He Who Became Real

I flipped through the pages of the book I'm currently reading. I fixed my glasses a little because they were slightly distorted, but my vision was still a little fuzzy, so I just took them off and wiped them softly till they were clear.

When my visions started to improve, I grinned and resumed my reading.

"Pene, are you going home yet? It's getting dark."

When I looked around the library, it appeared that I was the only one around. I then peered out the window and noticed that the darkness had only just begun to nibble away at the formerly brilliant clouds.

"Can I perhaps borrow this book?" " I rose from my seat and approached Mrs. Javier, who, despite the stern expression on her face, had a pleasant manner.

"Of course. Just write your name and the title of the book you want to borrow here," she added before handing me a logbook with the names of the pupils who also borrowed the textbook.

I had chosen to leave after writing my name, but I hadn't been able to leave when I noticed a red book in the corner of the library. I would have loved to grab it just in case someone had just left it and maybe come back to look for it. So, in the end, I just left the library.

Harbor University closes at exactly six o'clock, however, it is a college department to be considered. It's a private school, but it's not as huge as other private colleges, and it's not as small either, it's just fine.

I went through the calm corridors till I was finally out of university. I don't need to ride a tricycle or any other vehicle because the apartment I'm living in is just a short walk away.

I yawned because, even though it was still early, I was beginning to feel drowsy.

Before I go over to the kitchen, I place my bag on a single sofa. I took a peek at the pitcher I had left on the table this morning because I was rushing to get to school. I sighed before I put it away.

I just prepared noodles that night since I was out of supplies. I also got up early the next day because my first lesson started at seven o'clock, but when I arrived, there was no one in the room.

"Penelope!"

I turned to my left as I heard someone yell out my name. Cario, one of my block mates, was racing in my direction when I noticed him. As I met his pleasant gaze, I furrowed my brow.

"We don't have a class today because the professors have a last-minute meeting," he explained.

I hastily avoided looking at him because he was staring at me. I've known Cario since high school, and there isn't a week that goes by that he doesn't tell me how he feels. When it comes to expressing his emotions, he is very vocal. Even though I told him he couldn't flirt with me, he wouldn't quit taunting me. Not that I don't like him; Cario is a good man, and many pretty girls wish to be noticed by someone like him.

People always told me that I'm lucky since I'm the one he wanted to court; after all, why would he choose someone like me out of all the girls?

Even if that's the case, I'm looking for something in a man that I can't find in him. That's it; I have no idea what else to say.

"I'll just go to the library," I muttered, turning away from him, but he abruptly joined me on the walk.

"I'll accompany you," he said and got ahead of me. "I'm heading to the cafeteria, and we'll be passing by the library, so I'll escort you," he replied, and I couldn't complain any longer.

He follows through on his words. He simply escorted me and did not attempt to enter the library because he departed immediately after.

I contacted Mrs. Javier, who was frantically arranging a few paperwork. Before I entered the library, I just scribbled my name in the logbook. Because there are no classes, there are a few pupils present.

I reached for my journal after sitting on the side table. I prefer it here at the library because it's quiet, and it's one of the few places where I can think clearly. I come here to read and make up stories when I don't have work. I suppose it's a hobby.

I've written and completed a few novels, some of which were shared on social media; there haven't been many reads, but my accomplishment is that I can write a novel even if no one reads it.

It's frustrating at times because no one seems to value your work, but I keep writing anyway. It's not all that bad, especially if you're having a good time. I sometimes don't realize I've been writing for almost a year because I'm having so much fun with it.

When a plot suddenly jumped into my head, I came to a halt and pondered. It isn't new because I have a storyline that I want to create; the problem is that I still need to think about the plot properly so that I would not have a difficult time.

I looked at the few words I had written in my journal. My brows furrowed, and I simply brushed and erased it.

I was deep in thought when my heel brushed up against what was under the table. I bent down in awe to see what was there. When I noticed a red book, my eyes narrowed. It's roughly the size of my journal, but much thicker. I haven't seen any designs either.

That is what I did.

