Many of the librarians know Felix as the shy warlock best friends with Alex who keeps the staff room stocked with tea. They all greet him and give their condolences when he enters the staff room. The room is more like a studio apartment with a bed, shower, and personal trinkets littered everywhere. Felix’s favourite is the snow globe of Rothenburg, Germany.

“Do you want me to get the kettle going, dear?” One of the normy staff asks with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Felix only nods because he knows his voice sounds like radio static. He grabs a manga from the staff bookshelf and sits on a kitchen stool. The TV is on with a live broadcasting of the new mayor meeting with the Federal Council. He tunes it out before he can hear what the meeting is about.

“Here’s some chamomile, dear,” the adult from earlier sets two cups on the counter beside Felix. “One is for Alex when that workaholic gets back,” she smiles and gives him another pat on the shoulder before taking off. Felix lowers his surgical mask to blow at the tea.

“What are you doing here?” Felix looks to his right and sees an unfamiliar, large man. His red, normy staff, tag says his name is Ivan. He steps right up to Felix and glares. "Aren't you one of those..." he waves his hand trying to remember the word. "You're one of those warlocks, right? With the deals with demons."

"Y-yes, I am..."

"So," he slaps his hand on the counter and growls, "what are you doing here?"

Felix gulps and leans back a bit. He doesn't want to look at Ivan's scary, dark brown eyes so he looks at the rest of the staff room; no one else is here. Too many thoughts are zooming through his head for him to concentrate and catch one. 

Ivan grabs Felix by the collar of his hoodie, pulling him to his feet. His manga drops to the floor. "You're not allowed here, demon." His breath reeks of garlic. Felix lets the man yank him from the kitchen bar because he knows fighting will only make it worse. 

The door swings open and Alex walks in. "Ivan? What are you doing to my friend?" He quickly steps in and pulls Felix behind him. He's not taller than Felix, but he feels like a giant at times like this. 

"You're friend is a demon! Demons don't deserve to be here," he raises his head high, towering Alex. 

"He's a magician and all magicians can be here. This is a nondiscriminatory building. If you have a problem with my friend being here, then leave. Don't make me get the boss." 

Ivan huffs. “I swear, this generation,” he mutters as he leaves.

Felix rubs his neck and squeaks out, "Thank you, Alex."

Alex smiles and ruffles his hair. "Sorry you had to deal with him." He squats down to pick up the manga, cracking something in the process. 

"Are you going to fire him later?" 

“No,” he sighs, “he’s still new so we'll just scold him a bit. Hopefully he’ll learn to have some respect.” He plops down on a stool. “Are you okay? How are you?”

Felix shrugs as he sits back down. “You know that roommate thing you sent this morning?” He pushes the lukewarm tea towards Alex.

“Mhm,” he sips some tea.

“Could you help cover my rent for a bit?” He quickly adds, “I swear I’ll try my best to find a job as soon as possible.” He meets Alex's brown eyes. There are dark bags underneath them from overworking and losing sleep.

Alex smiles, but Felix can easily tell that it’s forced. “How much do you think I make here? I can pay for our food sure, but probably not both rents.”

“Wait, you want to move in too?” Felix is lost. Alex stays with his relatives and it's just a 20 minute walk to campus. Why would he spend $200 to live 15 minutes closer? 

“Of course. I can’t stay with my aunt and cousin forever. They’re gonna get sick of my piano and violin playing like my parents...” He stares at his chamomile tea with a sad smile. Felix forgot about Alex's fight with his parents. His body fills with a crushing guilt for forgetting that he has problems too. 

“...What if we share a room? Then we can ask for cheaper rent. Will that work?” Felix regrets saying that. He doesn't want Alex to think he’s desperate or wants to room with him, even if it is true.

“Uh... I can try calling after work. Why don’t you go tell the school you’ll be back Monday and get the work you missed since you’re already here? Then go home and start packing, if you haven’t already. If we don’t get the room, then I can ask my aunt if you can stay. Sound good?”

“Thank you so much. I'd be dead without you." 

“Hey,” he pats his head, “you know I’d do anything for you; you’re my best friend.”

Felix smiles as that last word echoes through his head.