Tom walked through the door to his apartment and leaned heavily on the door as it closed behind him.

It was only the second day of class, but he already felt exhausted.

Most of the blame likely rested on the breakneck speed of the summer remedial classes Vincent had put Arthur and him through. Getting so much homework today certainly wasn't helping either however.

Tom's backpack slid off his shoulders and he dragged it behind him toward to sofa where he plopped heavily onto the soft cushions.

Moments later, Arthur entered the door, took one look at Tom and asked, "Why do you look so tired? The bags under your eyes are massive."

“That’s rich coming from you. The bags under your eyes are just as big as mine and they’re way more purple too.”

Arthur walked to the kitchen and began making faces into the reflective metallic coating of the refrigerator.

“Holy cow. You’re right,” Arthur exclaimed, “I look terrible too.”

Tom watched as Arthur’s hand moved to his face and began poking at the skin sagging under each eye.

“Let’s compare then and see who looks worse. You definitely get less sleep than I do,” Tom boasted.

He stood from the sofa and joined Arthur at the fridge where he attempted to use his finger to measure the depth and size of the bags under his eyes.

Tom heard the door to the apartment open once again and froze as Ez entered and promptly turned to see them both standing conspicuously at the fridge.

“What are you guys doing?”

Tom remained quiet hoping Arthur would take the lead with something that would made them look less silly right now.

“Well, you see,” Arthur started, “Tom was just showing me how large the bags under his eyes are. Wouldn’t you believe it, they’re enormous.”

“Oh, I see,” Ez said, turning to Tom, “You should be careful with that dude. I hear they can be permanent if you keep a messed-up sleep schedule for too long.”

Tom almost managed to stop a slight twitch in his left eye, but he was certain Arthur saw it.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Thank you for the advice, Ez,” Tom responded icily while glaring at Arthur, “I’ll be sure to get some more sleep this week.”

Ez looked between them with confusion evident on his face, “Are you guys alright?”

Arthur and Tom turned from staring at each other back toward Ez with Arthur smiling and saying, “Just a little competition. How were your classes today by the way?”

“They’re certainly getting busier,” Ez replied with a sigh, “I thought we’d get a few more days to adjust before they made us hit the books.”

“I know right!” Arthur exclaimed, “I’ve barely had any time to look at the material from yesterday much less the material for tomorrow…”

Tom interrupted saying, “Arthur, it is literally the second day of class. You’re not behind and there’s tons of time to do study. The best thing to do this week isn’t even studying, its socializing.”

Arthur and Ez stared at him blankly.

“You guys haven’t heard about welcome week?”

Ez shifted his feet while Arthur became very interested in a far corner of the wall.

“C’mon guys, I know you heard about it. Don’t tell me you’re planning to skip instead of meeting our classmates.”

“I was hoping to use tonight to get ahead on material for the week,” Arthur mumbled.

“I’m not really much for crowds…” Ez added.

Tom sighed.

He turned to Ez and stared into his eyes. “Before I guilt trip and eventually convince Arthur to go out tonight, I wanted to give you a more peaceful invitation Ez. I can’t promise it will be fun, but you’ll never have another chance at first introductions in a controlled environment like this if you don’t go.”

Ez blinked, surprised by the rationality of Tom’s request. His brow furrowed and he replied, “I appreciate the offer and I hear what you’re saying, but I think I’ll sit this one out.”

He continued saying, “It’s kinda hard to explain, but I’ve been a bit to myself for the last few years. Trust me I’d like to go, but I just don’t feel comfortable right now. Give me some time and I’ll be working to make that answer a yes instead of a no.”

Tom took in the answer and nodded, saying, “No worries man. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

Arthur added in, “Yeah, it’s only been a few days but roommates support each other. That’s why I’ll be right here in the dorm all night and not going to welcome week.”

Tom rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to reply when they heard a knock at the door. He walked over and opened it to reveal Shona standing with her arms crossed.

“Are you guys ready to go yet?”

Tom triumphantly looked from the door, back to Arthur.

Arthur stared at him flatly saying, “There’s no way you had time to coordinate a tag team assault that precisely.”

Tom grinned, “You’re right. This is just pure luck. Speaking of assaults though, you better be ready to go or else I will be tying you up and dragging you to welcome week.”

“Why can’t I get the same treatment as Ez? Where’s my polite offer?” Arthur bargained.

During the commotion of Shona arriving, Ez had slowly moved toward his room and waved as his name was brought up before closing his door silently.

Tom put his hand on Arthur shoulder, “Ez had an honest answer for why he doesn’t want to go. You’re just being a wuss and wusses have to go to welcome week.”

Staring between Tom and Shona who were both piercing him with their gazes, Arthur sighed dejectedly, saying, “Let me put on some nicer clothes and I’ll be ready to go.”

Arthur turned to enter his room and heard a slapping noise behind him, which he assumed was Tom and Shona high fiving.

He ignored them.

His focus now was deciding which of his shirts looked the least wrinkly.