~Worlds Apart From Each Other~

Chapter 2: Tutoring The School Representative

Lauren had his eyes focused at the street as he drove towards Gabriel's house. He was glad that he would be able to help a fellow student but this escalated rather very quickly. He had just officially met him today yet he is already visiting his home. He would normally meet him again at school but this was a little different. Gabriel sparked a couple conversation here and there but it always ends in a rather awkward silence, leaving both boys rather uncomfortable. Minutes later and they have arrived at Gabriel's home. "Come on in, make yourself feel at home. But please remove your shoes." Gabriel said as he welcomed him inside. "For an apartment, It is rather spacious and modern. I'm quite surprised." Lauren said as he took off his shoes. "Thanks, Geo's mom somehow found it and she decides for the both of us to stay here." Gabriel said as he too took of his shoes. "Ah, I did not expect it to be very humid here. Do you mind if I remove my, hoodie, as you call it?" Lauren asked while he started tugging the front of his hoodie. "Not at all. As I said, go a head and make your self feel at home. You can put your hoodie here." Gabriel said as he motioned towards a small little hanger. Lauren gave him a thanks as he removed his hoodie revealing his white tank top. He normally wouldn't be doing this but it was very hot and the AC was in no good condition. He turned to see Gabriel starring at him. He tried calling his name out and waving his hand in front of his face. "Oh! Sorry, I was spacing out again. I didn't mean to stare." Gabriel stuttered. Lauren chuckled and forgave him. Lauren's phone rang and he took his phone out his pocket. "Excuse me, I'll be taking this if you don't mind." He said as he went towards the kitchen.
Lauren: Good afternoon, Tía Collins.
Mrs. Collins: Hello, dear! How is my handsome sobrino?
Lauren: I'm doing well, Tía. How about you?
Mrs. Collins: I'm doing fine, dear. Kyung Yon told me you are tutoring someone this afternoon?
Lauren: Yes, Tía. I'm tutoring a friend. One of the officers in school.
Mrs. Collins: I see. Well, I wont ruin your little date. Good bye for now, my little sobrino.
Lauren: Good bye, Tía.
With that, he hung up. He sighed and pocketed his phone again. He better enjoy the peacefulness here first before going back to his home. He came back to Gabriel who is already dressed in more comfortable clothing. "Oh! You're back. If you want to change, you can borrow either Geo's clothes or mine." He said as he pointed towards his bedroom. Lauren shook his head, "It is fine, I have brought my own clothing." He motioned to his bag that he has been carrying around. He opened it and took out a baby blue top and some navy blue pants. He exited the living room towards the bedroom. He then changes into a baby blue top and navy blue jeans. Lauren then returned to Gabriel who was struggling to get a book at the very top shelf. Lauren didn't hesitate for even a second and got the book and gave it to Gabriel. He took a moment to look at the book. It had a maroon like colour for the cover but it was covered with pictures. "Is this your album?" asked Lauren. 'Yeah, I keep the picture of my friends and family. I keep them so I can remember them." Gabriel said as he grind at one picture of who seems to be one of the police women of the school. "Isn't that Jedcel Anderson? Aliyah's younger sister?" Lauren said. Gabriel nodded and smiled wider. "You seem to adore her a lot. Is she your girlfriend?" Lauren asked as he gazed at the other pictures. "What?! No! Dear heavens, I mean I want to be with her but I doubt she would like me. And-" Gabriel continued on talking about how they aren't so close while Lauren gazed ever so seriously at the pictures. The most of the pictures contained him in the background. One at a grocery store, the café down town, and a museum. 'How did I not notice? We were seeing each other at different places at some point and we were so oblivious in different ways. How did I not notice sooner?' Lauren thought to himself. His train of thoughts was stopped by Gabriel who was calling out his name while poking his shoulder. "My apologies, I seemed to space out." Lauren said as he turned back to his bag putting his dirty clothing and take out the needed books. "Are you ready? I might be a bit quick with the words I say so please do tell me if you do not understand." Lauren said as he pulled out his reading glasses. Gabriel responded with a hum of agreement. Lauren began tutoring him. It was a long and tedious study, Gabriel had almost fallen asleep but Lauren woke him up after 5 minutes or so. "Boring, was it?" Asked Lauren. "Of course it was, this is almost like real school. Well, not really." Gabriel whined. "Maybe I can make it more 'lively' next time?" Lauren asked. Gabriel nodded as he plopped on the couch. Lauren looked at his watched then looked out of the window. 'I seem to have one more hour before Kasai and Kyung Yon comes home. But it looks like there will be a heavy storm. I doubt that I could make it back there without the storm getting worse.' Lauren muttered to himself. "Ah, um. Gab? Do you mind if I stay here tonight? I think there is a storm coming towards here tonight and if I go now,  I still doubt that I would be able to reach home safely." He said as he pointed out the window. Gabriel made a hum of agreement as he turned the television on. An hour later has passed and the storm only grew stronger. Lauren, who wasn't used to the loud noises, groaned and covered his ears. 'This really needs to be that loud, huh?'  He thought to himself. "Hey, Gab-" Lauren paused at the sight of his friend who was fast asleep on the couch. He didn't bother moving him for a few moments before he starts tossing and turning, which led him to almost fall off the couch. Lauren sighed and picked Gabriel up bridal style and carried him to his room. He laid Gabriel down on the bed and proceed to exit out of the room. He was stopped by an arm that pulled him on the bed. There, Gabriel began to cuddle him. "Great, now I'm a body pillow." Lauren muttered. Minutes passed by and Lauren slowly drifted into unconsciousness.