To Live Again, For the First Time!

Kayden tried sleeping but had long given up and opted for lying on his bed counting sheep.

"You're really embracing the college spirit of sleeping late, but even this is a little much don't you think?"

Theo sighed, he didn't want to inconvenience his roommate, but he had no choice in the matter anymore.

"You sleep first, I'll knock off in a bit."

"That's what you said 2 hours ago. I can't sleep because of the light from the lamp." Any source of light would prevent Kayden from falling asleep.

"Do you want me to go outside?" Theo had also thought about working in the lobby, but he didn't want to be caught this late. He would just have to work with the lighting of his computer.

"Nah, it's fine. I was just wondering what you were working on, it's not like I have any classes tomorrow morning anyway, I'll just sleep in."

Kayden didn't care too much about pulling an all-nighter, it wasn't the first time since coming here. Plus, he could just make up for it later.

"Just don't oversleep. I'm working on some family matters."

"Family matters at 5 AM?" Kayden's eyes widened as he stopped counting sheep.

"Different time zones."

A soft ah sound came from Kayden who sat up to see if he could sneak a glance at Theodore's screen.

He couldn't.

"I see, but what matters can keep your attention for this long? You don't seem like you're unwilling either. Don't parent normally want their children to sleep early?"

He didn't really understand what family matters could be so interesting. Theodore didn't seem to be the type of person who would skimp on sleep. Then again, they didn't know each other very well yet.

"Ha. My cute little sister is asking for help. How could I keep her waiting?"

'So, he's a sis-con…'

{Author's note: In this context, sis-con is short for sister complex as in they are obsessed with their sister, but not necessarily in a romantic or sexual way, just that they show an excessive amount of care for them.}

Kayden added this to the things he now knew about his roommate.

"How old is she?"

"She's three years younger."

Pfttt…

Kayden had been imagining a 5-year-old? Well, 15 wasn't too old either. Well, not that there was a specific age limit, but the way Theo had said 'cute little sister' earlier made him off by a few years.

"Oh, sister you say? how come you didn't mention her earlier when you said you had a brother? Considering your looks, she must be quite a beauty."

Not that he was considering a minor.

"Of course," Theo said without skipping a beat.

"You even rejected that pretty senior without batting an eye, like she was some cabbage on the streets."

Not too long ago the department belle had confessed to Theo, it was without saying that she was flat out rejected.

"Which senior?"

Theo really didn't know who he was talking about. 'Why would I want to date someone I don't know?'

"I want to punch you. Did you know? I'm sure many of my companions share my sentiments."

It was without exaggeration that there were a number of male and even a few female freshmen who wanted to see what was going on in that handsome little head of his.

"Whatever, like anyone compared to my little Emi."

"Oh, Emi? Cute name too. Want to introduce us?" That's what Kayden said, but what he thought was different. 'Did he have to be so exaggerated? She's 15 and he's calling her little. Is she short or something? She shouldn't be considering Theodore's height.'

If he didn't know better, he would have still thought that Theodore was talking about a 4- or 5-year-old.

"Fuck off."

"Damn, I'm hurt. I thought we were friends. Why would you say such cruel words?"

"We're not that close."

This reminded Theo of his previous conversation with his family. With his family, he couldn't say this, but with this new roommate, there was no space for mercy. The two of them in a room was enough, 3 was a crowd.

As for Kayden, he was still joking around, but he hadn't expected such a strong reaction either. He had read about sis-cons but never actually met one.

"So, what does she need help with?"

Kayden knew well when to change the topic.

"Mm… I don't know what this should be called. Well, there's just some clean-up work left to do."

"I'll hit the sacks within 15 minutes. I'm almost done here."

Since Theodore didn't want to say anymore Kayden didn't probe further into the matter.

"Kay." He pulled up his sheets to cover his body up to his neck and turned to face the wall.

On Theo's side, he was messaging Emilin.

Me: [Progress report?]

Baby Sis <3: [Mm… Maria finished coaxing Rose to sleep after getting home.]

Me: […]

Me: [I mean about the bastard.]

Baby Sis <3: [Oh, him?]

Baby Sis <3: [They spoke about how to break the news to Rose tomorrow and the details about the custody. Maria could aim for full custody, but it's unlikely. Plus, Rose is still very fond of her father despite everything. Marcus also doesn't want to give up.]

'That sucks.'

Me: [Then what are the next steps?]

Baby Sis <3: [I'm not sure if I should get involved. I mean it isn't exactly my business.]

The corner of Theo's lips twitched a little. 'You only figure that after diving this deep into the matters??'

Me: [Just do whatever you want to do, and I'll follow suit.]

Theo didn't care too much about any of the people involved except for his little sister so his position in the matter almost went without saying.

Baby Sis <3: [Let's just stay passive. If they ask for help, provide some. If they don't, then just leave them be unless it's something big.]

Emilin completely trusted his brother's judgment in the matter.

Me: [Mm kay. Then get some rest. Your plane is still for, tomorrow right?]

Baby Sis <3: [You're one to speak.]

'True.' Theo sighed.

Baby Sis <3: [Sleep!]

Baby Sis <3: [Yeah to Continent E. I have to get some rest.]

Me: [Night.]

Baby Sis <3: [Night.]

Theo shut his computer and turned off the lamp after giving Kayden a glance. 'I seemed to really have troubled him this time. I should treat him to something next time.'

They weren't incredibly close, but they were still roommates and in the same year.

"You're done?" Kayden murmured; his voice dripped from the drowsiness that couldn't have been found 20 minutes ago.

"Yeah," Theo slid into his own bed.

"That was 16 minutes."

"Shut up."