After dinner, the table was filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, a stark contrast to the chaotic day they’d just had at school. However, once the dishes were cleared, Danielle’s focus shifted. It was time for their evening study session.
“Alright, history and Korean lessons are next,” she announced, adopting a serious tone as she gathered her materials. “Noah, Reverie, you two are in for a rough night!”
Noah groaned dramatically. “Do we have to? My brain is still recovering from math class!”
“It’s either this or I tell your mom you’re slacking off in school!” Danielle shot back, a playful glint in her eye.
Reluctantly, the two of them settled into the living room, grabbing their textbooks. Theodore sat beside Danielle, ready to tackle the lessons, while Noah and Reverie shared a couch, trying to muster their energy.
As the lesson began, Danielle spoke passionately about Korea's history. “Okay, let’s start with the Three Kingdoms period. In Korean, we say, ‘삼국 시대’ (Samguk sidae), pronounced ‘sam-gook shee-day.’ This was a pivotal era in our history…” She continued explaining the significance while Theodore nodded, trying to follow along but often looking confused.
“Can we just skip to the part where they all fought over land? That sounds more interesting!” Theodore interrupted, laughing lightly.
“You and your love for chaos,” Danielle chuckled. “But fine! The battles were crucial for forming the modern states of Korea.”
Meanwhile, Reverie and Noah struggled to stay awake. Their heads bobbed as fatigue settled in, the warmth of the room enveloping them like a cozy blanket. Suddenly, Danielle noticed.
“Hey, you two! Stay awake! I can’t have you falling asleep on me now!” she exclaimed, lightly tapping their heads with her pen.
“Ow! Come on, we’re trying!” Noah complained, rubbing his head, though a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Reverie’s eyes fluttered open, her voice drowsy. “Danielle, we promise we’re listening… just... very sleepily.”
Danielle crossed her arms, trying to suppress a grin. “You know, I love being in control of the chaos for once. But if you two can’t handle it, I’ll get Theodore to help you to bed.”
“Fine! We get it!” Noah protested, feigning annoyance but knowing that they were outmatched.
As the lesson continued, Noah and Reverie fought to keep their eyes open, but fatigue eventually got the best of them. Their heads drooped, and before long, they were both asleep on the couch, their breaths soft and even.
Danielle noticed their slumbering forms and sighed, a smile creeping onto her face. “Well, I guess study time is officially over for them,” she said, shaking her head lightly. “Theo, can you help me get them to bed?”
“Sure,” Theodore replied, standing up and stretching. He approached Noah first, kneeling beside the couch. Gently, he slipped his arms under Noah’s shoulders and knees, lifting him effortlessly into his arms.
“Wha- ?” Noah mumbled sleepily, blinking as he stirred but still not fully aware of what was happening.
“Shh, just sleep,” Theodore whispered, carrying him towards his room. He laid Noah down carefully on his bed, tucking the blankets around him snugly.
Next, he returned to Reverie, who was still peacefully asleep. With a soft smile, he scooped her up, cradling her in his arms. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her head resting against his chest as he carried her to her room.
Once there, he gently laid her down on her bed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face before covering her with a light blanket. “Sweet dreams, Erie,” he murmured, closing the door softly behind him.
Returning to the living room, Theodore found Danielle sprawled out on the couch, surrounded by books. “Well, that was chaos,” he said, plopping down beside her.
Danielle grinned, looking at the closed doors of their friends’ rooms. “Can you believe those two? They were supposed to study but fell asleep instead!”
“They’re lucky they have us to take care of them,” Theodore chuckled, leaning back on the couch. “They need their rest.”
“Yeah, but what if they don’t catch up? I can’t afford to let them fall behind, especially with how competitive things are at school,” she admitted, a hint of worry creeping into her tone.
“Then we’ll just have to make learning more fun. Maybe a game night or something?” Theodore suggested, a spark of an idea forming.
Danielle’s eyes lit up. “That could work! We could turn study sessions into fun games. I mean, who wouldn’t want to learn Korean while playing charades?”
“Exactly! I can see it now. ‘Guess the historical figure in under a minute!’” Theodore laughed, his energy returning.
They exchanged ideas for a while, brainstorming fun ways to engage their friends in studying. As laughter filled the room, the worries of the world outside faded away. This was their family now, a bond forged in chaos, laughter, and the warmth of friendship.
With a sense of fulfillment, they knew that no matter what challenges awaited them, they would always face them together.
-13SEPTEMBER2004
YOU ARE READING
Echoes Of The Unseen
RomanceAfter the breakup with Aries, Reverie's life took a dramatic turn. Heartbroken and lost, she thought she'd never be able to move on from her first love. But with her best friends Noah, Danielle, and Theodore by her side, she found a way to smile aga...
