Strings

the story

He's annoying but eventually we became closer, forming a string that held us together as years pass by.

"I just want to go home now, Mark," running my hand through my hair while my other hand is securing my backpack on my one shoulder.

"Oh, no food trip for this day? Come on, it's been weeks since we didn't do that," Mark frowns as he opened his bag, probably looking for his wallet.

Food trip every Fridays have been our ritual throughout the years. But right now, I just want to go home and sleep on my bed.

"I have to go. Its 4:20 p.m. and I still have to commute. I don't want to go home late. Bye, see you on Monday," I started to walk but he pulled me back from my position.

He is persistent. I internally snorted and rolled my eyes. Typical Mark.

"Please. A big pretty please from your handsome man," he clasped his hands together as if he is praying and making these weird child faces.

"It's a big fat no. You ain't handsome and definitely ain't my man, dude." With his, prominent jaw, his natural curled hair and a face of a jaw-dropping gorgeous face, yeah I am not going to admit that he is handsome in front of him.

"Ouch, you wounded me," dramatically putting his hand on his chest, "But seriously, can we go out for something to eat? I am really starving and all. How about we try this new store-"

"Well, I am serious, Markiel. I already told that I am not really in the mood right now." I think I reached my temper limit and I didn't expected that.

His cheerful aura diminished and became quiet when his full name was mentioned. He must sensed the seriousness of my statement.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry." He looks down at the concrete floor, ashamed of what he have done.

I silently groaned from my mistake. Being stressed while talking, or more like snapping, is an awful combination.

"Hey," softly nudging his shoulders to get his attention, "Hey, I am just tired, you know school activities and then finals." I explained to him. I don't want to make him feel guilty.

Actually, I am used to his tactics. It reminds me how we spent our years together. Our silly banters and adventurous food trips. I have known him since we were freshmen. I can't stand if we are having a bad blood moment

"How about we meet up tomorrow lunch?" Making up to him is a rare situation but I'll try.

He sincerely smiles at my simple attempt, "No, you need a good and long rest, your stressing yourself too much. Your getting dark circles on your eyes."

He glanced at my backpack and noticed how full and heavy full it is. Since finals are coming, books are essential right now.

"Here, let me help you," removing the strap of my bag off on my shoulder and carrying it over with his shoulder as if it weighs nothing.

"No, I can do that-" I tried to pull it off but failed.

"Let the man make up to you, Ira." His once cheerful aura returns, giving me a big relief that he's okay right now.