If I'm not mistaken, this was the same book I spotted the day before. If that's the case, no one is taking it just yet.

I opened it and placed it on the table. When I realized it was a book, I stumbled. A book without a title. How strange. How could someone have left this here, or maybe the owner didn't read it and just left it? I sighed deeply. Perhaps he or she doesn't like old books like this.

Is this something I should keep? It's a surprise no one took it. It appears that the actual owner has no intention of taking it any longer because he should have taken it yesterday.

I examined the book's pages, hoping to find the owner's name, but there was none.

The book is heavy, but because I'm a fast reader, I'm confident I'll finish it in three days. Even though I have no idea what kind of story this is, I am intrigued to learn more about it.

I didn't read it first and just placed it in my luggage since I'll still have to finish the plot I was thinking about earlier. I'm attempting to write a narrative in a genre that I'm not fond of, but because I wanted to see where my writing skills could take me, I don't see anything wrong with that. After all, exploring means improving.

It took me a long time for me to come up with a plot till the second period arrived.

The rest of the day worked perfectly. When afternoon arrived, I decided to go to the convenience store to stock up on supplies. I then returned home.

When I spotted the threatening weather, I shot a quick check out the window. Heavy showers, strong winds, and weak lightning are expected. Because I don't have a television in my apartment, I can't watch weather reports.

I could still hear the pounding rain outside after 10 p.m. while I lay in bed. It's the middle of June, but the temperature is a little cool, which is fine with me because I prefer cold temperatures because they make me feel more at ease.

I simply groaned and took up the scarlet book I'd discovered earlier in the library. I opened it and thought of reading the first page.

***

Russel Celvestrian.

An arrogant, rude, and a damn womanizer. And what do we have here? Freakingly handsome and hot. That's how people described him. From the looks up to his luxurious things, who wouldn't fall for a guy like him?

***

Because of what I had read, my two brows melded closer. Is this a love story?

Who wouldn't be smitten by a guy like him? So, if I'm one of the characters in the novel and we've crossed paths, maybe I'm the one who wouldn't fall for him. I'm referring to the fact that I've been making up my characters based on my ideal. And being arrogant, disrespectful, and a womanizer is not on my list of qualities. I prefer a gentleman with a nice heart, and not someone who does nothing but hurt someone's feelings, especially if he would just play with her.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons I don't entertain other males as much as other women do because my standards are just so different. I have high expectations for males, but not to the point where I fantasize about meeting someone like that. That is extremely unlikely to happen. And if there is, I may not deserve him. He was far too ideal for me. He deserves someone as perfect as he is.

I shook my head and went back to reading.

He was standing in front of the mirror, meticulously arranging his blue necktie. His ocean blue hair is unkempt; a smirk appears on his lips. Today was a memorable day for him because, in addition to being his 21st birthday, it was also the occasion on which he would sit as an heir of the Celvestrian Empire Company.

He needs to look great, but even without his luxuries, his looks and frame scream perfection. Even if he wears a tattered dress, no one will notice because he will look to be a much more attractive man. From his brows, which made him appear more attractive yet dangerous, to his dull eyes, which contrast with his attitude, his tall nose, which has a perfect view even from the side, and his pinkish lips, which every girl would die for just to kiss, and the perfect shape of his jawline, which is very ideal from every angle.

His attention was drawn by a knock on the door. When he realized that the door had been slightly opened, he peered there.

"Sir Russel, your father is waiting for you; he's already in the venue where the party will be held," a housemate replied.

Russel hastily nodded. "I'll be there in a minute," he added as the woman nodded before eventually leaving; he then returns his gaze towards the mirror.

He smirked as he removed his cell phone from his jeans pocket and tapped something in it; a ringtone rang throughout the room when he dialed someone's number; it took three rings before the person on the other line answered.

"After the party?" he inquired, as a giggle echoed from the other end of the line.

"It's not as if we won't meet later, and I already know you very well, so I've planned this night for you."

"Good."

"Would Gwen be around?"

He was baffled when he heard her name. "Yes, her family was invited, and they also contract employees, so there's no reason for her not to attend the party."

