· 5 min read

Bound by Prose: A Love Story in the Margins - part 1

As you step into the bookstore, the warmth of the interior embraces you like a dear friend.

A rich scent of leather, paper, and ink fills the space, inviting you to slow down and savor every moment within these walls.

You find yourself drawn to the tall, mahogany shelves lined with carefully curated titles.

The store is far from cluttered; instead, it exudes a sense of cozy harmony that entices you to explore further.

You make your way through the maze-like arrangement of bookshelves, running your fingers along the spines of dusty tomes and feeling the weight of their stories within your grasp.

You come across an impressive collection of rare books, tucked away in a secluded corner.

Their beauty catches your eye and piques your curiosity.

It’s clear that these books have been chosen for more than just their rarity - they hold some deeper meaning to the owner of this haven.

As you browse, you become aware of someone observing you from afar.

You turn to find a man, his eyes sparkling with an unspoken wisdom, taking in your fascination with the books before him.

He approaches you with a warm smile and offers assistance.

You feel instantly drawn to this mysterious stranger, who seems so different from anyone you’ve met before.

“Is there anything particular you are looking for?” he asks, his voice smooth like velvet.

“Or perhaps I can recommend something based on your interests.”

You share a few of your favorite authors and genres with him, and he listens intently - as if each word holds the key to unlocking a hidden treasure.

He then proceeds to pull out several books from various shelves, explaining their significance and the reason behind his suggestions.

You find yourself captivated by both his knowledge and his passion for literature.

As you discuss the books further, you discover that this man is Shigaraki, the owner of this enchanting bookstore.

His depth of understanding on various subjects leaves you in awe, and you can’t help but wonder about the life he has led to gain such insights.

You find yourself wanting to know more - not just about books, but about him as well.

“I hope you find my suggestions to your liking,” Shigaraki says with a small bow, his eyes holding yours for a moment longer than necessary.

A jolt of electricity shoots through you, leaving you breathless and longing for more.

As the conversation comes to an end, you realize that while you’ve only just met, there is something undeniably intriguing about Shigaraki.

His knowledge, passion, and kind demeanor leave a lasting impression on you.

You find yourself drawn not only to the books in his store but also to the enigma that he represents.

“I’ll be back next week,” you promise, leaving the bookstore with a new book and a burgeoning curiosity.

As you walk away, you can’t help but wonder what other secrets this hidden gem holds - both within its shelves and in the heart of its enigmatic owner.


“YN, right on time,” Shigaraki greets you as you step into the bookstore a week later.

You smile in response, feeling a warmth that reaches deep within you.

Over the past few weeks, your visits to this hidden gem have become a much-anticipated ritual – one that both soothes and excites you.

As you spend more time with Shigaraki, discussing books and sharing stories, you find yourself becoming increasingly fascinated by him.

The more you talk about literature, the deeper your connection grows.

The conversations between you are engaging, insightful, and utterly captivating – each one leaving you wanting more.

You feel as though Shigaraki understands something about you that others never have before, and you find yourself opening up in ways you never thought possible.

With every shared moment, your friendship deepens.

There’s an unspoken bond forming between the two of you, one that transcends mere words or actions.

Shigaraki reveals more about himself, his thoughts, dreams, and desires – each revelation drawing you closer to him than ever before.

You learn that he’s a deeply passionate man who finds solace in the pages of the books he sells.

You discover how he’s traveled the world, collecting rare tomes and meeting fascinating people along the way – each experience leaving an indelible mark on his soul.

One day, as you both sit sipping tea amidst towering shelves of leather-bound books, Shigaraki confesses, “Sometimes, these books are my only companions.” The admission is soft and reflective, hinting at a loneliness that tugs at your heartstrings.

In that moment, you realize just how much the two of you have in common – a yearning for connection, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and a shared love for literature.

Despite the deepening emotional bond between you, your relationship remains platonic…for now.

As the weeks pass by, your anticipation for each visit grows steadily.

You find yourself daydreaming about Shigaraki, wondering what it would be like to truly know him – not just as a friend or confidant but in every sense of the word.

Your thoughts become increasingly daring, and you catch yourself blushing more than once at the mere idea of being intimate with him.

Today is no different.

As your visit draws to an end, you feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness wash over you.

It’s as if there’s something unspoken lingering between the two of you – an electric charge that threatens to break free at any moment.

“See you next week, Shigaraki,” you say, your voice holding a promise.

Shigaraki looks up from the book he was examining and meets your gaze.

For a brief instant, it feels as though time has stopped, and the only thing that exists is the connection between you.

He smiles – a small, almost imperceptible smile that sends shivers down your spine.

“I’ll be waiting,” he replies, his voice low and seductive.

As you leave the bookstore and step back into the bustling city streets, you can’t help but wonder what next week will bring.

You know in your heart that something is about to change – a shift in the dynamics of your relationship that will open up a whole new realm of possibilities.

And despite the uncertainty, you find yourself eagerly anticipating whatever comes next.

Continue to Chapter 2

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