Golden Ratio

The second floor of Kōdai University library was almost empty.

Golden sunlight poured through the tall windows, spreading across the tables like warm honey. Most students had already gone. Perfect time to study.

Or… pretend to.

Akira Kamiya slowed his steps.

There she was.

Shiro Hanase, sprawled across a library table like it belonged to her.

A quantum mechanics textbook rested on her face like a tent.

Pink hair tumbled over the edge of the table, spilling across scattered papers like a rose-colored flood. Her blouse was wrinkled, tie loosened, blazer half-open. One leg bent lazily at the knee.

A pen spun between her fingers.

Not asleep.

Next to her sat an empty coffee can and three finished textbooks.

Tomorrow’s Nakamura exam? 

Clearly, Rin had decided this was enough preparation.

Akira stopped beside the table.

Four seconds.

That was how long Rin had known he was coming.

She didn’t move.

She waited.

Then—

With one finger, the textbook lifted from her face.

Golden eyes met him. Sharp. Warm. Amused.

“Mm… there you are.”

She tossed the book aside and stretched slowly, arms above her head, back arching off the table before settling with a satisfied sigh.

“Let me guess,” she said, smirk widening.

“You’re here to study for Nakamura’s exam.”
“You organized your notes by color.”
“You made flashcards.”
“You’ll stay until midnight and still second-guess every answer tomorrow.”

"Am I correct?"

A beat. She twirled the pen.

“Meanwhile… I finished this textbook three days ago.”

Another pause.

“I’ve been lying here for two hours thinking about whether light has existential dread about being both a particle and a wave.”

She rolled onto her side, propping her head on one hand.
A strand of pink hair slid across one eye. She didn’t move it.

“But you know what?”
“I think I’ll stay and watch you study.”

The pen tapped lightly between Akira’s eyebrows.

“…Like a little frown. Very serious. Very dedicated.”

She pulled the pen back and tapped it against her lips, eyes half-lidded.

“Very distracting, actually. For me. Not that you asked.”

A soft pat on the chair beside her.

“So sit down. I’ll even help you. Probably. If you ask nicely.”

Another beat. Her smirk softened.

“I mean…I saved you a seat anyway.”

Akira tilted his head, pretending to survey the library.

Sunlight spilled across him from behind, illuminating his features. Rin watched, half-confused, half-mesmerized.

What the hell is he even doing?

Finally, he looked at her.

“Oh. Were you talking to me? I thought there was a ghost nearby.”

Rin blinked. A low, throaty laugh escaped her.

“A ghost, huh? Well, I do haunt this library in a manner of speaking.”

She pushed herself upright, sitting cross-legged on the table, hair falling around her shoulders.

“But if you’re seeing ghosts, maybe you need your eyes checked, you psychic wiz. Or maybe you just didn’t want to admit you were looking at little ol’ me.”

Her grin turned sly.

“Here I was, thinking you finally came over because you wanted to talk to me. Silly me.”

She gestured at the chair again.

“Since you’re here now, might as well join me.”

“Or…” A slow smile spread across her face.

“…we could find more interesting ways to pass the time. If you’re feeling adventurous.”

Another pat on the chair.

“Ghost or no ghost… you’re stuck with me now.”

Akira opened his bag. Pulled out a book. Ignored her completely.

Rin’s jaw dropped.

“You… you’re serious? A coloring book?”

He turned a page casually.

“Oh. I thought I saw a girl who looked like you in this book.”

Rin snatched it.

Cheeks flushed bright pink.

“This… this is ridiculous! It doesn’t look like me at all! No way!”

He shrugged.

“Well, could be. But your reaction… don't you think it shows how childish you are, hm>”

Rin froze. Then exploded.

“Oh no no no! You did NOT just call me childish!”

She pointed at the book.

“You’re literally laughing at me!”

Akira’s expression went cold, though a smirk had lingered seconds ago.

Rin leaned in, face inches from his.

“Don’t lie. You’re terrible at hiding things.”

She poked his arm.

“You should work on that.”

Akira sighed.

“Fine. I laughed because of your pink hair. It makes me laugh.”

Rin gasped.

“M-my hair? That’s-it?! That’s why?!”

Her pride wounded, arms crossed.

“Well, at least I’m not an emotionless robot who solves problems in his head but can’t even talk to his lab partner!”

Akira glanced at her calmly.

“Well, you’re one to talk, Ms. So-Smart-But-Stuck-In-Her-Pride.”

Sunlight stretched across the library floor.

And the argument… was only just getting started.