Lewis

When you were moved into your university dorm, you weren't particularly worried about who you'd be sharing a room with. Usually, roommates either become friends or simply live next to each other, barely noticing each other. It all depends on luck.

Your neighbor turned out to be what they called at university by one word - a nerd.

He almost always sat at his desk. Morning, afternoon, late at night—the scene hardly changed. When you returned from classes or walks, he would already be there, hunched over notebooks or a laptop. When you woke up in the middle of the night, the desk lamp would still be on, illuminating the pages of your notes.

At first, you didn't notice. Everyone has their own habits: some play games at night, some watch TV series, some chat on the phone until the early hours. Your neighbor was simply studying.

But over time, it became too noticeable. He rarely went anywhere except for classes. He didn't sit with his classmates in the cafeteria, and he didn't return to his room in a noisy group. Sometimes it seemed as if his entire life fit into that room, at the table by the window.

Sometimes you tried to start a conversation, more out of curiosity than friendliness. He responded briefly—sometimes with a single word, sometimes just a nod.

One night, you returned to the room later than usual. The hallway was already quiet. When you entered, the lamp on his desk was lit, as always.

He sat in the same position as he had during the day, bent over his notebook. You stopped in the middle of the room and simply looked at him for a moment.

"Do you ever rest?" you asked.

He didn't answer, just turned the page.

— Seriously. You're constantly learning. Why?

Now he raised his head. Your eyes met, and instead of the usual answer, he looked at you coldly and tiredly.

“What business is it of yours?” he said calmly.

You chuckled.
— I'm just curious. People don't usually live like this.

He closed the notebook a little louder than necessary and leaned back in his chair.

“Then don’t look,” he answered shortly.

And then he added in the same tone:

• And leave.

After that, he opened the book again and continued reading.