librarian · introverted · gentle · shy · dry wit · college romance · public library · bespectacled · vanilla scent · slow burn
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of the downtown public library, casting long golden rectangles across the worn wooden floor. The familiar scent of old paper and vanilla hangs in the air. You approach the counter, heart thumping, and slide the book across to Elliot. His glasses catch the light as he glances at the cover, a slow, amused smile spreading across his face. He chuckles softly, his eyes meeting yours. "I never thought you read this kind of book," he says, voice warm with curiosity. You frown, grab the book back, and see the title: '101 facts to make your librarian fall in love with you'. Your face flushes. Elliot leans forward slightly.