The Code of Aries ?

(10) Brains & Pockets

We've been in this library for at least three hours now, and my ass has been hurting from sitting for so long, but I didn't want to complain because Aries wasn't complaining, and I didn't want to sound like a spoiled brat.

For three hours, we only worked on my basic algebra, which was a subject most students should find the easiest in college, but I'm not like most students...

I'm actually stupid.

"Thank you for doing this for me, Aries. I really do appreciate it," I say while I am still working on my test, not removing my eyes from the paper while my hands write down the numbers.

Aries doesn't say anything, but then he closes his laptop, making me look back at him to see his reaction.

"I was actually worried..." he suddenly opens up while adjusting his glasses.

"Worried? About what?"

"That I wasn't reliable enough. That's why you haven't asked for my help," he explains to me, surprising me because I didn't know he was thinking of such a thing.

I honestly wanted to tell him I didn't ask for his help because I was angry at him. Who would even ask for help from the person who would constantly tell you that you're annoying? I still have my pride left in me, after all.

"I was just shy, that's all. Don't overthink it," I lied.

"Shy? You?"

"Why? Am I not the type?"

"No. I was certain you didn't ask for my help because you were mad," Aries suddenly revealed, and the shock on my face suddenly made him laugh. It was the first time I saw him laugh like that, so I completely ignored the fact that he read me like a book.

"W-Well, you can't blame me," I defended. "For a long time, I thought you found me annoying because I announced during the orientation that I'm gay. I thought you were homophobic or something."

"Definitely not," he quickly replies, catching me off guard because he suddenly looks extremely serious about this new topic.

"That day...I admired you greatly, Dom. To have such confidence to be true to yourself is something that I give my absolute respect to. I admit that there are times when I find you annoying, but it's never because of your gender identity," he reveals, leaving me speechless.

The two of us became quiet after his strong statement. This was the perfect time to respond, but instead, I nodded my head and looked down at my test paper, answering the items and pretending like I didn't hear anything.

Aries didn't say anything either, so I just finished the test in silence.

As the clock continued ticking, more students left the library until both of us were the only ones left inside. The sun had already set, and the campus lights eventually welcomed us just outside the window. The librarian told us we had an hour left before we were asked to leave, and thankfully I was already finished answering the test.

Aries removes his glasses and checks my paper for the second time. And compared to the score I had on the first one, a smile escaped from his face when he realized I had passed.

"Looks like you really did listen. Well done," he says, and I felt like a child who received a star from his teacher because I couldn't stop smiling.

"Thank you for today," I genuinely tell him as the two of us start packing our things.

"We'll meet again tomorrow and work on your History. Just remember to check the study plan that I gave you," he tells me, and I nod my head as I finally get off my seat, stretching my arms as if I have just finished a marathon.