Not everyone thinks of writing as great of an art as we do. Especially when it comes to fiction. Claiming it's all just a web of lies weaved together to satisfy our delusions.
Simply a frivolous endeavor that will benefit no one. Surely people make money from it. But what I hear in return is "You're not that good."
There are others who encourage and lift my spirits, thoroughly appreciating my efforts. But in the end, most of us have a 'real life' to get back to. Apparently too real for fiction.
I've always yearned to say it out loud. Constantly longing to scream and ask people, "Is this all there is to life?"
In this moment, the off-white walls of the room seemed to turn grey in my vision. My whole world was dyed static, yet mobile by the gray paint of constant regime.
A perpetual cycle I longed to break.
"Padi, Padi!"
A voice awakens me from my misty daze. I raise my head to find Hotor and Kelly staring at me like I was some bizarre exhibition.
"Why the hell are you guys staring at me like I'm a monkey in a zoo?"
"Cause you've been tying your shoes for five minutes!"
My mind cleared up a bit more. I was sitting on the metal double bunker bed, my hands still repeatedly tying my shoe laces while I was lost in thought.
"Oh sorry about that. I kinda spaced out there. I'm ready now though. Let's head out."
Heading out of our room, we saw Archimedes sitting languidly on the floor of the balcony, stuffing his mouth with fried rice and a very conspicuous fried egg was mounted on his plate.
As Kelly saw this, a familiar grin lit up on his face, as he began to walk towards our munching friend with astonishing speed.
"Ahah! Archimedes I have caught you!"
While Kelly walked ahead to put his negotiation skills to good use, Ben stayed behind with me.
"You seemed to have a lot on your mind when you blanked out. Was it about her?"
"Nah man. Just stressed out. As much fun as it is, school is tiring."
Ben nodded in concurrence as we waited for Kelly. He later came back with a few grains of rice stuck on his mouth, which he cleaned soon after noticing with his handkerchief. And quite surprisingly he had one on him most of the time. Even we did excel in this aspect.
We then raced down the stairs, sliding along the handrail, before exiting the dorm. A chilly wave swept over me, a soft night breeze caressing my face as I stepped into the open.
Setting off on our little trip for a gaming session, the night atmosphere on campus was lively and energetic. People in diverse outfits conversing or heading towards places to relax were all over the place.
The arcade was on the bustling side of things. Of course it was. Who's doesn't love a good game?
The purple neon sign welcomed us boldly. Too boldly I'd say.
"You guys should witness my legendary gaming skills. I'm just too good you know."
Kelly keeps his hands in the pockets of his shorts, looking a bit chill.
"Kelly, this is the seventh time you've said that and you constantly fail to deliver so honestly my expectations aren't that high for you on this one.
Even Padi's with me on this, right Padi?"
"Well, he isn't terrible but he definitely ain't god-tier."
"Hmph you guys don't believe in my skills. One of these days I'll stop hiding my true power. So what game should we play?"
After some back and forth on the topic, we finally came to an agreement on Mortal Kombat.
Ben and Kelly took a seat at one of the console spots and picked up the controllers to set up their characters.
Ben went with Raiden, the god of thunder while Kelly went with Jack, pumping his metal fists.
I sat down behind them to spectate the match before my turn came round.
[3]
Hotor and Kelly squint their eyes, their fingers already hovering on their favorite combo, waiting for the moment to smite their foe.
[2]
[1]
FIGHT!!
Their nimble digits immediately spring into action, flying across the controls to launch their classic opening moves
Raiden was fighting with the regal air of a monarch. Jack on the other hand, was aggressive and sharp with his blows.
In the real world on the other hand, Ben's tongue was stuck out as he moved the pad with exaggerated movements with every sudden attack, whereas Kelly squinted and focused so hard on this one he looked Asian for a second.
Both Hotor and Kelly were hot on the match, a winner unclear with how tight it was getting but Hotor an opportunity and used his critical strike to finish it once and for all.
"Oh come on man!"
Kelly yelled clearly pissed as the close loss.
"Told you I'd win."
Our victor praised himself with a smug look on his face, clearly basking in his first victory.
"Yeah, yeah no one cares. Padi, come sit down for a match."
I smile, clearly excited to test myself against Kelly. For my fighter, I chose Johnny Cage. His flair and reckless sense of humour in life threatening situations amuses me.
I definitely feel like I'm likely to lose but I try to give it my all.
[3]
[2]
[1]
FIGHT!!
Kelly lunges towards me, clearly taking the offensive, causing me to panic and create some distance. With some newbie luck and button mashing, I got a few hits in on Jack, but he still beat me down which of course was my loss.
"Bro you're totally trash man. A disappointment to Johnny Cage."
"I know dawg. I really gotta learn the combos."
I get up embarrassed at my terrible gameplay and hoping for Hotor to win and teach Kelly a lesson.
"Ben, you can do it! Show him how it's done bro."
"Nah Ben can't do nothing on this one."
"Oh we'll see. I gotcha Padi."
I get a thumbs up from Ben as we both join forces to give rise to Kelly's demise. Ben engaged in a fierce battle with Kelly in an attempt to reclaim my honour.
While I, of course, provided emotional support from the back. Though tempted to 'accidentally' tickle Kelly's neck I held back before resuming to cheer on my knight in lightning armour.