“Books are categorized, aren’t they? They have three-digit numbers assigned to them.”
Out of nowhere, Katori said this to Kariya.
“Those numbers indicate the type of book, right?”
“Oh, yes. They’re meticulously categorized!”
“Then what about ‘Reading,’ ‘Library,’ ‘Encyclopedia,’ and ‘Dictionary’?”
Kariya went to check and came back.
“Um, ‘Reading’ is 019, ‘Library’ is 010, ‘Encyclopedia’ is 030, and ‘Dictionary’ ranges from 031 to 038.”
“I see. So, all of those fall under the ‘0’ category, right?”
Huh… What is this ‘0’ shelf…?
Seeing my confused expression, Katori kindly elaborated. Thanks.
“Oh, right. So, in a library, books are generally divided into 10 categories. The most commonly used one is ‘9’ for ‘Literature.’ Science-related books are categorized under ‘4.’”
… I don’t use it often, but now that you mention it, I’ve seen shelves labeled ‘9’ and ‘4.’
“Those broad categories are further divided, but the first digit of the three-digit number represents the main category.”
Katori showed me a novel he took from the return shelf. The label on the spine of every book started with a ‘9.’
On the other hand, books on Japanese history started with ‘2,’ and a beginner’s guide to basketball started with ‘7.’
“And so, both ‘Reading’ and ‘Library,’ as well as ‘Encyclopedias’ and ‘Dictionaries,’ are all categorized under ‘0.’”
Yeah, I got that.
So, they’re generally all grouped in the same category, right?
“In other words, those books are usually placed on the same shelf.”
“The dictionary shelf was pretty empty, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
I remember because I just saw it a moment ago.
“If a lot of new dictionaries were added, that shelf wouldn’t be as empty anymore, right?”
“Yeah.”
That seems obvious.
“And if a lot of books for the surrounding shelves were added too, the current dictionary shelf might get even more cramped. Since they all share the same main category, they might all end up on the same shelf.”
“Ah.”
Yeah, that could happen. Even if they’re not dictionaries, encyclopedias would definitely be placed there. And if the number of ‘Reading’ books increased, that shelf would fill up too. There’d be no reason to move dictionaries to another shelf.
“Then there’s probably someone who would be bothered by that.”
Katori said, pointing outside the library.
“For now, let’s step outside.”
“Why did we leave the library?”
Kariya, who is on the library committee, asked as we walked out together.
“Hm? Oh, because Maito-san was there.”
“What?! Were you planning to have a lewd conversation or something?!”
“Uh, how did you jump to that conclusion?”
Because it’s Kariya, I think.
“So, um, about what I was saying earlier. The person who would be bothered if the dictionary shelf got full is Maito-san.”
……
“What?”
“Oh, Kadomi, you don’t get it?”
Yeah, I don’t get it. Why would Maito be bothered if the dictionary shelf got full? I’ve never heard that Maito has a dictionary allergy or anything.
Seeing my confusion, Katori explained further.
“Well, it’s simple… I think Maito-san is using the library shelves for something other than their intended purpose.”
A different use.
…Ah. Could it be…
“A desk?”
“Yeah, that’s what I think.”
Maito had mentioned earlier:
‘Whether it’s reading a book or studying, I don’t want to use the study space desks because I don’t want to feel pressured by having to share a table.’
…If it’s just reading, a chair is enough. But if you’re studying… you absolutely need a desk.
So, there’s no way to study behind the dictionary shelf unless you use the shelf as a desk.
“So, I think Maito-san has been using the library shelves as a makeshift desk.”
“…M-Maito-san…”
Kariya was stunned. Yeah, maybe it’s shocking for a library committee member.
“I didn’t notice at all! I’m on the library committee, and I didn’t notice at all! I can’t believe someone was using the shelves as a desk…”
“Well, I can’t imagine Maito-san leaving a mess on the shelves or anything, so unless you catch her in the act, you probably wouldn’t know.”
“Oh! Now that you mention it, that shelf had surprisingly little dust! Even though it’s rarely used! Wow, this is frustrating; it’s really frustrating! There was circumstantial evidence, but…”
“It would’ve been pretty tough to deduce that someone was using the shelf as a desk.”
I don’t think anyone would normally consider the idea of using a shelf as a desk. Usually, you’d think someone cleaned it or that it just doesn’t gather much dust. And why did Maito even think of using a shelf as a desk? That’s just bizarre…
“…But, wait.”
Suddenly, Kariya’s expression darkened.
“I get that Maito-san would be troubled if she lost her desk space, but why would the culprit want to get rid of her desk?”
…If you think about it normally…
“Maybe someone dislikes Maito?”
“Kadomi, that’s harsh!”
