Let's Be Friends

Thank You

It had been a bit of time since their first real conversation. One that was, unfortunately, cut short. Despite that, over the past week, the boys had chatted occasionally. Learning the bare minimum about each other. But even the smallest, seemingly insignificant details, about Gray, were saved in Stephen's mind. 

He doesn't like chocolate.

And he loves espresso.

He's a Psychology major.

And he is a tutor in his spare time.

That was about all Stephen had figured out about his flatmate. It's not much, but it's something. Gray was a, rather difficult, person to talk to. Not verbally, he would hold conversations quite well, and didn't seem too bothered with Stephen's small talk. No, it was just that his schedule was insanely full.

He took early classes, and an afternoon class. Between them was one of the times that he tutored. After his last class, he had a single extra class, and would also tutor in that time.

He sure keeps busy. Stephen thought, I wonder why.

He sat comfortably on the couch, waiting for Gray once more. He couldn't help but wait for him, he needed something to think about, and wondering when he would come back, and what his mood would be was a great distraction. 

Stephen was a photography major, who, took his classes in the late morning. He didn't have anything else after class, so he ended up spending a lot of time at the flat. He hadn't taken anything extra or had the need to stay on campus for an extended amount of time. He hated how much free time he had, and felt as if he needed to find a way to fill it somehow. He needed to do something, to distract himself.

Maybe I should have taken another class. I'm sure I seem awfully pathetic waiting for him every day. I'm almost certain that he-. Stephen's thoughts were cut off by the sound of the door opening.

Gray opened the door, and walked in. As he did, Stephen could help but notice how dull his eyes were today. "How are you Gray?" He asked.

Gray looked at him for a moment before walking over and sitting on the arm of the couch once more. Dropping his bag beside him.

"Great." He replied, bleakly.

"You sure do put a lot of effort into everyday, I have no doubt that your tired."

"Yea, I guess I am." One of Gray's legs was on the floor supporting most of his weight, the other he had pulled to his chest, wrapped his arms around, and rested his head on. His pale bangs covered one of his eyes, leaving the other to show his exhaustion.

"Why do you fill your schedule up? You could surely use a bit of extra free time, could you not?" Stephen questioned. 

Gray was quiet. He didn't answer Stephen's question. Instead he just messed with one of his shirt sleeves. The silence was deafening. Eventually, he stood up, and grabbed his bag. "I have a major test tomorrow that I have to study for. Talk later I guess."

"Oh okay, bye-" Stephen's words trailed off as Gray left, and his door shut.

He glanced at the clock, 7:37, it read. He's really going to start studying now? It's getting kind of late. I wonder if he's eaten? Stephen wondered, remembering that he himself had not yet eaten today either. Hmm

Stephen got up and left the flat, throwing on some slip on shoes, he walked down to the ramen shop down a ways. The air was still and cold, while the sky was dark, and stars struggled to shine. 

He arrived at the shop and ordered two to-go-bowls. Silently hoping this would be something the boy liked. Soon after getting the food, he began to walk back. The streetlights were a dim yellow, and barely lit up the pavement. He sighed, this street was quite dull, wasn't it?

Eventually, he made it back to their flat, and unlocked the door with his small silver key. He set one of the to-go-bowls on the counter in the kitchen, as he walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. 

With the water and ramen in his hands, he made his way to Gray's room. His door was slightly ajar. And soft white light leaked through the crack, illuminating the dark hallway. Stephen gently and slowly pushed open the door, making it to where he could now see Gray. Who was sitting at his desk.

Four books were open on the table, along with his computer, which was open, and two journals. A few pencils were scattered among the books, some used as page holders, others for writing. Several blue, black, and red pens were on top of papers, which were being reviewed and reworked. Many different colors and sizes of highlighters  and sharpies were left on the books and the journals where they were used.

A controlled chaos. Was what Stephen considered it.

But, in the middle of all the mess, was Gray. Who had seemed to push aside most of the stationary and practice material, and placed his head down on the desk. It was obvious he wasn't sleeping, perhaps he was just bracing himself for all this work.

Stephen looked at him softly as he placed the water and food on an empty space on his desk.

"I brought you something for energy." He said, "I didn't know if you had eaten or not."

Gray didn't move or react to Stephen's words. 

Stephen turned to leave, "Don't work yourself too hard, okay?" He added as he walked out. But just as he closed the door, he heard a soft, "Thank you Stephen Ahn." that was barely above a whisper. With that he walked to the kitchen and grabbed his food. All while wearing a smile, and feeling, rather whole.

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Heyyyy, it's me again. I'm alive!!

A shocker I know. So this last week I missed an update because I got real busy. Sorry about that, anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, thank you for reading, bye.

P.S. TYSM for all the positive comments that I've been getting on my story. Y'all's support means the world. Have a wonderful day, night, or whatever.