It Wasn't That Way

Chapter 20 🔞

Part 1

Finals were in session and Cake was stressed, annoyed, and studying way too much. But worse than any exam anxiety was how much of Eiw's attention this time of year took up.

As much of a serious student as Cake had become, Eiw would always be more steadfast.

He'd always been that way.

Exams in middle school weren't quite so dire, but Eiw had still studied like they would determine the rest of his life.

He brought that same energy tenfold now that they were in university.

Eiw was always studying on campus or at their apartment. He'd have books spread out everywhere, referencing his meticulous notes filed neatly in labeled binders, with his calculator clicking as he balanced books and went through mind bogglingly long spreadsheets.

Today he was at the library because he'd wanted some solo study time. Apparently, Cake distracted him. Cake very vocally and vehemently disagreed.

All he'd done was insist to rest his head in Eiw's lap while he did his own studying — he'd never been one for desks. That and a kiss as a reward for every chapter read. A reasonable request, Cake thought. He didn't see how any of that would be distracting at all.

Eiw had just rolled his eyes and packed up his things.

Oh well. Eiw could study alone if it would help him concentrate. But even he needed a break sometimes.

That was where Cake came in.

Cake's next final was a video submission and he'd just finished filming it. He decided to give Eiw some mid-studying motivation before he submitted it.

Gaily, Cake headed from their apartment to campus. It was such a nice day that he opted to walk.

Now that Cake knew that Eiw loved him, everything was infinitely more beautiful.

The sun shined more brightly, the flowers smelled more perfumed, and the early summer breeze felt like the warm clasp of a hand from a close friend. The chirping of the birds was melodious, and the chatter of the crowd was a pleasant white noise. Even the smog from the cars smelled sweet. He walked through the streets with a spring in his step and everyone smiled at him as he passed.

A couple of street hawkers tried to get his attention, but Cake zeroed in on a nice looking drink seller who waved him over to her beverage stand.

Cake placed an order for cocoa with lots of boba for himself, and a cantaloupe milk for Eiw.

Now it didn't matter if Cake broke Eiw's concentration. His vexation would vanish when he noticed that Cake brought him his favorite treat.

Cake inspected the cantaloupe milk while the aunty prepared his drink. In all of their years together, he'd never actually tried it. The weird greenish color reminded him of vegetables and had always put him off.

Cake shrugged, he and Eiw had shared food since they were babies, and now they swapped spit on the regular; he wouldn't mind if Cake satisfied his curiosity.

Cake took a sip of the drink and tilted his head. He couldn't quite figure out whether he liked it or not. It was a little too sweet and the melon flavor was strong. He preferred his cocoa, but he snuck another sip anyway.

Drinks in tow, Cake practically skipped the rest of the way to campus.

He swiped his student ID on the turnstile and pushed his way through. He trekked up to the fifth floor where Eiw had taken to studying.

Eiw was different now, no longer shy and anti-social. He was so well known on campus that anyone who saw him would immediately come over to say hi. Friends from his classes who wanted to commiserate and juniors who had questions would pester him. Now that he was such a social butterfly, Eiw had a hard time not talking to people if they were around while he revised.