Dylan looked up. Gene liked what he saw. Dylan’s round face and full lips were adorable, with gorgeous brown eyes slightly hidden under tufts of blonde hair drawing Gene in even further. “Hey, hi,” Gene said now he had Dylan’s attention. “I’m trying to locate a past student. Would you know how I could go about that?”

Dylan gave Gene the once-over. “You’re not a student?” he asked.

The butterflies in his stomach threatened to bring on his anxiety, yet an anchor in his heart held him firm and calm as he replied, “No. I’m looking for someone called Ziggy.”

“I don’t know anyone by that name.”

“Of course you wouldn’t.”

As Dylan continued to stare at him, Gene took the opportunity to sit opposite him. Dylan scowled, but Gene ignored it, explaining his situation as he removed the comic book from his backpack.

“You see, this book was handed in at the book shop I work for, and there’s a note in the back. Here.” Gene opened the book and handed it over. He continued to explain. “So I wondered if the book was meant to be donated. I’m not sure who the owner is or why it was given away but I thought they might want it back.”

“You’re not serious, are you?” Dylan asked, handing the book back.

“Of course I am. If you gave this book to the person you were in love with and someone else gave it away, wouldn’t you want to get it back?”

“No. You don’t know who these people are or why the book was donated.”

“But the person who donated this book wasn’t the owner, but the father of the man who owned it.”

“Then what’s their name?”

Gene stared intently before replying, “I have no idea. Which is way I’m trying to find Ziggy.”

“People tend to get rid of things when they’re no longer in relationships. Or they might have died? Perhaps that’s why his father donated them?”

“What if it’s like Romeo and Juliet? It would be so cool to know if it was.”

“Is there something wrong with you?” Dylan asked.

“Yes—determination, a natural drive for adventure, and a willingness to go where no man has gone before.” Gene’s ability to be witty was his strength.

“You’re weird.”

The manner in which Dylan spoke in no way reflected any animosity, which genuinely pleased Gene and only encouraged him more.

“So, can you help me find Ziggy?” Gene asked.

Dylan stared in confusion before he shook his head, replying, “I have studying I need to get done before exams next month. Sorry.”

A hopeful feeling went through Gene. Still, he was unsure whether, if he pushed a little harder, Dylan might lose his temper. So he hesitated. His inner voice cautioned him, but Gene ignored it. “Can you offer any ideas as to how I would find a person called Ziggy?”

“Assuming that is his real name, try the Birth, Deaths and Marriages office on Grenfell Street. They have electronic records. You could search for children born with the name Ziggy for the last number of years. That would be a start. Although, a surname might be needed, but I’m not sure.”

“Great. We could meet up there together. Two heads are better than one, and you seem to know a lot about it.”

Gene knew he was pushing the boundaries, but he couldn’t stop himself. The quiet voice of determination had grown from his confidence, and while Gene experienced a sense of power, he didn’t want his meeting with Dylan to end badly, and so he continued to persuade Dylan as best he could.

Dylan glared at Gene, mouth open and brow creased. “Who said anything about we?”

“Come on! Admit it, you’re as interested as I am.”

“No I’m not. I don’t even know you.”

“I’m Gene.” He stretched out his hand. Dylan reluctantly shook it. “I work at Bargain Books off Rundle Mall. I’m nineteen, live at home, and I’m saving to move out.”

“Right, so—Gene. That’s an interesting name for a boy.”

Gene gave a big smile. “Don’t knock it, I was named after the greatest guitarist in the world.”

With a blank stare, Dylan shook his head, indicating he had no idea who Gene was referring to. “Gene Simmons.”

Still no response.

“From the rock band KISS.”

Still nothing.

“Geez, where have you been? Only the coolest band ever. According to my Pa, that is. That’s not the point, anyway. Are you going to help me or not?”

“Look, Gene, I’m sorry, but I really do not have the time to help you.”

“Sure you do. They also call me Genie. Want to know why?”

“Not really.”

“Because if you rub me in the right place, I’ll give you want you want,” Gene wriggled his eyebrows. In his fantasies, Gene had always used that pick-up line, but he’d never actually thought he would use it in real life. He was slightly mortified, but also felt a touch of pride. He’d had the confidence to use it on Dylan.

“There is no coming back from that.”

“Not once we’re finished.” Gene raised his eyebrows.

“You’re a perv.” Dylan shook his head in mocked disappointment.

Gene let out a laugh. Dylan’s response could not have gone any better, and the comfort Gene experienced in his presence impelled him on. “Yeah, that’s what you like about me.” Gene gave his best smile, hoping to persuade Dylan.

“Again, I don’t know you,” came Dylan’s reply, looking back down at his papers and attempting to dismiss Gene.

A flutter in Gene’s stomach recognised the dismissal, and was it only at that point that Gene’s anxious thoughts finely catch up. The tepid rise of his anxiety began to threaten Gene as he made one last effort to convince Dylan to help him. Gene leaned forward and replied, “Sure you do. We’re practically best friends now.”

Dylan looked up, dropped his pen on his notepad, and stared at Gene. His gaze penetrated Gene; the look was one Gene knew too well. He was being annoying and bothersome, and didn’t know when to stop harassing strangers. His anxiety, which Gene had once again ignored over a good-looking face, taunted him. As he silently began to criticize himself for his stupidity and promised once more to keep his mouth shut and not approach people… Dylan spoke.

His comment took Gene by surprise. “You’re going to keep bugging me until I give in.”

Gene didn’t know if Dylan was agreeing to help or not. He found it hard to respond with the same eagerness, and his reply reflected his emotional change. “Or until you punch me in the face,” Gene replied seriously.

Dylan frowned.  “Right, like that’s going to happen.”

There was a long pause as Gene waited for his answer. In that time, Gene continued to fight the growing sense of discomfort as he began to withdraw himself from the situation. Perhaps Dylan sensed the change. His posture shifted, and Gene sensed that that wasn’t a bad thing.

“I can help you Friday morning. I’ll meet you out the front of the building on Grenfell Street at ten. We’ll look together, but don’t be surprised if we don’t find anything.”

Having been prepared to retract his invite for Dylan to join him if he refused, Gene stared at him in disbelief. At a loss for words, Gene quickly regained his voice, fighting his desire to back out. “Great. It’s a date.”

“It’s not a date,” Dylan replied.

Gene made himself smile before Dylan’s expression softened his fears and Gene found himself becoming slightly flustered.

“Then I’ll see you in two days’ time.” Gene took the opportunity to leave while he could.

When Gene was no more then a few step away, Dylan called out, “Hey. You didn’t think to ask for my name?”

Gene turned back and pointed to Dylan’s notebook. “Nope, it’s written on the top of your book.”

Dylan didn’t need to look to understand.

“I’ll call you tomorrow night to confirm our date.”

“It’s not a date,” Dylan growled, but Gene ignored him as he walked out of the library. Not until he was outside did he collapse on the concrete steps of the building, shaking and trying to make sense of what he’d done. A part of him reprimanded himself for being so forward, while another part congratulated himself on being strong. Before he could forget, Gene added Dylan’s number to his phone, and only then did his actions sink in. He had two days to come to terms with what he’d done.