Shouldn't Be This Way

Chapter 8: The fiction and non-fiction

One, two, and three steps are all there is to it. Putera finally grinds to a halt in front of the gateway, just before the compartment door. He took a deep breath and gathered his energy, as socializing with people is an energy draining activity for an introvert like him.

"Hello, guys..." He timidly places his body in front of the open bunker door. He spotted that all of the females were seated on the bed, while Adam and Jafri were seated on the foldable chair behind the basin. The place was cramped with people, yet remarkably, the room seems to have enough space to host one more person.

" Finally " " Where were you just now? " Jafri said, passing him the foldable chair he had taken under his bed.

" Sorry, I just went to the vending machine to bought cracker and some drinks for you guys "    He displayed the plastic bag he was holding in his grip.

" Aww so thoughtful " Melur smile adorably to him.

" I'm proud Putera, you can even buttering people up now " Jafri smiled proudly yet with his trademark playful expression.

" Don't taunt him Jafri, just take out the foldable table that you boosted to us right now " Jasmine said with a serious tone.

She then instantly changes her expression and with a friendly tone she said, " Thank you Putera, let me take this " She extended her hand to receive the plastic bag from him.

Jafri then rose from his seat and hauled out the foldable table under his bed " Tadaaa " he haughtily showing off his table.

" I'm still surprised that you bought all the foldable chairs and table just for the sake of this trip " Sarah just grin watching his friend's action.

He put down the table and cross his arm " Well I'm a good project manager "

They just scoffed when they heard that phrase. Putera finally took a seat next to Adam while Jafri completed placing the table in the centre of the room.

Jafri then returned to Adam's seat on the left side of the room. He suddenly began scanning Putera from top to bottom.

"Oh, I just realised," he exclaims, "you look so much better when you don't wear your glasses." Jafri begins to mock his friend yet again, as is his habit.

" Well, you also look better when I don't wear my glasses. " Putera replied scrunching up his nose.

Sarah coughed hearing the response " Auch, that was a good burn "

Jafri simply blinks at Putera, bewildered by the response. " Hate to admit, but that was a good one," he whined.

As the train blazed through the darkness, there isn't much to do other than chat, laugh, listen to music, look up at the stars through the train's window and go for a game or two. The group has a blast playing a card of deck from blackjack, snap and ended with big two.

Extroverts derive their energy from being around others, whilst introverts get their energy from being alone. Individuals like Putera have a finite amount of energy to 'spend' on other people each day, and it depletes them. They will must carefully consider where they wish to they want to spend energy on. The comfort ability element plays a role in an introvert's inclination to spend time with someone. Putera began to realise after a few hours together that he probably wouldn't mind investing his energy with this group of people. His shell of introversion finally started to crack open for them. 

" Story time! " Jafri shouted excitedly as he inserted back the deck of card into its box.

" Yes, Yes, I love story time " Melur clapped his hand excitedly