The Library

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"Your welcome, also heard of it. but never been a fan nor have I read it," Nicholas stopped, thinking for another question to keep the conversation going "Do you recommend? Tell me about it a bit maybe it would be interesting to me"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

So-yeon smiled, excited to to talk about the book. "Well, I think it's an interesting book." She paused for a moment, thinking. "Basically, it's about this futuristic country that's divided into tweleve districts, with each one nominating a boy and girl to compete in a fight to the death. The last one surviving wins. And the main character takes her sister's place, as she doesn't want her competing." She smiled again once she finished explaining. "I would recommend it if you like books with dystopian settings."

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"Last one surviving as in the others die... and how old do each contestant have to be? what's the prize? How do one nominate another for the fight? Is it a long fight like you know the MrBeast games?" Nicholas frowns, clearly confused but he seems interested and he did want to know more


((Quick question... I'm not a big big book nerd but what is dystopian? I've seen others talk about it. Sorry))

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"They can be anywhere from twelve to eighteen" So-yeon replied. "Technically there's no prize for winning. You just get to survive and become famous because of it. And each contestant is picked by drawing names. I think the length of the fight just depends on how long it takes for everyone else to die. There's no real time limit to it." She was happy that Nicholas seemed interested in learning more about the book, and was excited to explain in more detail.

((No problem! A dystopia is basically a genre where the setting of the story has apocalyptic themes to it. They can take place before during, and after a disaster, like war or something else. It's the opposite of utopia, where the world is perfect and ideal for everyone living there.))

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"OOf the games do sound fun maybe I could sign up haha but thinking about dying is not fun," Nicholas grinned, he liked games and he liked to be competitive especially if its a contest. "But if your name gets drawn you have to go? say if your family doesn't allow you or you have a disability do you still compete or?" He grabs his bag and tossed on the seat in front of Soyeon, pulling a chair out for himself "Hope no one is sitting here cause their about to be kicked out." he jokes

((I think i'd prefer utopia.... but dystopia sounds nice. if you ever find a good bookie about anything do recommend to me too hehe. I'd prefer romance/bromance and mystery mainly trying to get into other genres))

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

So-yeon chuckled as Nicholas spoke. "Well, they're certainly the type of games I wouldn't want to play. Especially if everyone else has to die in order for you to win" she said. She thought for a moment. "Good question. Usually they have to go if their name is drawn, but if someone is willing to take your place, than you stay. Like the main character, for example. She was allowed to compete since she volunteered to take her sister's place." She grinned. "No one else has come by, so I think you're alright."

((I do like the Hunger Games. I also like the Divergent series. I don't read much, but I want get into it more lol.))

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

((No worries ^^))

"I think I'll switch with my brothers too if I had one. Honestly that sounds fun but also really terrifying. It's nice for her sister to take her place though. Did she win?" Nic tapped his chin thinking before talking again, "Ion think its worth it to let others die for you to be famous. It's not worth it. why would they do that?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"That would be nice of you" So-yeon said with a smile. "She was willing to risk her life to save her sister. She's really an amazing sister. Technically she did win, but it was a tie. Her friend was competing also, and not wanting to kill each other, were about to eat poisonous berries together and they were stopped. An exception was made and they both won." She paused, thinking for a moment. 'I agree it isn't worth it to become famous if everyone else is dead. I'm not really sure why they did that, though. It was never explained, if I remember correctly."

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"Some societies aren't as perfect as we like but honestly the difference makes it much cooler." Nic agrees, nodding "I'm a single child, sadly. what about you?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"That's true" So-yeon said, nodding her head in agreement. A smile spread across her face. "Makes you really think about how grateful we should be for not having anything like that in the real world." It was an interesting topic to think about, she realized. The world would definitely be different and worse if there were contests where people had to fight to the death. She brushed off the thoughts, shaking her head. "Same here. I wish I had a brother or sister, though. I always wondered what it would be like to have one."

