Sonder

Chapter 7

It's been six weeks since Xavian has been living in the dorm, and he can't help but notice a few details about his roommate.

Most of Lance's time is spent drawing, painting, and sketching. He usually forgets how much time has passed, as if time is nonexistent in his world.

That's why Xavian has somewhat become his personal alarm clock or reminder.

Lance is a heavy sleeper, loud snores and a loud metal screaming alarm clock rang in Xavain's ears.

It was already time for Lance class, but he is still asleep despite the loud alarm. Xavian just sighs, turns off the alarm, and tries to wake up Lance.

"Lance, you will be late for class." Xavian shook Lance's shoulders.

Xavian smiled in amusement when he watched Lance groggily open his eyes before becoming sharp and alert. Lance almost fell from his bed as he rushed to prepare for his class.

In exchange for being a personal alarm clock, Lance would give him free food and snacks to express his gratitude. Although Xavian tried to refuse him a few times in the beginning, Xavian was really short on money, so it was hard to refuse the temptation of free food.

Despite forgetting to eat most of the time, Lance actually loves to eat, and he is not a picky eater. Whenever there's food, he seems more energetic and cheerful.

So now Xavian was being dragged by Lance to a convenience store. Xavian thought they were just going to buy a few snacks, but he was surprised and somewhat amused when Lance's hands became full of a pile of various snacks and junk food.

"You'll get diabetes if you eat too many sweets." Xavian reminded Lance as he watched Lance get more chocolate bars.

"I can't help it, this looks delicious." Lance hoards the chocolate bars in his arms. "Besides, chocolate will boost my brain and memory."

"But it could also give you diabetes."

"Touché." Lance huffed as he put back some of the chocolate bars. For some, he only removes two pieces.

"Hey, don't look at me like that, Lance muttered in an exaggerated, aggrieved tone as he looked into Xavian's judgmental eyes. "It's not like I'm going to eat all of this in one day."

"Sure, if you say so."

Later, the two ended up in a nearby park. He never thought that he would visit a park again after so many years.

The last time he visited a park was when he went on his first date with Javier during his college days.

One of Xavian's coworkers suggested it was a nice idea for a date. Xavian didn't have a lot of money at that time, and having a picnic date was what he could only afford.

Javier didn't look happy at that time and even looked ashamed and disappointed. He told Xavian that it was childish to go on a picnic date in a children's park.

At that time, Xavian felt like he didn't put much effort into their first date. He should have made Javier happy on their first date.

"Look, Xavian! I'm flying!" Lance let out a boisterous laughter, successfully pulling Xavian out of the memories from the past.

Lance has a childlike innocence in his expression, his eyes are as dark as the night sky, but the way they shine could rival the sun. He is practically glowing in joy as the swing goes higher and higher.

The park is currently filled with children's laughter and chatter, whoever Xavian could still hear Lance's joyous laugh echoing in his ears. He didn't seem to mind, even when some people looked at him weirdly.