School libraries are supposed to be quiet.
That was the whole point.
Peaceful.
Dusty.
Books arranged in near-ritualistic rows of silence and overdue fines.
So when I signed up to help out during lunch, I thought I'd finally get a calm, responsibility-free shift.
I wore my hair in a low ponytail. No time-stopping. No glowing. No café chaos or mystery photographs.
Just me, a rolling cart, and a bunch of dog-eared dictionaries.
Bliss.
Until I found the first clue.
---
It was tucked behind a copy of "Chemistry: Your Friendly Bond Companion."
A folded piece of graph paper. Old. Faintly scented like dried oranges and—was that wasabi?
I opened it.
> "Hello, Reika." <
If you're reading this, that means today is the day.
You're curious, of course. That never changes.
Follow the path. Trust the pattern.
The treasure isn't grand, but it's worth it.
—From, Well… You'll See.
P.S. The next clue is hidden where fiction kisses the stars.
I stared.
Then reread it.
Then whispered, "What."
Was this a prank?
Or worse: did I forget leaving a mysterious clue-letter for myself? Like, time-travel jet lag?
Either way, "where fiction kisses the stars" could only mean one thing.
The sci-fi shelf.
I should have gone back to reshelving books.
But… come on.
I'm me.
---
Clue 2: Between "Galactic Princesses" and "Black Hole Baking"
Another note, this one folded like a tiny origami fox.
> "You're getting warmer, sleepyhead.<
Now find the page where heroes fall but always rise again.
(Hint: there's a purple bookmark.)"
I scanned the fiction section and found it—Volume 5 of "Battle Swords of the Fluffening."
A ridiculous fantasy series about talking wolves with capes and extremely long dramatic speeches.
There, at chapter 32, was the bookmark.
And another note.
> "Almost there.<
The treasure lies where stories are locked away—not by time, but by rule.
Use your name to open it."
And I realized.
The old catalog drawers.
The ones students never use.
But still alphabetized…
By name.
---
Final Clue: The R Drawer
Drawer R creaked open like a cliché horror movie prop.
And sitting inside was…
A tiny wooden box.
With a paper tag tied in ribbon.
The tag said:
> "To Reika, on one of your ordinary days." <
My heartbeat did a small backflip.
I slowly opened it.
Inside was…
A single folded slip of paper.
And a piece of strawberry hard candy.
The paper said:
> "Congratulations, Time-Stumbler!" <
You found your own trail. Good instincts.
This isn't a magic relic or ancient truth. Just a little joy.
Please accept this coupon for 50% off one seasonal snack at Kado's Corner.
(Expires next month. Hurry.)
From: Future You, probably.
P.S. Don't eat the hard candy if it smells like fish. You'll understand later.
I sat there blinking.
Holding a candy.
And a snack coupon.
Inside a treasure chest.
From… me?
Or possibly future me.
I didn't know whether to laugh, time-freeze in shock, or immediately run out for a discounted rice cracker.
Instead, I put everything back except the coupon, locked the drawer, and sat on the floor.
Grinning like an idiot.
---
Later That Day
Naomi: "You're in a good mood."
Me: "Let's just say… I found a hidden treasure."
Naomi: "Like metaphorically?"
Me: munching discounted maple crisps "Sure. Metaphorically."