My Discord Lover ~ DNF

Chapter 2

George pov

Panic fulled his lungs and his body heat up. This always happens and he can't even control it. George thought he would try something new today and as broke as he is he brought a mini-drum set. He has no music experience but nothing in terms of hobbies satisfied him. Nothing except music, but now that definitely won't work either. He can't seem to figure out a purpose or something to do. George has explored different ideas for the past years, none of which was something he wanted to continue doing. He envied people who had dreams or at least something to work on, while he felt in a way useless compared to everyone else. George didn't expect to cause this much of a disturbance to his next door neighbour and blurted out before his mind could take him elsewhere.

"I'm really sorry, I'll try to." With that, he started closing the door praying that the other man doesn't have more things to say. He didn't want to face that awkwardness, especially right after the guy came to let him know about the ruckus he made. Sure, George didn't think he would be any good at playing but he also didn't think he was that bad. Guess it's clear now.

Without looking back and seeing the obvious discomfort of the other Clay turned and walked back to his room.

George locked his door sliding down the inner side. He threw his hands on his face taking a few deep breaths. He was never good with people, not face to face at least. Many times having to speak with someone overwhelmed him and he tried his best to prevent his voice from being too quiet. After sitting for a moment gathering himself, he walked across his apartment to the desk right beside the balcony. The desk was quite clean with random displays of souvenirs he collected over time. Sitting down, he opened his computer.

Sapnap —today at 6:03 pm
george?

GeorgeNotFound —today at 6:25 pm
hey sorry I was messing around with my drum set

Sapnap —today at 6:25 pm
dw
guess what
my co-worker responded to me today

GeorgeNotFound —today at 6:26 pm
whcih one
which*

Sapnap —today at 6:26 pm
clay
idk if yk him actually

GeorgeNotFound —today at 6:26pm
I don't think so

Sapnap —today at 6:26 pm
well we work the same shifts and he never responds unless he needs to

Immediately George didn't like how excited Sapnap was. He was happy for him of course but this 'Clay' person also seemed really rude. Everyday Sapnap would say good morning to his server and is genuinely a bright person. To just ignore someone like him even if they were strangers makes him seem like someone who lacks manners. It shouldn't be any of his concern but he was still skeptical if his friend should be hanging out with him. George paused for a moment before typing again.

GeorgeNotFound —today at 6:28pm
Ic

Both him and Sapnap left it at that. George sat back into his chair rocking it back and forth a few times before closing his eyes. Once again he had nothing to do.

~ next day

Clay pov

Just like the day before Nick said "good morning" as Clay walked in, and seeing that his last encounter with this guy wasn't as bad as it could've been he murmured "morning" a little louder than last time. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

At lunch break Nick walked up to Clay who was sitting in the cramped "staff lounge". There's a long counter running from one end of the room to the other and right across there's a table for staff meetings. Under the 2 windows enough to cover half of the wall there's a ledge wide enough for someone to sit on. There were chairs but Clay had always preferred to sit there instead while looking down at the street. They weren't very high since it was just a 2 story building but regardless Clay liked the view. Nick patted him on his shoulder.

"Can I sit here?" He asked.

"Mhm." Clay hummed hoping he didn't seem too hesitant. Nick sat down across from him, his back leaning on the corner where the window sill ended.

While eating Clay didn't particularly seem interested in anything Nick brought up. He laughed a few times and every so often looked to Nick instead of cars passing the entrance of the store.

Nick opened his phone for a glance at the time before putting it back, although it could be a notification if Clay actually thought about it. In the meantime Clay tried his best to avoid talking by taking another bite of his sandwich. It's not that he disliked his co-worker, he just didn't know how to continue a conversation. It was hard after practically isolating himself from all human interactions until he needed to find a job to survive.

"How come you never talk to anyone?" Nick asked, having barley gotten anywhere with getting to know Clay.

"I try to focus on this job..." His voice quieting down the more he spoke. It was probably the one question he didn't feel like answering.

"Wait," Nick paused.
"I've got someone I think you'll love to meet." He said it as if him and Clay were already good friends. A smile forming on his face unintentionally as he once again took out his phone and started typing something. Just like their first encounter Clay wasn't sure if he liked this or not, so he just let him continue.

"Do you use Discord?" Nick asked.

Clay was stunned by the question. It was not what he had expected, it was worse. Way worse. The app brought back unnecessary memories, and he really didn't need that the moment he started for heal from everything. It was clear to Clay that what he had been through was traumatic but he really doesn't have time to think this through. Especially when Nick was still waiting for an answer. He doesn't want to remember or have anything to do with Discord. What happened is in the past and the only thing he wants is to forget. Clay knew deep down that he would never see Discord the same, but he would rather die than admit it.

What Nick asked was a simple question, but it was a lot more complicated to Clay. He didn't know if he could lie and get away with it and time is really ticking. He felt like he had just carefully built up some sort of a friendship with Nick and he really didn't want to ruin it. Over the years he always seemed to be ruining something. Sometimes he understood that it wasn't his fault but he could never seem to convince himself. All sorts of strategies and ways this could end filled Clay's mind. All the different ways this could turn out. Given the time he had, he was taking way too long, and there is no way he can lie now.

"Yea." A simple answer to a simple question and don't add more excess information. That was what he ended up going with. Clay gulped hoping it was "normal enough" for Nick to not suspect anything then continue to ask increasingly bad questions.

Even before Clay pronounced the entire word Nick started typing on his phone while saying "Great! Here add me." He finished handing his phone to Clay with his username and hashtag. Clay had a feeling this was coming but he didn't have enough time to think it through. At least it doesn't look like Nick would be more interested in why it took him a second to respond.

He took out his phone considerably slow compared to Nick. Logging in, Clay typed in 'Sapnap#3874'. The whole time his heart pounded. He remembered what to type and where to click. There were a few newer updates from when he last used it but almost everything was where they used to be. His breath quickened from nervousness. He felt Nick's eyes on him, and in this situation it would be normal, but it also made his muscles tense up and his typing a tad bit slower.