It was 1 PM, and the afternoon sun filtered through the blinds as Kevin made his way to the living room. He stretched dramatically, his eyes glazed from hours of studying. "Ugh! I can't study anymore. I need something to eat," he groaned, plopping down beside Alex, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, furiously writing in his notebook.
Alex looked up, instantly sensing Kevin's frustration. He set his pen down and stood up, taking Kevin's hand. "Let's go grab lunch. I know you must be starving," he said, his voice warm and inviting.
Kevin nodded, feeling grateful for the distraction as they moved toward the door. Alex grabbed the keys and turned off the main switch of their condo before opening the door. They stepped outside, hand in hand.
"What were you studying?" Alex asked, curiosity piqued as they walked down the hallway.
"I was working on history. I get one topic down, then move on to the next, but then I forget everything from the first topic," Kevin whined, exasperation creeping into his voice.
"It's okay, love. Have you tried making little notes? It might help you remember better," Alex suggested, giving Kevin's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Okay, I'll give it a shot," Kevin replied, a hint of hope in his tone.
As they strolled toward a nearby restaurant, Kevin's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and smiled. "It's LinLin!" he exclaimed, answering the call. "Hello?"
"Hey, Kev! What are you up to?" Alin's voice chirped through the receiver.
"I was studying, but I'm heading out to eat now," he replied, glancing at Alex, who was listening intently.
Alin let out a dramatic sigh. "I was studying too, but I don't understand a single thing! You've got to help me with the exam, or I might get sold off somewhere!"
Kevin chuckled at her exaggeration. "Like hell, uncle would sell his precious daughter off to anyone! He loves you too much," he teased, knowing Alin's father would never part with her.
"Okay, you go enjoy your lunch. I'm going back to drowning in textbooks," Alin said, a hint of defeat in her voice.
"See ya!" Kevin replied, ending the call with a smirk.
As he looked over at Alex, he noticed the amused expression on his boyfriend's face. "Was that Alin?" Alex asked.
"Yep. She wants help with the exam, just like me. We're both struggling," Kevin admitted with a sigh.
"Well, you know I can help you too," Alex offered as they entered the restaurant and found a cozy table.
"I would have asked, but you didn't take History as an subject, so how could I?" Kevin shot back playfully.
"I was buried in accountancy," Alex replied, rolling his eyes good-naturedly as they opened the menu.
"What are you having?" Kevin asked, scanning the options.
"Thinking of chicken steak and shrimp. How about you?" Alex replied.
"I'll have spaghetti and fried chicken," Kevin said with a gleam in his eye. He looked at Alex, pouting slightly. "You'll share the chicken steak with me, right? I'll give you some of my fried chicken in return."
Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, love, whatever you want." Their playful banter filled the air as they waited for their food.
Soon, their meals arrived, and they dug in with enthusiasm. After some light-hearted arguing over who should pay the bill, they decided to split it and made their way back to the condo, feeling full and satisfied.
Back in their room, they flopped onto the couch, both feeling the weight of the day's exertions. "I think I'll take a nap now. Are you going to study, or are you joining me?" Kevin asked, stifling a yawn.
