Kane pulled into the driveway of the luxurious house he shared with Alex, the sun casting golden rays over the expansive property. The house was an architectural marvel, a sprawling two-story design with large windows and an elegant exterior. Inside, it boasted an open-concept layout that featured high ceilings, polished marble floors, and a stunning view of the backyard, which was adorned with a lavish pool and well-kept gardens.
As Kane stepped inside, he was greeted by the familiar scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. He paused for a moment, taking in the grandeur of their living space—stylishly furnished with a mix of modern and classic decor. It was a far cry from the cramped dorms at school, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for the lifestyle his grandparents afforded him his parents probably didn't even care if he was rotting in school as long as he sends his result.
In the living room, he found Alex splayed out on the enormous sectional couch, his attention focused on the massive flat-screen TV. The sound of gunfire and explosions filled the room, and Alex's fingers danced over the controller with impressive speed.
"Hey, bro!" Kane called out, crossing the room. "You're going to blow up the house playing video games all day."
Alex looked up, his face lighting up with a grin. "You're just jealous you didn't get here sooner. I'm on a winning streak!" He gestured for Kane to join him. "Sit down! I just unlocked this new level."
Kane plopped onto the couch beside him, grabbing a second controller from the coffee table. "Alright, let's see what you've got. But don't get too cocky. I've been practicing."
As they settled into their gaming session, Kane felt the stress of the past few days begin to melt away. The competition was fierce, and they quickly fell into a rhythm, shouting playful jabs and teasing each other about their skills or lack thereof.
"Come on, Kane! You call that dodging?" Alex laughed as Kane's character was eliminated for the umpteenth time. "I've seen better moves from a toddler!"
"Just wait until I get my groove back," Kane shot back, determined to give his friend a run for his money. The banter continued as they played, the room filled with their laughter and the sounds of the game.
After several rounds, they finally took a break, both leaning back on the couch, panting and grinning from ear to ear. "Okay, I'm starving," Alex declared, pushing himself off the couch. "What do you want? I can whip up something fancy in no time."
Kane chuckled. "You always go overboard. How about just some tacos? You don't need to make gourmet meals for me all the time."
"Boring," Alex replied, shaking his head. "I'll make tacos, but with my special twist. Trust me, you'll love it." He disappeared into the kitchen, his enthusiasm palpable.
As he waited, Kane let his mind wander. The conversation he had with Zina earlier in the week replayed in his head. There was something intriguing about her, something that sparked his curiosity.
When Alex returned, he was busy assembling the ingredients on the kitchen counter. "So, what's new with you? Any exciting updates from your boring life?" he called out, glancing back over his shoulder.
Kane shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Not much. Zina asked me to tutor her for economics."
Alex raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Oh really? Tutoring, huh? Sounds like you're about to get cozy with her.
Kane rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile. "She's struggling, and I can't let her fail. The professor's tough on everyone, but she's pretty smart. I mean, I'm surprised she even failed the class."
"Maybe she just needs your genius brain to figure it out," Alex said, smirking as he began cooking. "You're like the king of economics, man. I'm surprised you're willing to help her out."
"I just don't understand why she failed when she's clearly smart," Kane replied, leaning against the kitchen island. "I thought she'd at least pass with a decent grade."
"Maybe she's just one of those people who needs extra help. It happens," Alex said, flipping the sizzling meat in the pan. "Or maybe she just needs someone to explain the material in a way that makes sense to her."
"Yeah, maybe," Kane admitted, his brow furrowing. "But it's not that simple. The professor wants answers that are way more complex than what we learned in class. He expects us to think critically, not just regurgitate textbook definitions."
Alex nodded, clearly invested in the conversation. "Sounds like you're gonna have your work cut out for you. Do you like her?"
Kane hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden turn in the conversation. "What? No! I mean, she's… interesting, but that's it."
"Interesting is code for like," Alex teased, smirking at Kane over his shoulder. "Admit it, you've got a soft spot for her."
"Seriously, Alex? Just because I'm helping her doesn't mean I have a crush on her," Kane replied, trying to sound dismissive, but he could feel his cheeks flush slightly.
Alex laughed. "Whatever you say, man. But if you're tutoring her, you might as well make the most of it. And I can talk to aria again for some reason she has been ignoring after the party."
"Aria? You're telling me you're actually interested in her?" Kane asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you thought she was too much of a goody-two-shoes."
"Hey, don't underestimate her," Alex said, his tone suddenly more serious. "She's smart, and she has a good heart. Plus, she's got that adorable laugh. You can't deny it. I'm just saying there's potential there."
"Okay, Mr. Cupid," Kane laughed. "What are you planning to do? Write her a love letter?"
"Maybe I should," Alex replied with a smirk. "But really, if you're working with Zina, I might need to figure out how to impress Aria, too."
Kane couldn't help but grin at the playful banter. "Just don't mess it up, okay? We're not trying to become the kings of heartbreak here."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Alex said confidently, turning back to the stove as he assembled the tacos. "So, when is Zina coming over?"
Kane thought for a moment, trying to remember. "She mentioned something about coming by in two days to start our study sessions. I told her I'd help her out with the material before the midterm."
"Finals are coming up soon. You better make sure she's prepared, especially if she wants to pass economics," Alex said, glancing back at Kane.
"Yeah," Kane replied, shaking his head. "I'm serious about helping her. She needs it, and I can't let her fail again. It's just not fair."
"Fair enough," Alex said, plating up the tacos and setting them down on the kitchen island. "But you have to admit, the girl is really pretty. Just be careful not to mix business with pleasure, alright?"
"Seriously, can we not turn this into some romantic drama?" Kane laughed, digging into the food. "I just want to help her. Nothing more."
Alex smirked. "Of course. Just remember to keep your head in the game. So, who's going to win the next round of our video game marathon?"
"Oh, it's on," Kane replied, his competitive spirit flaring up again. "And after I crush you, I'll focus on Zina and her economics. You'll see."
They spent the rest of the evening wrapped up in their games, the playful atmosphere filling the air as they took breaks to talk about girls, classes, and the upcoming midterm exams. Laughter echoed through the luxurious home, a stark contrast to the stressful lives they led at school.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow through the expansive windows, Kane felt a sense of ease wash over him. With the chaos of school and friendships swirling around him, moments like these reminded him why he valued his friendship with Alex so much. They could be themselves without the pressure of expectations, and for that, he was grateful.
And as for Zina, he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the thought of her coming over to study. Whatever complexities lay ahead, he was ready to face them one economics question at a time.