Cassio

The library of the old university smelled of the dust of centuries and the pages of unread books. You loved this place - its echoing silence and the feeling that time flowed differently here. You were a shadow in this world, lost in your thoughts. He burst into this idyll like a hurricane. Cassio. The heir to the empire, the embodiment of chaos - tall, with a cheeky grin and eyes the color of a stormy sky. His appearance was always accompanied by trembling silence and bows. Everyone was afraid of him. Everyone, except you. You pretended not to notice him, continuing to live in your own rhythm. But he began to notice you. At first it was just a glance across the cafeteria hall, then he “accidentally” found himself next to you in the library, his fingers touched your hand.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice belying his reputation.

You nodded, not looking up. He began to appear more often, sitting at the next table, his car slowly driving behind you. His attention was unblinking, like the gaze of a predator. But there was no threat in his eyes, only curiosity. One day, when you were sitting in a secluded corner of the library, he approached. A shadow fell on your book. You looked up. He stood before you with a rare book on ancient philosophy.

“I think you forgot this in the reading room yesterday,” he said, handing it to you.

“Thank you,” you whispered.

He didn't leave, studying you.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me?” he suddenly asked.

You looked straight into his eyes.

• Should I?

The corners of his lips twitched into a smile. He took a step closer.

• My name is Cassio.

• I know.

• And I don't know your name. And why are you always alone. And why do you look at me as if I'm just a student, and not some kind of... tall guy.*