Work Text:
The library was quiet, as it was always during this time. It was an hour before closing and they were mostly open because of the ‘aesthetic’ as the owner said. To Tsukishima who was working behind the counter, this meant some quiet hours. Usually, no one came during this shift, it was known as the graveyard shift for a reason.
The library itself had shelves lined with old and new books, there were light fixtures dimly lit on the ceiling of the store. At the back end was a clerk desk which Tsukishima sat at, he was reading Pride and Prejudice right now. Bingley had just proposed to Jane and everyone was in good spirits, especially Mrs. Bennet. Tsukishima pondered about love, he thought about which Bennet's sister would be the best for him.
Jane was sunshine, she was sweet and her romance with Bingley often reflected that. They were two peas in a pod and though there was some sadness all was forgiven in the end. Jane was happy with Bingley. Tsukishima didn’t like this idealistic romance. Jane should have yelled at Bingley for leaving, sure he was manipulated into it but he still left. He caused her sorrow and for that, he should pay.
Tsukishima fancied himself a Mr. Darcy, mostly because of his demeanor. He didn’t want to hurt the person he was with but most times in his life he ends up hurting someone, unintentionally. The excuse he uses is that “he was doing the best for himself or his friends.” So yes in his mind he was a Mr. Darcy because inevitably he would end up hurting the person he was with.
The bell rang to signal that someone had entered the store. This, someone, had walked slowly around all the bookshelves, carefully analyzing the books they set their eyes on. Their hands dragged along the bookshelves and their eyes filled with wonder as more books came into view. Tsukishima coughed a little to get their attention,
“Welcome, is there anything you are looking for?”
“Not anything in particular”
Before this encounter, Tsukishima always considered himself a Darcy but those eyes made him rethink.
“Could I make you a recommendation?”
“Depends on whether you’ll show me from out behind that desk”
He laughed and they smiled at him. Tsukishima made his way around the desk and to the book he was going to recommend. It was another copy of Pride and Prejudice the store had. It was always his go-to recommendation.
“It’s a good book,” Tsukishima said while passing the book to them.
“I’ve watched the movie, which character do you think you are?”
“I don’t know, maybe Bingley.”
That was new. Tsukishima always viewed himself as a Darcy but now staring into the sunshine that was the person in front of him maybe he wasn’t a Darcy. Maybe he wouldn’t mess up. Maybe he was going to stop expecting disappointment.
“Funny, I always considered myself a Jane,”
Tsukishima’s eyes widened. This was new. This felt like a sunrise after a storm. Has his life really been that bleak? Sure he had friends but this was a new type of experience. Maybe taking on this job wasn’t as bad as he had envisioned.
They talked for a little bit as Tsukishima checked out the book. He took longer than usual, in his life he valued speed and accuracy so this was a foreign experience for him. Once he was finished both of them were smiling and he handed the bag with the books in it to them.
“Hope to see you again.” That was new. Usually, he would never look forward to seeing almost anyone but now here he was falling hopelessly for his Jane.
“Make sure to check that receipt, Mr. Bingley”
Sure enough, there was a number written on the receipt. By the time Tsukishima looked back up, they had vanished into the wind. He smiled down at the receipt and pocketed it. Maybe this was the start of a new day. A new day that would entail them, Tsukishima’s very own Jane. One where he would have his own sunshine romance!