The Library
Once again, they're at the library again, sitting on the same chair too. The situation feels a little bit awkward. Leon is not usually this quiet. Joshua just peek an eye on him, maybe it was because of the embarrassment. But what should he be embarrassed of? And why won't Leon just make some noise? What a strange day. So then he decides to make the first move.
"Uh, well.. can I see your essay?" The tension has finally become less irritating. Joshua feels a bit relieved as he saw Leon looks back at him, moving his brown up as a gesture, and then said "Sure." And now Leon is searching his notebook in his bag.
When his hand finally grabs the right thing, he quickly take it on the table, and open it to the page where he already had wrote some paragraphs on it. They both exchange a glance of look, and then gave their assignment to each other.
As Joshua reads Leon's essay, it's a bit unexpected to say that he is a bit surprised by how good of a writer Leon is. His dictionary are great, and very broad, unlike Joshua. Leon describes his feelings well about Nietzsche, even appreciates him in the most beautiful paragraph he has ever seen. How come does an annoying brat could potentially be a writer in the late 80s?
Joshua then take a look at Leon at a moment, he saw Leon focusing on reading his essay, with a glasses on his eyes that Joshua has probably never seen, or even expect him to have one. Dare he say, Leon looks beautiful at moments like this. Not even realizing that he's been looking at Leon the whole time instead of reading Leon's essay thoroughly, Joshua embarrassed at himself and then quickly take his gaze back to read Leon's essay.
The sound of the chair creaking could be heard, lead by Leon's voice, "So, are you done yet?" He said, turning his head away from Joshua's book to face Joshua. A little bit surprised, Joshua jumped a little bit before quickly replied, "Ah, I'm at the last sentence! I'm still thinking for my opinions. You can just write yours though, no need to wait for me."
"I'm fine with waiting." Leon simply answered, his voice was as calm as the river's current. What has gotten to Leon, lately? Joshua could ever wonder but never asks. He just observe Leon in silence before he turn his gaze back to Leon's book.
There's been a whole minute of silent going on between them. 'why does this actually feels like a prison' Joshua would complain in his thoughts. But then Leon finally break it by saying, "Well, let me read my opinion for your essay. I think, the way you wrote about Kafka, on who he is, what he did, his works, your appreciation for him and the reason why you choose him as your muse, is great. You has wrote it simply yet also beautiful. I think you're also great at explaining your thoughts and your feelings, logically and understandably. Good job Joshua."
Aaaa!! Feeling a wave of appreciation always makes Joshua so incredibly happy.—in his heart—He just want to scream and laugh right now but of course he couldn't because Leon would think that he is a retard and probably would drag about it FOREVER. What a twat.
Instead, Joshua laughed a bit, but the same as always, his face could never lie. His skin were glowing bright red, it's like seeing a rose bloom. Leon couldn't help but he laughed a little bit, Joshua was going to thank him but now instead he asks him, "what? What's wrong?!" Suddenly a smile in the lips is changed into a pout, such a classic habit from Joshua. "No, nothing! You're face.. it's.. so silly." Leon couldn't think of any other better answer. Praising Joshua as a cutie would make him sound like a weirdo, everything is so difficult with Joshua.
Feeling embarrassed, Joshua quickly covers his face with Leon's book. Knowing this, Leon quickly grabbed his hands while saying, "No, wait, wait! Please don't cover your face like that.. I'm not laughing, alright?" His voice were shaking but at least he's trying his best to hide his laughter.
Joshua then once again, slowly taking the book down from his face to uncover his face, his eyes were already directed straight onto Leon. Ooh, creepy. As the book finally got put down onto the table, Joshua takes a big breath, and then said, "I, I know maybe you were laughing because my face probably looked like a damn tomato... But I was just happy that you complemented me and, I just, don't know how to.. make the gesture for it, instead I just.. look weird, and red." Hearing the reason for the cause of the great laughter makes Leon feel so bad for laughing at him earlier. Now what he can do is just comfort Joshua by patting his shoulder. "I'm sorry. You know it just looked cute to me and that's it. You're reaction just make it funnier.."
The situation somehow become more calm and comforting for both of them. The pat on the shoulder, the eye contacts with the smile, everything is just right. As Joshua keeps looking at Leon, his smile grow larger, "you know, you could be a great friend.." he said, confidently, as if the words really were pure from his heart. Hearing this, Leon felt touched. He slightly leaned his head and said, "I know."