(Karkat P.O.V)
It's been a shit week. Exams are here and of course I've been so short on time, there hasn't been any for studying. Not to mention my matesprit broke it off the other day... The bags under my eyes are ghastly. My grey skin is so pale I swear it's translucent.
The professor slightly raises his voice, snapping me out of my thinking. Not caring about what he's saying, I glance around the room at the other people present.
I notice the girl sitting next to me, yet still a bit away, staring blankly ahead, mouth slightly parted with her chin on her hand. (Name) I think is her name.
(Your P.O.V)
'Good God this is so boring, none of this is even relevant.' I thought to myself. I liked this class but damn the professor was long winded. Not to mention a hard ass if you so much as looked at him the wrong way.
Out of the corner of my eye I notice a certain someone whose attention I caught. Nubby horned, grey skinned, red eyed, legendary for a bad attitude troll, Karkat Vantas. I've personally never talked to him, but with a mouth like his, your name and reputation gets around pretty fast.
He must've been about as bored as I was because he seemed to be about to fall asleep. Yeah- there he goes, out like a light. Better not let the professor get you there, Vantas.
But there is one thing... He's seemed upset lately. Even seeing him now, asleep, his face is still troubled looking. Now I bet if he knew I noticed these things, little things, about him, he'd be quick to call me a creep and publicly humiliate me, but whatever. Despite never talking and definitely never being friendly, I care about him.
He's like one of those things that is a constant in your life, albeit insignificant, still there. And even though it plays almost no part, when it's gone or it changes, you notice. That's how Karkat is to me. Hell, he probably doesn't even know my name.
But back to the point, he seems off. Not as fiery. Off his game. Maybe something bad happened? I mean I know it's exam season but they don't get anyone this off. I don't even know why I'm concerned, not like it's my business. Still I can't help it...
(Karkat P.O.V)
The bell rung signifying the end of class. Finally. I glanced at (Name) again, seeing her hastily shove all her things into a bag. All her things being her laptop, loose papers, and a box of Lucky Charms. I was considering catching up and maybe talking to her, not like I had to be anywhere.
But I looked up again and she was exiting the room. 'Damn,' I thought, 'Missed my chance... again.' Okay so I've intended to talk to her for a while I guess. Never done it but you know... I'm a fuckin' busy ass guy with stuff to do. Except after this class every day but... whatever I get it, let's not drag this on all day.
I know she lives in the same apartment building I do, hell, she even rooms with two of my friends. In fact I'm pretty sure her room is directly under mine, I always hear her loud ass music coming up through the vents and the sound of her voice as well.
Maybe I'll even drop by later... yeah I could do that. I mean I could always use Jade and Nepeta as an excuse to drop by... yeah that would totally work.
[The Next Day]
(Karkat P.O.V.)
'Kay so I didn't do it. So what? It's not like she's going away any time soon. Not to mention, by not going, I actually got a new matesprit. Yeah, she's great. Terezi really gets me.
But because of that, I also never got the opportunity to talk to (Name).
(Your P.O.V.)
I finally found something that may cheer Karkat up. It took me forever, and a lot of swearing, but I got it. A friendly letter and Starbucks gift card. Fella looks like he needs a little caffeine pick me up anyway.
I walked to class, eager to give it to him, jittery even. But I walked in and stopped cold. He wasn't upset, just the opposite actually. He was sitting next to some troll girl wearing red glasses and exchanging small kisses every now and then.
Whenever I try to do nice things, somehow it always blows up in my face like this. Goddammit.
(Karkat P.O.V.)
I kissed Terezi goodbye as she went to her class. Then (Name) plopped down in her usual seat and pulled her stuff out and set up as usual. Except there was something extra today: an envelope with 'Karkat' neatly written across the front.
I was staring at it quizically until (Name) caught me looking.
"Oh, um, well... hiya." She cleared her throat and looked at the envelope. "This is, uh, for you. I noticed you looked upset for the last few days." She tugged at her shirt collar. "But I, um, I guess you aren't really anymore with your girlfriend and everything." She smiled nervously.
"Ah, w-" I was cut off by her phone ringing.
"Hold that thought for a second." She said to me. "Oh, really?... Wait you what?!... Oh my god, are you okay!?... Yeah I'll be right there." She ended the call.
"What was that about?" I questioned.
"Jade set the stove on fire making oatmeal. She asked me to get there right away." She shrugged and began repacking her things. "I'll see you around I suppose." And just like that I was left to fend alone in this fucking class.
I glanced at the envelope again. "Ah, what the fuck?" I shrugged and tore open the letter.
Karkat,
I've noticed you've seemed upset the past few days. Sorry if that seems creepy, but I've noticed.
I know you may not care but I know I'd feel nice if someone did this for me, so I'm doing it for you. Even if you may not need it, here it is anyway. Hope you like Starbucks!
Chin up, friend. Also good luck on finals!
P.S.
I hope you don't find this creepy but I know some words can make a whole hella lot of difference and I wanted to give you the kindness of a stranger. You also seem really nice and cool. Happy Holidays. :)
(Name)
Attached to the paper was a Starbucks card worth 30 dollars. That girl is too nice. Thirty dollars to some guy she doesn't even know? Well... anyway, I guess it was a sweet gesture.
I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Jade.
TELL (NAME) I SAID THANK YOU.
AND ALSO THAT I DO, IN FACT, LIKE STARBUCKS.
AND THAT IT DID MAKE ME FEEL BETTER.
You're welcome, Karkat. I'm glad to have helped you. --(Name)
Yeah... I'll have to get to know her sometime...