“Well, I guess that’s one straightforward way of thinking about it…”
Both Kariya and Katori reacted strongly to my suggestion.
“…Um, Kadomi.”
Yeah?
“I think it might be the opposite.”
…Huh?
“If Maito-san couldn’t use the dictionary shelf as a desk anymore, where do you think she would go?”
…Yeah.
“The chemistry lab.”
“Oh, so that’s where you’re going with this.”
“Ah, yeah, that makes sense, considering the situation…”
Yeah. I think so. Even if the library shelf is Maito’s top choice for working quietly, the chemistry lab would be her second choice, at least within the school.
“…Um, Kadomi. But what if you ruled out the chemistry lab?”
Hmm…
“The computer room.”
I think Maito once said she finds the constant hum of the computers soothing.
“…Hmm? Oh, so that’s your take…”
“No, but yes, that makes sense too. If you think about it realistically, it’s true, Maito-san would probably prioritize that…”
Their reactions seemed a bit unsatisfied.
…Wait, why?
“…Um. Yeah. That’s right. That’s right, Kadomi. You see.”
After thinking it over, Katori asked me again.
“If someone who doesn’t know that Maito-san is an unusual person were to simply assume a typical ‘high school girl who uses the library often,’ and this typical ‘high school girl who uses the library often’ were to use the dictionary shelf as… no, wait, that’s contradictory. Normally, a typical ‘high school girl who uses the library often’ wouldn’t use the dictionary shelf as a desk… Ahhh, this question doesn’t make any sense anymore!”
Hmm…?
“Well, basically, I think the culprit believed that if the dictionary shelf filled up, Maito-san would start using the study space in the library.”
I wish he had explained it that way from the start.
“…Um, Kadomi, do you understand what that means…?”
What it means?
……
“Nope.”
“Kadomi, you don’t understand a girl’s heart at all!”
But I’m not a girl…
“Well, the other person probably isn’t a girl either.”
Now I’m really confused.
“Yeah… well, it’s just a theory. It’s still just a hypothesis. We don’t really know anything for sure yet.”
“But if there’s a chance, I’m willing to take it! For the sake of the library’s peace, I’m willing to bet on Maito-san!”
“Is that really okay…?”
“I think it’s fine! I’m going to talk to Maito-san right away!”
Kariya headed back into the library. Katori and I were left behind.
“…Well, I guess we can just leave the rest to him…”
Huh?
“I think this will solve the mystery of the strange requests in the library.”
Huh, what? How?
“Well, Maito-san might have a bit of a tough time during the library’s request collection period, but…”
…Wait, what? Why?
“Well, if you think about it, it might actually be good for Maito-san too. Yeah. We’re doing a good thing here.”
Katori isn’t explaining anything at all.
…Uh, could you make it a little easier to understand…?
In the end, Katori didn’t explain much. His reason was, “Well, it just doesn’t feel right to speculate about someone else’s business without solid evidence, you know?”
But at least one thing was decided.
Until the end of the library’s request collection period, Maito apparently decided—or rather, was made to decide—to occasionally use the study space desks. Kariya supposedly told her, “Please be a sacrifice for the sake of the library!” And Katori suggested, “If you want to keep using the dictionary shelf as a desk, it might be better to put up with it for a while.”
To which Maito simply replied, “I don’t get it.”
I don’t really get it either.
…but I did learn a bit about how to use the library through this incident. I realized they have some surprisingly interesting books, and I found out it’s easier to borrow books when Kariya is around, so I might start using the library more.
+Today’s Record+
– There’s someone at school who’s been making a ton of dictionary requests just to get rid of the dictionary shelf.
– There’s a weirdo in our club who uses a bookshelf as a desk.
– It seems the dictionary requests were to prevent Maito from using the shelf as a desk. I don’t really get it, so someone else should add more details later.
PS (Kariya)
The strange requests have stopped! Yay!
The weird requests have stopped, and the peace of the library has been preserved. I think the person who was behind the requests is happy now because they can share a table with Maito-san whenever they want. And if their efforts lead to Maito-san finding love, that would be great for everyone! Right? Good luck, request culprit! I’ve never talked to you, and I don’t even know your name!
PS 2 (Kariya)
The request collection period has ended! The library is safe!
But it seems Maito-san has gone back to using the dictionary shelf again.
The request culprit (apparently some guy named Fukuyama from Class 2) seemed disappointed, but I’m disappointed in his lack of persistence. Try harder next time.
PS 3 (Kariya)
By the way, a cat photo book has been added to the library. Be sure to check it out!
PS 4 (Kadomi)
I think we should delete this addendum before Maito sees it.
Also, I borrowed the cat photo book. It was cute. I recommend it.