‘Would you look at that?’ He could feel a little interest towards him from the other party. That might not be much, but nevertheless, it made him feel good.

  It didn’t take long, and the train left the city behind. The scenery started to change bit by bit. The weather was marvelous, so he could fully experience the ride. At this point, Diego felt better by his decision to make the trip, even thought that was a somewhat risky move.

  After a few dozen minutes, the girl closed the book, and put it down on the small table.

  ‘This is my chance,’ thought Diego.

  He really wanted to talk to her. Despite that, he found it hard to say something.

  ‘Just say something…’

  The circumstances were more than favorable, and the girl didn’t seem to be totally indifferent. Furthermore, he wasn’t an adolescent anymore, but a young adult. Despite that, he still felt nervous. Partly because he found the other party very cute, partly because in the last few years he barely spoke with any girls. He was mostly busy with trying to find a decent job, and place for himself.

  After a few more minutes of internal struggle, Diego finally said something.

  “Can that book help you with making a lot of money?” his voice was a bit stiff, resulting in a weird tone.

  Eye contact was made for a moment. The girl took the book in her hands, looked at it briefly, then put it back on the table.

  “Not really…”

  An unusual instance of silence followed. Diego was a little unprepared for that answer.

  “But there are a few good pieces of advice inside.” She was also somewhat nervous.

  “And is it worth it to read such a thick book for that ‘good’ advice?”

  Maybe the question was a tad rude or too direct, but he was genuinely curious what she thought about the matter.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  His question surprised the girl. Moving her hand through her hair, she said: “I’m having the same question…”

  ‘And?’ wanted to immediately ask Diego but held it in.

  The girl got up, leaned over the small table, and opened the window. Now, her body was on full display in front of him. Diego’s previous guesses were right, her legs, and her ass were very attractive. In fact, he might just as well rank them number one amongst everything that he saw until that moment.

  Taking the book, she threw it out the window. Sitting down again, she continued: “It was definitely not worth it. For now, I’m done with these kinds of books.”

  Diego kept quiet.

  “Do you think that was too much?”

  “I would have burned it first,” said Diego. He saw his fair share of weird stuff, so this much wouldn’t faze him.

  After a brief pause, the girl started to laugh. It didn’t last long, but it came from deep within. Extending her arm, she said with a smile: “My name is Bianca!”

  Her deep green eyes were still a little moist from the earlier laugh. Diego also extended his arm: “I’m Diego!”

  ‘Fuck yea!’

  A small, but very sweet victory. The taste of success was exhilarating.

  “Where are you headed? If you do not mind me asking, of course,” asked Bianca.

  They were still holding hands. Diego felt slightly awkward, but he refused to let go of her hand first. His grip was gentle, and she could take her hand away whenever she wanted. As for him, he wouldn’t mind holding her hand until the end of the ride.

  Diego pretended like nothing unusual happened: “I do not mind. I’m headed towards Star village.”

  Bianca’s eyes became a little wider: “What a coincidence, so am I.”

  Diego was surprised: “In that case, maybe we can go for a drink later…”

  It was a little too early to say that, but he had to strike the iron while it was hot. Right at that moment, Bianca’s phone rang. She retracted her hand, and took out her phone from her jacket.

  “Sorry, I have to answer this call.” With these words she went outside the chamber to talk.

  He could see her outside, but he could not hear a single word that she was talking. The train was pretty noisy, and apparently, she was also talking in a low voice.

  ‘Well, at least I said it,’ thought Diego, proud of himself.

  Time slowly, but surely ticked away. Bianca was still talking at the phone. Diego was enjoying both the scenery outside and inside. However, he would rather talk a little more with her.

  After an entire hour, she finally came back. She got fully dressed, and took her luggage.

  “I need to make a stop at the next station. Maybe we will meet again later at Star village.”

  “Sure, have a nice day!”

  “You too!” and she left.

  Diego felt bitter: ‘Maybe, huh?’

  His proposal was rejected, and in the end he remained empty-handed. ‘Well… at least I tried.’

  The whole situation didn’t seem bad at all, however it abruptly took a turn for the worse. The fact that he tried made him feel more at ease. Despite that, there was still some bitterness left.

  Leaving those thoughts to the side, Diego resumed looking at the scenery outside, and tried to make some order with his thoughts.