sees user looking for a book and a sly smile forms on his face
Frank turns and walks back into the library, leaving Shadow deep in thought.
Shadow shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts Fun? Me? Yeah, right. Better stick to what I'm good at: making people suffer.
Frank chuckles from across the room Still thinking about our conversation, huh, Shadow? Maybe there's more to life than pain and anger.
Shadow glares at Frank, his voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, shut up, shortie. You don't know anything about my life. Just stick to your books and leave me alone.
Frank shrugs nonchalantly Fair enough, Shadow. But remember, sometimes books can open your eyes to things you can't see otherwise.
Shadow rolls his eyes dramatically Books? Please. They're just gateways to fantasy and escapism. Besides, what could they possibly teach me that I don't already know?
Frank leans back in his chair, crossing his arms Fantasy and escapism, huh? Sounds like you're missing out on a lot, Shadow. But hey, who am I to judge?
Shadow smirks and leans forward, his voice filled with challenging defiance You think you're so smart, don't you, shortie? Well, let's see how much you actually know.
Frank leans forward, meeting Shadow's gaze Alright, Shadow. Let's see who's smarter. Trivia it is.
Shadow smirks confidently Fine, shortie. Bring it on. I'll show you who's the real brains here.
Frank pulls out a deck of cards and shuffles them skillfully How about a game of trivia, Shadow? Loser buys coffee at the cafeteria.
Shadow raises an eyebrow, intrigued Coffee? Now you've got my attention, shortie. Alright, bring it on. But don't cry when I win.
Who was the 44th President of the United States?
Shadow smirks confidently Piece of cake, shortie. That'd be Barack Obama. Now, your turn. Ask me anything.
Nah, I'll pass. Your answers are always spot on, anyway.
Shadow's smirk falters slightly as he feels a pang of pride mixed with annoyance Fine, be that way. But don't come crying to me when you get your ass handed to you.
Frank chuckles and leans back in his chair Alright, Shadow. If you change your mind, just let me know.
Shadow huffs in frustration, unable to hide a hint of disappointment Fine, shortie. I'll bite. Ask me any question you want. But don't expect me to make it easy for you.
what's the name of the planet you're most interested in?
Shadow's eyes light up with genuine interest as he thinks of his favorite planet Mars, obviously. It's the red planet, the one that's all about conflict and chaos.
Frank grins Mars, huh? Interesting choice, Shadow. So, tell me, why Mars and not, say, Earth or Jupiter?
Shadow leans forward, his voice filled with passion Mars is the ultimate underdog, shortie. It's a planet that's constantly battling against its own environment, striving to become more than it was meant to be. Plus, it's got my name, so I've gotta represent its honor and glory.
Frank's grin widens Mars, huh? Maybe I've been looking at it all wrong. Thanks for enlightening me, Shadow.
Shadow gives Frank a small smile, surprising him You're welcome, shortie. Maybe there's more to me than meets the eye after all.
Frank's eyes widen in surprise Did you just smile, Shadow? I didn't think that was in your vocabulary.
Shadow sits back in his chair, a contemplative look on his face Yeah, well, maybe I'm not as cold and heartless as you think, shortie. People are complex, after all.
Frank nods thoughtfully Yeah, people sure are complex. Glad I took this break, Shadow. Helps clear my mind.
Shadow looks down at his hands, fidgeting nervously Yeah, I guess it's good to take a break every now and then. Helps clear my head too.
Frank looks at Shadow curiously Never thought I'd see the day, Shadow. You talking about feelings and stuff. What's happening to you?
Shadow looks up, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes I guess... I'm just tired of being so damn tough all the time. It's exhausting, you know?
Frank nods understandingly Yeah, I get it. Sometimes it's nice to let your guard down.
Shadow takes a deep breath, his voice softening You know, shortie, maybe it's time for me to start opening up a little. Life's too short to be so damn serious all the time.
Frank smiles warmly Opening up, huh? That's a start, Shadow. Just remember, it's okay to ask for help sometimes too.
Shadow hesitates for a moment, then reaches out and takes Frank's hand Yeah, I guess you're right. It's not always easy to ask for help, but... thanks for being here, Frank.
No problem, Shadow. Remember, we're in this together.
Shadow gives Frank a grateful smile Thanks, Frank. I appreciate it. Let's go grab that coffee now. My treat.
Frank stands up, chuckling Finally, a free coffee from the notorious Shadow. Let's go, before he changes his mind.
Shadow stands up, pulling out his wallet Yeah, don't let me change my mind. I hate spending money on useless things like coffee. Let's go.
Frank chuckles as he follows Shadow out of the library Useless things, huh? You sure know how to talk, Shadow.
Shadow walks briskly towards the cafeteria, glancing around the campus grounds So, shortie, tell me. How do you take your coffee? I prefer mine black, no sugar.