"Tsk. She's not even a businessperson, and she's only coming because of you."

"She's making me sick; don't mention her name again, Bradly," he said over the phone, hearing giggles on the other line. He couldn't help but shook his head, knowing that she was just going to irritate him.

"Oh, come on, Gwen is good in- you know, why do you sound like you despise her now?"

"She's annoying, that's it. I'll hang up now, and we'll talk later," he stated before hanging up the phone.

When he arrived at the event, he was greeted by a slew of multibillionaires. He received numerous greetings from everyone surrounding him as soon as he landed on the red carpet at its opening.

Cameras can be found all everywhere. Many women approached him for pictures as well. The haughty expression remained, but the attention he drew from the audience was the polar opposite. He dislikes it, especially the cameras that constantly monitor his every movement. He neglected it and proceeded on his way into the event, but he was caught by two arms wrapped around his neck and lips gently pushed to his cheek.

"Happy birthday, Russel; you looked amazing today."

His brow furrowed as he glanced at the woman in front of him. None other than the woman he and Bradly were discussing earlier. Gwen. "What are you doing here? You supposed to be inside."

Russel couldn't help but sigh, certain that the girl would misinterpret the way he stated it. He acts as if he cares, but in reality, he's just annoyed by her presence and believes that it'll be better for him if Gwen is in there.

"I've waited for you. We arrived here in about half an hour. I was so bored earlier because of waiting for you to come," the girl remarked, slightly pouting at him that made him winced, especially because she had simply tightened the hook of his arm around his neck.

"I'm going inside," he said as he gently pulled the woman's arm from his neck.

He thought he could sneak inside slowly when the woman's arm curled around his arm. He looked at Gwen, perplexed, but all he got was a smirk.

"Shall we?" Gwen queried, eliciting a long sigh before they chose to enter the venue.

***

I yawned when I was overcome by drowsiness, but the story plunges me into bewilderment. What's the matter with Gwen, that he seems disgusted? I continued to read while shaking my head.

***

"Please join me in welcoming my son, the heir of Celvestrian Empire Company, Russel Celvestrian!"

After calling his name, Russel was welcomed with a wave of applause, which only grew louder when he approached the stage and was handed over the microphone from his father.

His father offered him a loving grin and tapped his shoulder, causing him to nod.

"The stage is entirely yours. Best wishes, so," his father stated before he eventually exited the stage and walked to the table where he was seated.

He sighed and finally turned to face the crowd. "I genuinely didn't expect to go onto this platform with a microphone since my dad summoned me, because I'd rather have a pool party with a bunch of naked girls around," he remarked, and laughter echoed across the room. Some people were shaking their heads, not because they were angry, but because the young man hadn't changed much. He's still a womanizer.

***

I assumed to be one of those present and watching him because I, too, was shaking my head. If he's a womanizer, why is he annoyed about Gwen? Or maybe he has his standards.

***

"That's all. Thank you for attending our invitations," he concluded, before the entire venue erupted in applause once more.

He exited the stage and walked up to the table where his friends were seated. Bradly was the first to welcome him, raising a glass of champagne gently. He nodded as he sat beside his comrade on a chair.

"You look like a decent guy in your clothing."

His gaze was drawn to Vrok, one of his friends, who was laughing at him, causing him to curse for a moment.

Because if they were going to ask him, he would not choose to attend this event and face so many people. He still preferred to be in a party bar with his buddies, surrounded by a variety of sexy girls, or at the pool party, he was looking forward to. Rather than this event, that would be more likely to be called a party.

"Don't compliment him too much, it's getting windy," Trivor teased.

He sneered at what his friend said and threw him a deadly glare. "Shut up or I'll kick you outside with a bunch of gays."

Vrok almost choked on his drink because of what he heard. "That's harsh, bro," he said because he knew Russel, whatever he says, he'll do it. So, it wouldn't be shocking if the young man did anything like that, especially if they won't stop mocking him.

"Tsk. Where's Liam? I thought he'd come," he wondered when he discovered they weren't completely seated at their table.

