A couple of days have passed since I met Jackie and Jamie, and although things have been a little more awkward between Laurence and I, not much has changed.

We still walk to classes together, eat lunch the four of us, and then Laurence and I go home together. The only real change is that if I mention a headache or anything to do with my head, Laurence’s eyes become concerned.

He’s just worried. His roommate has brain damage. But people treating me differently from how they treat each other makes me feel more like there’s something wrong with me.

So, the next time Laurence acts worried, I just straight up tell him. I can’t be bothered with this bullshit and it’s only been two weeks of living together.

“Stop treating me like I’m sick. I’m not. I’m not made of glass; I won’t break if you get too close.” I smile awkwardly. “It’s ok. Please, just treat me normally. I hate this.” Well, he looks suitably surprised.

“I…wasn’t treating you like you’re si—“ rolling my eyes “cut the bullshit, Laurence. You have no clue how to act around me now. Before, we were chatting and bantering, you know, like normal friends.”


I suck in a breath. “Now, it’s like you’re afraid to get too close.” I tug on my loose hair. He runs a hand through his own, chewing on his lip. “I’m sorry.” He looks at the floor, then back at me.

“Frankly, I’m not sure how I should be acting. I don’t want to scare you off by acting the same way I do around Jamie and Jackie - I’ve known them for years. I’ve known you for two weeks.”

I sit opposite him. “Mate, you’re overthinking this” I smile and recline back in my seat. “Just relax. I didn’t want to tell you because I suspected you’d also act this way.” I hesitate, then continue.

“But, now you know, it’s whatever. I already have everyone I know constantly stressing over me” I’m not telling him I only know 5 people. “I don’t want you to be added into that mix. I’m still the same guy I was last week, it’s not like anything has changed.”

“You’re right. I’ve always worried excessively, I kind of can’t help it. But,” he exhales and stares me in the eyes. “I’ll try tone it down. In return, let me know what you struggle with due to the accident.”

I quirk an eyebrow at him. “There’s not really anything I struggle with. I basically just passed out for a week.” His eyebrow competes with mine in height. “Ok, mr. confident” he chuckles and crosses his arms.

“Can I braid your hair again then?” I snort. “Honey, I’d love you to braid my hair.”

Did I just call him honey? It kind of slipped out.

He grins and walks behind me, beginning to braid it. “You really like my hair, huh” I say, half to myself.

He laughs, nodding. “Of course I do - it’s soft and pretty.” My ears turn pink and I look down at my lap. “Aw, compliments embarrass you?” I flip him off, not daring to move anymore than that whilst he holds my hair hostage.

“Careful, your majesty, I might accidentally yank your hair” I whip round, shooting eye-daggers at him. “You wouldn’t dare.” He gives the braid a light tug. I roll my eyes. “Ooh no, how painful” I say monotonously.

Laurence finishes the braid and steps back, smirking at me. “You’re a real little shit, you know that?” I giggle, grinning at him. “Of course I know that, Laurence.”