Chapter 3

Usually, it would be hard for him to get up in the morning and get anything done. Even if he wanted to work or do something more productive, he would just lie in bed or play games all day. It even takes effort just to go get something to eat or even sleep. Yet today, he was able to get ready without much issue. He took a shower, brushed his hair, put on some clothes, and brushed his teeth much quicker than usual. He was surprised at how easy it felt.

As he was getting ready to go to the door, he looked around his home. There were dirty dishes in the sink, the trash can completely full, clothes on the floor, and the place was covered in dust. It was clear that the place hadn't been clean in quite some time. If John saw the way his home was, what would he think? Panicking, he starts tried to hide the mess when the doorbell rang. Kevin paused for a second before going to the door and opening it a crack.

"Ah, I didn't expect you to show up this early."

"Traffic wasn't as bad as I was thought it would be. By the way, is everything okay? You're holding the door in a strange way."

Kevin said nothing, trying to think of something. He didn't want John to think he was a slob, even if it were true. But, he knew there was nothing he could do, and hiding it would leave a worse impression anyways. He slowly opens the door while trying to explain everything.

"Sorry, my place is really messy. I usually try to clean up from time to time, I promise! But it's been really hard recently. Ah, I'm not saying--!"

"Kevin it's okay, I can understand. You don't have to explain yourself. Hey, If you need help, how about we both clean this place together?"

Kevin smiles, "Are you sure? I mean look at this place." He gestures at the apartment, "it's basically a pig pen in here! It will probably be a waste of time anyway, so don't worry about it."

"I don't think it's a waste of time. After all, I'm always happy to help you. Of course, if you don't want me that's okay too."

Kevin sighed, "You're too nice, you know? Well if you're okay with it then... thank you."

His place was small so there wasn't that much to clean, so they were done within an hour. The whole thing felt somewhat strange since he was not use to people wanting to help so much. It made him feel some sense of happiness or something on the line.

"Hey, thanks for helping. You're an amazing friend you know."

John smiled at him, "Of course, I'm always here for you. Helping you makes me happy."

Kevin scoffs, "Maybe I should hang out with you more often then!"

They laughed for a little then sat down and tried to think of something to do. As they looked through the list of nearby places, everything seemed quiet and peaceful. For that moment, it felt like his heart was lighter. For a while, Kevin always felt that time was going by so slow and so fast at the same time. Yet at that moment, everything seemed just right. It was a small kind of happiness that he missed. Suddenly, John asked him a question snapping him out of his daze.

"How about we go get food first?"

"Ah! Sure, I know a few places we can go. Would you be okay with milk tea? They sell food there too, but it's a bit further away."

"I haven't tried boba before, but it sounds fun." he gave his phone to Kevin, "can you search for the direction? I'll drive."

He put in the directions and they got into the car. The sun has moved a little since they meet up, but there was plenty of time within the day. He looked out the window and watched the buildings and pedestrians pass by. Even as technology advances, it still doesn't feel anything like the real world.

Real life and fiction truely are different.