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"I am so very grateful for being a student.... well not really cause of all the work. Do you have that one math teacher... who's like... assigning projects every other week?" Nicholas sighs, running his hand through his hair. He took out his binder for math, flipping through the pages of scribbled notes and equations "I would love to have someone to annoy, all the others kids having siblings to annoy makes me jealous ngl"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

So-yeon nodded as Nicholas spoke. "Yeah, I get what you mean" she said. She chuckled. "Yeah, I have the math teacher. I agree. The amount of math homework that we have is rather annoying. It's definitely the most boring class in my opinion. Art is something I enjoy a lot more. Do you have a class that you like?" She thought for a moment. "I get kind of jealous of the students who are siblings too. It gets kind of lonely and boring without one.

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

“I’d be more grateful if she stops with the homework and stuff. She never collects them anyways. I don’t have a favorite class so far but I am looking into some clubs. Are you in any right now?”

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

So-yeon nodded her head. "It is kind of a ridiculous how often they gave us homework. Even some of the other teachers don't assign that much work. But maybe it's because they just want us to practice solving the problems? I don't know." She shrugged. "Yeah, I'm in a few clubs. Art, archery, basketball, and photography. They're really fun clubs." She smiled. "Which clubs sound interesting to you?"

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

"I am terrible with work, I keep forgetting and YK just never finishes." Nic admitted, stubbornly his face flushing red with embarrassment. "Archery is the one with the bow and arrow right? I'm considering soccer or maybe something with hands on activities"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"I'm the same way too sometimes. But usually I try my best to finish my homework and do well" So-yeon said. She nodded her head slightly. "Yeah, that's right. Soccer sounds fun. If you want more hands-on clubs, I recommend art or martial arts. Of course, only sign up for clubs that interest you. You don't have to do what I say. That's just my personal opinion on it." She flashed another smile as she spoke.

[♯┆Rio .ᐟ ★ (semi-hiatus)]

((sorry (˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥) the app doesn't give me notifications idk why. maybe I blocked it but (˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥)(˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥) I'm back hopefully))

"Art... well art might suit a messy guy like me." He grins gleefully "Mother taught me not to be violent so she might freak out that i've joined martial arts but hey its good to be educated on self defense tho right?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

((That's alright! No worries!))

So-yeon chuckled. "I guess that's a good point. Art can get messy sometimes" she said. She grinned as Nicholas continued to speak. "Well, technically it's not violence if you're just protecting yourself, right? Or maybe, but it would be for a good reason. I'm not in the club, but maybe I should join at some point, though."

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

There exists a calm in the library unlike anywhere else, even her dorm. Calm, not silence, Neha thinks as the sound of a book falling in another row reaches her ears. On instinct she flinches at the sound, but shakes her head and turns back to the shelf in front of her as voices from that end tell her someone there will probably pick it up and put it back. For now her focus is finding that one book with practice questions for her class test, her biggest headache at the moment. That's harsh, but in her defence her mood has been sour since she woke up this morning so honestly whatever.

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

Layla always appreciated how relaxed the atmosphere of the library was. Even though she enjoyed socializing with others, it was nice to have some peace and quiet to herself once in a while. Being surrounded by books made her happy. She was looking for a particular book, though. One that she had to read for her English class. As she browsed through the books, she found it. Aha. Perfect. Just the one I needed. She grabbed it and searched for a table to sit. Once she found it, she sat in one of the chairs and began to read.

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

She either has horrible luck, has been cursed by someone, or there is some power out there out to get her because the book she needs is infact much higher than she can reach. She glances around to see that the ladder is occupied already, and by the looks of it the students who are using it will not be giving it up anytime soon. Nope. Do not make dumb decisions. Do not try to climb up. Don't do it. She looks over to the chairs, finding the nearest one opposite a girl she's occasionally seen in her classes. Decision made, she approaches that table and places her hand on the empty chair. "Hey, sorry to disturb you but is this chair taken? Or is it fine if I grab it for a couple of minute?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

Layla skimmed carefully through the book, occasionally taking notes in case she needed to remember something important. Interesting. She had never read the book that she had to read before, so she supposed that this was an exciting chance to read a new book. Which she loved. She glanced away from her book, noticing another girl. She recognized her from a few classes that they had together. She gave a small smile to the girl. "No, it's fine. You can take the chair if you want."

