The next day, Ethan arrived at the university library earlier than usual.
He didn't want to admit it, but he was hoping to see Lily again.
The morning air was fresh, and the sunlight entered softly through the large windows of the library.
Ethan walked to his usual seat near the window and placed his book on the table.
But today, he couldn't focus on reading.
His eyes kept moving toward the entrance door.
Every time someone entered the library, he secretly looked up.
But none of them were Lily.
"Maybe she was just being polite," Ethan thought quietly.
An hour passed.
Then suddenly…
The door opened again.
And there she was.
Lily walked inside the library with the same cheerful expression on her face.
When she saw Ethan sitting at the table, she smiled immediately.
"Good morning, Ethan!"
Ethan felt strangely happy hearing her voice.
"Good morning."
Lily sat down in the same seat as yesterday.
"I was wondering if you would come today," she said.
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
Lily nodded.
"You look like the kind of person who never misses the library."
Ethan laughed softly.
"Well… you're not wrong."
They both opened their books and started reading.
But unlike yesterday, the silence between them didn't feel awkward anymore.
After a few minutes, Lily suddenly spoke again.
"So Ethan… do you have many friends?"
The question surprised him.
"Not really," he admitted honestly.
"I mostly spend my time reading."
Lily looked thoughtful.
"Then that means I might be your first library friend."
Ethan smiled.
"I guess you are."
Lily looked pleased.
"That's good. I like making new friends."
As the afternoon continued, they talked more than they read.
They talked about classes, favorite books, movies, and even childhood memories.
Ethan realized something surprising.
Talking to Lily was easy.
He didn't feel nervous or awkward like he usually did with other people.
At one point, Lily leaned forward slightly.
"You know something?" she said.
"What?"
"You smile more today than yesterday."
Ethan blinked.
"Really?"
Lily nodded confidently.
"Yes."
Ethan looked down at his book, feeling slightly shy.
Maybe she was right.
Spending time with Lily made him feel relaxed.
Hours passed quickly.
Before they realized it, the sun had already begun to set outside.
Lily looked at the window.
"Wow… we've been here all day."
Ethan laughed.
"I didn't even notice."
Lily packed her books into her bag.
Then she looked at Ethan with a small smile.
"Are you busy right now?"
Ethan shook his head.
"Not really."
Lily stood up.
"Then come with me."
"Where?"
She pointed toward the door.
"There's a small café near the campus. I go there sometimes."
She paused and smiled.
"And since you said you don't have many friends… I think you should come."
Ethan hesitated for a moment.
But something inside him told him to say yes.
"Alright," he said.
Lily looked happy.
"Great!"
They walked out of the library together.
The evening sky was painted with orange and pink colors as the sun slowly disappeared behind the buildings.
For Ethan, the world felt a little different today.
Yesterday, Lily was just a stranger.
Today, she was already becoming an important part of his life.
And somehow…
Ethan had a feeling that this simple friendship might slowly turn into something much more beautiful.