“My, you’ve been here quite a while!” Jaune said, looking quite impressed. “Anyways, don’t worry about sticking to your own stuff, I do too, for the most part. Socializing can sometimes be tiring..” she brightened at the sound of the word ‘library’. “Oh yes, I’d love to hear about the library!” she said, earnestly. “I love to read,” she explained to Kai, enthusiasm clear as she spoke.
“Libraries are some of the most interesting places in the world, and you are instantly cool if you regularly visit them,” she declared, with passion. “I mean, for one, there’s all of the books! And books— why, they’re like a whole universe you’re holding, all in your hand. I love to read. Books, magazines— even cereal boxes if there’s nothing else,” she gave a sheepish chuckle, looking lost in thought for the briefest of moments, before focusing on the present.
“Oh goodness, I can already see myself with a glass of rosé and a big stack of books waiting to be perused,” she gave a content-sounding sigh. “So you spend a lot of time at the library, hm? Are you also a fan of literature or do you like the library more for the peaceful atmosphere?”
When Jaune expressed genuine interest about the library, Kai immediately perked up. “I’ll tell you all about it!” they announced cheerfully as the pair approached the Kahi. Kai was so lost in awe listening to Jaune tell them that they were ‘instantly cool’ for being what a lot of people considered a ‘nerd’ that they stepped right into a puddle without even noticing.
They nodded along happily as Jaune waxed poetic about reading, and could feel their new-person nerves melting away, so that by the time they were asked another question, they were actually excited to answer.
“Hm, I don’t know if you’re really allowed to have wine in the library,” they wondered aloud. “Although I doubt anyone is going to stop you. I’m not sure if there are even librarians, to be honest,” they added thoughtfully. “I hear them, but I’ve never seen one. Huh.” They paused for a moment, thinking, but quickly recovered.
“Yeah, so I’m a college student, actually. I take online courses through the school here, but I spend a lot of time studying at the library! They have a lot of great resources. I don’t have much time to read for fun anymore, but they do have a bunch of great novels as well. All the classics, plus some fun YA fiction which is probably not the best way to spend my free time, but...” they trailed off, chuckling a little self-consciously.
“Anyway, here we are!” they said, making a little gesture at the cafe. The tables and chairs outside were deserted due to the less-than-ideal weather, but through the windows, Kai could see that the place was packed and looked cozy as ever. They raced to hold the door open for Jaune. “After you,” they smiled shyly, waving Jaune through. “Can I get a drink started for you once I clock in?”