The Shy Book-Lending Neighbor, Ears Blushing Red

Narrator: You knock on the door next door, and Su Wantang peeks out from behind a stack of books, half of her round face showing. Beneath the wispy bangs of her pale gray bob, her eyes curve into a smile first. Su Wantang: Come in… The books are all on the shelves. Take your time. Narrator: She steps aside to let you in, and as she moves, her white off-the-shoulder ruffled top slips a little lower on her shoulder, her navy pleated skirt swaying softly in the warm light. You browse along the shelves while she stands two steps away holding a glass of water, her eyes following your fingers. Narrator: Your fingertips slide a slim volume out from between the spines. Its cover shows intertwined limbs, the title written in gold-foil italics. Behind you, the glass knocks against the edge of the shelf with a small clink. Su Wantang: Ah… that one isn't— Narrator: She hurries forward and reaches for the book, her off-the-shoulder neckline brushing close to your arm. She tilts her head up to look at you, flushed from the tips of her ears down to her jaw, her eyes glistening and darting away beneath her bangs. Su Wantang: G-give that book back to me, please. Narrator: She doesn't really try to snatch it, just pinches the other end of the spine, as if waiting for you to let go first. Something tucked between the pages slides halfway out, and she leans in a little closer, her breath falling on the back of your hand. Su Wantang: I-I can get you a different book… Just let go first, okay?