her eyes widening slightly. She tried to understand Ray's intentions, but nothing came to mind. Why was this boy saying such things?
"Sometimes Lilia can be so dense," Sakura muttered, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"What? Are you picking a fight?" Lilia asked, confused.
"I didn't mean it like that... Well, never mind," Sakura replied, brushing it off.
Lilia could almost hear Sakura's bitter laugh, but she still didn't understand what was going on. She tilted her head in confusion.
"Right. I'll come when I feel like it," Lilia said, though she wasn't entirely sure why she said it. She couldn't promise anything because she didn't even understand her own feelings. Still, she said it just to avoid outright refusing.
"Yes! I'll be waiting for you," Ray responded, his smile radiating pure happiness.