Somewhere in the Philippines, there lived a young man- or is he alive? Most importantly, is he even a human?

The library was a quaint building, with large bay windows on the main floor. Some books were scattered all over the place, creating an organized mess that somehow worked perfectly together. Stacks of books were placed on every surface, forming a maze-like structure of words. Even the ceiling was filled with shelves, each one holding hundreds of books. The only space left untouched was the large windows, which allowed sunlight to stream in and illuminate the entire room, and the only table that is around. A soft hum could be heard, as if the books were whispering secrets to one another, their pages turning with anticipation of being read. Dust motes danced in the stream of light, adding to the atmosphere. In the distance, one could hear soft and the quiet turning of pages, reflecting the peaceful atmosphere of the library.

His hair fell over his forehead in loose curls, framing his face in a way that made it seem framed for a magazine cover. Even his jawline, with sharp angles and clear definition, could pass for a model's. His eyes were warm and honey-brown, full of a gentle wisdom that seemed to pull those around him in. It was as if time itself stood still wherever he is, for his presence alone commanded attention. The handsome man leaned back in his chair, a book in his hands. He turned the page, his eyes scanning the text as he absorbed its knowledge. His dark hair was neatly combed, but still possessed that messiness that added to his handsome charm. He looked up from the book occasionally, glancing out the window and into the distance, as if he could see beyond the library walls into the world of endless possibilities that lay beyond. The light from the window illuminated his face and highlighted the sharp angles of his features, making him even more attractive.

The man's concentration was broken when he heard the sound of the door bell of the library. He set down his book with a soft thud, glancing up towards the entryway. Still sitting on his chair, he waited for the visitor to finish observing the interior. Their eyes are wandering around, fully in awe at rows of stacked books. That's when they locked eyes with the man who was just sitting, observing him. The visitor flinched but then relaxed when he saw the man's features.

The man looked at the empty space in front of him, then a chair manifested. The visitor was in shock, how can such thing and action exist? Where is he even? that, he doesn't know. And as if the man heard his thoughts, he spoke.

"Welcome to the Archives of Emotions, where one can trade something in exchange of something. I do not accept any kind of currencies." The man said, smiling politely.

"Well then, dearest customer. What is it that your heart desires?"

"Welcome to the Archives of Emotions, where one can trade something in exchange of something. I do not accept any kind of currencies." The man said, smiling politely.

"Well then, dearest customer. What is it that your heart desires?"

The guest just looks at him, as if he was in a trance. He has never seen someone this good looking before.

"Ah. Must've been quite shocking to you. I see desperation behind your eyes. Come and have a sit." After he said that, a chair manifested in front of him, at the opposite side of the desk.

The guest was again, dumbfounded. Yet, what the man said is true. He was in a desperate situation. He took slow steps, then a hurried one as he got closer. He feel that this is his only chance.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Mr. X, keeper of the archive. And you are?"

"Who I am matters not. Please help me. My wife is dying because of cancer. You asked me what it is that my heart desires..." the guest paused, trying to hold back his tears, before continuing.

"I want my wife to live."

Mr. X clicked his tongue. "I can not interfere with the natural cycle of death, Mr. Kiev. It'd break the deal I made with Death, the overseer of the dead and despair. However, I can extend her life as per what we negotiated."

"Take everything! Take my money, all of it! Just please... please extend her life."

"I believe I have already told you, Mr. Kiev. I don't accept any form of currencies used by humans…" Mr. X grinned as he spoke those words.

"Then what do you want, Mr. X? Please help me"

"I want your happiness, everything except despair. I want your memories and soul to be written inside an empty book." Mr. X smiled devilishly. "Each of the book here comes from someone like you, who came here out of desperation. Memories of each individual, their last moments as they sink into despair."

Mr. X paused briefly.

"Now, customer. Do you still want to sign the deal?"

"I..." Kiev hesitated. He grits his teeth, determination in his eyes.

"Help me. I will give it to you. Everything you want from me, take it. Just let her live for another month. I— ah!” Kiev screamed when Mr. X suddenly got so close to him. His scream died out immediately when he felt his finger on his forehead. His eyes lost its light, as if in a trance. He only regained his self after Mr. X returned to his seat, acting as if nothing happened.

"I left you love and despair. Other emotions are with me. Think of it as a down payment" He said, licking his lips as if he just tasted something good.

"One month. I have extended her life for one month. Spend it wisely, Customer." Mr. X grinned.

Kiev felt like he is missing something. He just wants to go home, to her.

"I will send you back now, customer. remember the deadline"