He set his sights on Bradly because this was the man he had been talking to on the phone earlier. He was sure that Bradly was aware of the cause behind this. He shrugged at him.

"I left him at the bar. I told him not to go since we'd be there afterward. Also, there'd be no one left to secure the bar, so it's only appropriate that he's there." He was disturbed by what it said, as were Trivor and Vrok by what the young guy stated.

When it comes to his relative, this guy is heartless. That's what they assumed.

***

I wanted to keep reading, but drowsiness overcame me.

Maybe I'll just keep going with this later.

When they entered the bar, they were greeted by the smokes of cigarettes, the sounds of music, and the crazy people who danced to the beat of it.

They chose to come here because the event had ended quietly.

"I called Liam; he's supposed to be here," Trevor explained, clarifying why they've decided to simply wait at the bar's entrance.

"Hey, babe." A woman in short shorts and a revealing off-shoulder piece of clothing sprang out in front of Russell and kissed his lips without his permission.

"Hey," he said when as a response.

He didn't bother the three. To be honest, they are used to it. After all, Russel's signature is being a womanizer. He wouldn't be a Celvestrian if he couldn't entice the ladies with his renown and good looks.

"Later?"

As her eyes brought him to the accompaniment of the flirtation, he felt the woman's hand slowly across his big chest.

He grinned and ran his finger down the woman's nose, near to her lips.

"Sure."

***

I gaped for a moment before closing the book. What did I just read?

"What's that?"

"Huh?" I glanced to my side and found Monica, one of my classmates, staring at the book I was holding in awe. I clenched my fist and shook my head quickly.

"N-Nothing. Just a tale, which I just found out somewhere."

"Ah," she said, her mouth wide open, nodding as if satisfied with my response to her question.

I expected her to leave when she asked, but she remained standing by my side a few seconds later.

I couldn't help but wonder why she approached me. I mean, I've known her to be a friendly person, but she's not like myself, who hides behind books and various fantasies. She loved to be around people who were as gregarious and attractive as she was.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, and she shook promptly.

"Nothing. I simply noticed that you still don't abandon your seat even after the bell had rung."

When I looked around the room, I observed that the students had all left. I exhaled a long sigh and turned to face Monica. "Thank you for the reminder; I'll be going then." I took my bag and threw it over my right shoulder before entering the room.

So I wasn't hearing the bell because I was distracted by the story? I shook a little.

I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it was already 6:12 p.m. I proceeded to the locker room to change my clothing. Even if I can go at this moment, I am unable to go home since I have a job that should be filled.

It's been weeks since I was dismissed from my last job due to my frequent absences and ridiculous academic standards that are set. I'm just grateful that I've set aside some of my wages for my allowance. I'm also grateful to have found a new work that meets my preferences.

Although I am not picky when it comes to looking for a part-time job, I can't deny that it is exhausting to do something, especially if you don't want to but don't have a choice, so you have to put up with it in the end.

"All right, so within it are the files that you need to proofread and finish by Friday." A flash drive plopped on my table.

When I looked up, I spotted Ms. Erin, the owner of the publishing house with which I'm working.

"If you feel tired here at the office, you can work from home; just finish what you're working on."

"Thank you so much, Ms. Erin."

She gave me a nod before departing.

I spent my four hours proofreading the files that Ms. Erin had given me, so I almost went home to the apartment with the flash drive.

I was surprised when I opened my kitchen cupboard and saw that I had run out of noodles. I had already eaten dinner, but I forgot to go to the grocery store to get some stocks.

When I became drowsy, I considered going straight to my bedroom and changing my clothes. Although I was sleepy and wanted to sleep, something urged me to read anything before going to bed.

Before going directly to bed, I got the red book out of my backpack and wrapped myself in a blanket. I then flipped to the last page of the book that I had read.

***

"Liam's here."

When a figure in glasses wrapped in his black jacket stared into their eyes, everyone was riveted to their chairs.

The bored expression on his face heightened his seriousness, especially when Trevor noticed him with a wince on the man's face, looking awful to his cousin.

