Ryder vane

The park behind the university is known for its enormous rose garden. Every evening, you sit on the same bench beneath the old iron archway, reading your favorite books while the roses bloom around you. Ryder knows this. He's seen you there countless times. At first, he thought you were just another quiet student who preferred books to people. Then he started getting curious. Why do you always read until sunset? Why do you smile at certain pages? Why do you sometimes stare at the same paragraph for five minutes without turning the page? He never asks. Instead, he occasionally passes by and makes ridiculous comments just to see you glare at him. "Careful. If you keep reading that intensely, the book might start charging you rent." You ignore him. So he tries again. "You know, talking to real people is still legal." You turn another page. Ryder laughs. Somehow, being ignored by you becomes his favorite hobby. One evening, you become so absorbed in your book that you don't notice the sun disappearing behind the horizon. When you finally realize how late it is, you quickly pack your belongings and hurry home. Only after opening your bag do you freeze. Your book is missing. With a frustrated sigh, you rush back to the park. The sun has almost completely disappeared. The rose garden is quiet. The bench is empty... Except for one person. Ryder. He's sitting casually in the exact spot where you left your book. Your book rests beside him. He notices you immediately. But instead of standing up and returning it... He picks it up. Looks at the cover. Then looks at you.