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

Neha of all people knows how annoying it can possibly be to have someone interrupt your reading. So even though the other didn't seem all that annoyed with her currently, she couldn't be sure that was 100% the case. "Thanks! Sorry about disturbing you— ooh which book is that?" And... she should not have drawn out this interruption any more than it already is, but books are a love of hers too and she hasn't had the time or mental energy to find new ones yet. So maybe just one question, and she'll leave her classmate alone. Just this one question.

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

Layla shook her head, trying to reassure the girl. "No, it's fine! Don't worry about it." If her sister had been in her position, she probably wouldn't be happy about being disturbed. She would be polite about it, though. She was happy that Neha brought up the book. She loved talking about them, even if no one else was interested. "It's the The Grapes of Wrath. It's interesting so far. Ever read it before?" She probably should've just stopped it right there. But she couldn't help being social and excited to talk to other people.

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

"Thank you. But seriously if I'm disturbing tell me and I will be out of your hair instantly. Promise." She shifted her weight onto one foot, balancing on it as she moved the other foot to place it on the first one. Trying to keep balanced gave her something to focus on that wasn't the fact that she was possibly annoying someone even though that someone had assured her she wasn't. It's just that she's curious about the book anyways, and she can'tbe rude and leave the conversation that she started, and also it's nice to slow down and talk to someone. "Ok, that's not a book I'm familiar with at all. What's it about? And how far are you into it? Is it like one of those slow, dragging on forever, kind of stories or like a fairly good pacing one?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"No problem. And you're not disturbing me, I promise" Layla said. She enjoyed talking with others and would never intentionally drive someone away, so it felt nice to talk to someone else at the library of all places. She glanced at the book, considering how to respond. "Well, I just started it, so I don't know much about it. It's kind of difficult to explain if you haven't read it before, but it's about this family of farmers struggling during the Great Depression. It's a slow read, so you might not enjoy it if you don't like books like that. My dad read it before and said her liked it, though."

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

"Thanks! But do inform me if you feel like I am at any point because I won't mind it. You were here first," she states with a shrug. Neha looks down at the chair, considers for a moment whether or not to move, then seemingly nods to herself and sits down in the chair instead of standing behind it. "Slow reads are either hit or miss for me, so I don't think I could form a solid opinion just yet. And, ok, this might be a slightly stupid question, but could you tell me a bit about the Great Depression? I learnt a little about it when I had world history before joining the academy, but I'm not sure whether or not I know enough." She sat up a little straighter, eyes slightly sharper with interest, "I've been looking to read things that are not fantasy or science fiction recently. So i might end up looking this book up. Your dad's a reader too?"

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"I'll make a note of that." She nodded along as Neha spoke. "Yeah, it depends on the person. I'm kind of the same way. I like some slower paced books but not others." Layla gave Neha a reassuring smile. "It's not a stupid question. The Great Depression was when the economy crashed to its lowest point and affected a lot of the world. That's basically the gist of it. I know some of it from my dad. He's a history teacher so he knows a lot more than I do about it." She placed the book on the table, straightening her posture. "My personal favorite genres are science fiction, fantasy, and biographies. Yeah, he reads a lot of books and likes all kinds. He's even read some to me and my sister when we were kids."