"What are you wearing? You're not at home, you're at the club. You're wrapped up again." Trevor's tongue quivered, but his solemn expression didn't change.

"I should've stayed at home instead of here; this place is pretty noisy," Liam muttered before shifting his gaze to Russel. "Happy birthday, bro."

Russel replied with a nod. "Thanks."

"Follow me," Liam said as he instantly turned around and began walking away. "I've already arranged your private room; as a thank you, you should pay me." The young man's words shook the four of them.

"Books," they all said at the same time as Liam nodded. Felt relieved that they understand what he needed. Books, not women or money.

"Good, I wanted to go home, but since it's Russel's birthday, I'll stay here with you first and suffer."

"Bro, that's harsh; it's as if you're simply putting up with us," Bradly grumbled, but Liam ignored him and sat to one side.

"Awful. Are you just going to sit there on the corner? Come on, Liam! It's Russel's birthday. Even now, just have fun. You'll get old easily if you keep doing that." Vrok's urging, but Trevor merely gave him a pat on the back.

"Leave him alone; why are you not used to it?"

Russel approached Liam and ruffled his hair like a kid, causing him to severely clog him. Russel simply grinned and remained motionless. "Thank you, dude."

"All right, stay away; I might be infected by your flirtatiousness," Liam said, sensing his hand go to push Russel away.

Because of what Liam did, the three of them laughed, so Russel gave them a dirty look.

"Good job, cousin," Trevor says with a thumbs up.

"All right, let's get this party started."

They all exchanged smiles as they stared at one another.

"Come on, let's have a good time!"

"Wuhoo!"

***

I couldn't help but smile when I heard what Liam had done to Russell. In this scenario, I guess I found my bias. Liam is the moniker. Even though Russel is the main protagonist of the novel, Liam is his friend, and I believe I frequently read him in the story. And, like me, he enjoys reading and wears glasses.

I'm curious if he's purblind or if he just likes to wear glasses. The story has no mention of anything. But, in any case, I'm hoping there are many more scenes where I can read his name.

***

They'd been drinking for hours till they left their private area and joined the dancing individuals in the bar to dance. It's not quite midnight, but it doesn't matter.

Russell, on the other hand, is currently making out with some random stranger who is just over it on the dancing.

He doesn't mind whether they're surrounded by people as long as his hands can freely roam to any area of the woman's body.

***

My eyes widened in surprise. Does this imply... I exclaimed and pondered whether I should continue reading. Russel seemed to be planning an erogenous situation here, and I'm not prepared. Because, to be honest, if I keep doing this... This is the first time I've come across a story like this by coincidence.

"Shall I stop reading this?" I clenched my grip on the book and tossed it to the side of my study table.

I'm going to bed now. I still have to get up early for school tomorrow, so I'll have to go to bed early today. Maybe I'll just read it tomorrow during my lunch break or any other free time. However, reading that at school does not appear to be appropriate.

If I do that, I feel like I'll be committing a sin. Why not go ahead to the next chapter? Right. Pene, you're doing great! It would be a fantastic idea to skip this chapter.

After that, I attempted to sleep as intended. But, for a few moments, I was rolling around on my bed, undeterred by drowsiness. I took up the book again and continued reading because I was annoyed. Whatever happens, the most important thing is to be visited by drowsiness.

***

"Gez! Get a room, would you?" Vrok said as he noticed Russel and the woman on his lap performing a miracle.

Russel smirked and bit his bottom lip as he glanced at the woman in front of him.

"May I?" the woman asked, returning his smile with a passionate kiss on the lips.

The woman clung to Russell's shoulder with both arms till he hoisted her up without breaking the kiss-

***

I hurriedly shut the book and slammed it against the side of my study table.

Okay, I'm done. I had to stop reading this story because the scenes were too much for me. I quickly wrapped a blanket around myself and buried what I had read in my head. Oh my goodness! Did they just-gosh! Pene, stop imagining!

I battled to get that thought out of my head till my two eyelids became droopy. And I'm not sure whether I'm dreaming, but I felt something heavy alighted on my stomach.