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

"Maybe it's about the author's writing style? Or voice. Or whatever it's called. The way they write and the words flow. Some better suited to the slower books than others," Neha threw out, tilting her head towards Layla in something akin to agreement. "That was some time after the first world war right? Something about the 'Roaring Twenties' and then the Great Depression immediately followed it? We were only taught surface level stuff because it was a buildup to our chapter on the Second World War." She tilts her head back, staring a little above Layla's head, "It was certainly interesting." Then her gaze dropped back to Layla, "A history teacher? Damn. Is it fun? Like do you get into discussion about history? Does he tell you fun or disturbing facts about history?" Her posture straightened almost automatically as her companion's did, body mirroring her as Neha's full attention stayed on Layla, "Biographies? The other two I totally get because I adore them too but biographies? That's.... unusual to hear." The corner of her lips turn up in a half smile, "My mom did that too. Well, not read. But she used to tell me stories when I was younger. Sometimes still does when I head home."

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

"That's very true" she said in agreement. The book was definitely something that she wasn't used to reading. But she was willing to give it chance. It was unique, and she didn't want to just dismiss it without forming her opinions on it first. "Correct. Towards the end of the Twenties. I believe Herbert Hoover was President at the beginning of it, if I remember correctly" She smiled slightly. "Yeah, we like to get into discussions sometimes, even outside of school. He definitely likes to tell us some fun and interesting facts. Sometimes disturbing ones, too." She couldn't help but chuckle at the fact. "He doesn't teach here, though. He's back at home." The thought of her father made Layla miss him, wishing that he was at the school. She ignored her thoughts though and continued. "I think I like biographies because of my dad. He's had a big influence on me." She smiled again. "That's cool. That your mom still tells you stories."

[ᏒᏋᎩ]

((I'm so sorry i didn't get the notif about this comment and then completely forgot about this!))

"Herbert... Hoover..." It's certainly not a name Neha's ever heard before, she tries to commit it to memory but knows that will probably take a while. "I'm choosing to trust that you're correct, because I don't know enough to make a call on whether or not it's wrong." She shrugs, leaning forward with her elbows on the table and hands clasped together as she continues to listen. "Any interesting topics you guys have talked about? What has been your favourite one to discuss? And hey, the disturbing facts are generally the fun ones to know! Atleast in my personal opinion." Her eyes brighten a little on hearing Layla chuckle, it does a lot to drive back the cloud of heavy silence that's hung over her recently. "Oh. Is he mythical like us... or human? Ok, I'm not sure whether or not this is rude, feel free to not answer but like what kind of mythical being are you?" She is not certain whether or not she's overstepping with the question, but at the same time her curiosity does not let her sit silently with it so she had to ask. "I can tell," Neha smiles, "You sound like you're very close to him." She tilts her head to the side then nods slightly, "Yeah. Only sometimes though. More when my brother is asking because he's still young and doesn't know all that many stories or knows much about our culture. I'm older so sometimes it's convenient to just find me a book about it. But when she does choose to tell us stories, it's... it's fun. It's nice."

[Kyleigh , The History Lover (Assistant Manager)]

((No, it's fine! Don't worry about it!))

"That's why my dad told me, so I trust him when it comes to that." Honestly, Layla didn't know much about Herbet Hoover except what she learned from her father. She had heard good and bad things about him, so she wasn't really sure what to think of him. But she chose to ignore it and move on, continuing to speak. "My favorite topics are just about people. I'm not sure why, but learning about different people interest me, I guess. And I agree with that. Disturbing facts can be fun to talk about, though maybe too disturbing sometimes." At this point, Layla felt like she was talking too much, but at least she hadn't chased Neha off yet. Which was good. "Yeah, he is. And I don't think it's a rude question. He's a warlock and I'm a witch. My whole family are, actually. If you don't mind me asking, what mythical creature are you?" She didn't want to be rude either, but she was curious like Neha was. "I am close with him, yeah." Layla could go on about her family for hours, but she didn't want to bore her with her rambling. She listened with interest as Neha spoke. "That does sound nice. When my parents didn't tell my sister and I stories, my grandparents did so we wouldn't get bored. They're very good storytellers."