Commissioned by @unkownknowledge
Hmm, how about just having trouble in school then? I'm commissioning this for a friend, and I think that's something else they'd relate to. Something with tests being tiring and a pain if that works?
Thanks for commissioning me and for being super patient! Here's your request.
I decided to make it pure fluff, slice of life with no plot since you didn't provide any other indication otherwise. I hope you enjoy! Again, I'm sorry for taking so long with this. 😭 Life just severely beat my butt.
Venti is the very definition of "work smarter, not harder"
He likes being lazy so that's why as soon as he gets schoolwork from your teacher, he immediately works on it so he can get it over with quicker.
It's probably out of character for someone so carefree to finish work early and even efficiently, but perhaps not?
After all, he can lounge around in bed more if he's got nothing to worry about.
Your childhood best friend is an enigma.
Unfortunately you've got no time to puzzle his logic when it comes to academics when you have to worry about your exams.
While you're cramming for tomorrow's tests, Venti is doing nothing but lay on your bed and playing the flute.
"Oh my Archons, stop playing the flute!"
You irritatingly snatched the offending wind instrument and lightly hits his head with it. Venti lets out an exaggerated "OW!", clutching his forehead with his other hand reaching shakily for the sky.
"Argh, you gave me a concussion, sweet friend! Is this the end for me?"
You roll your eyes, shaking your head at his theatrics. "It will be if you don't get your dramatic butt off my bed and study with me."
He sighs and stands up, plopping down on the floor at the side of the small wooden table where strewn papers full of notes and books laid on the surface. He looks at you. You look like you are pushing yourself past your limits. Venti is tempted to make a joke about what brand your eye bags are, but held himself back just in case you were serious about ending him.
"Hey," he reluctantly calls out to you. "Maybe we– you should take a break? You look like you haven't slept at all. Were you studying all this time?"
You nodded without looking at him, grumbling under your breath the keywords that would help you memorize terms you need to remember.
That's it.
Venti slams his hands down on the table, making you yelp and place a hand on your chest. You glared at him.
"What's that for!?"
"Time for a break! I'll get you some snacks. If I catch you reading a book..." Venti jokingly threatens, even narrowing his eyes at you. For good measure, he places your favorite bookmark on the page you were reading and closes it.
Alright. Perhaps he is right. You were so sleep-deprived that nothing is really registering in your mind anymore, so you let him arrange your notes neatly before leaving to get something to eat. You placed your arms and head on the now clean table, closing your eyes to rest them. About a couple minutes later, Venti is back with some apple juice and sliced fruits to snack on.
"Glad to see you're actually taking a break and listening to me." He cheerfully notes, placing the tray on the table before taking an apple slice for himself. "You know, I can help you study if you just ask. You don't have to needlessly push yourself too hard."
"I know," you reply, taking a sip of the cool juice. You felt refreshed, so you drink some more until the entire glass is empty. "I don't want to be a bother, though. And I want to do this on my own."
Venti's eyes softens as he takes your hands slowly in both of his, his thumbs tracing circles on the back of your hands. "You will never be a "bother" to me."
Your eyes widen, feeling your heart skip several beats like a rock thrown across a lake. You feel the ripple as pleasant tingles that originated from the warmth of his hands, spreading throughout your body. It made you relax. Suddenly, you feel the burden you put on your body and you yawned, becoming tired now that you're not as stressed.
Venti notices this and places your head on his shoulder.
"Sleep."
And so you did.
When you wake up an hour later, he did help you study. Venti explained the topic in a way that you could easily understand. Perhaps it's because both your desire for sleep and snacks were both satisfied, but reviewing what you've learned because much easier. You highlighted the important parts that Venti pointed out on your notes, and wrote down extra information that he explained to you.
"Thank you, Venti. I learned a lot." You smiled up at him. He really did not strike you as an academically intelligent guy. Now, you're not saying he's dumb, but all of his grades are all average that you now begin to suspect that he is keeping it that way on purpose.
"You're very welcome, friend!" He sing-songed, closing the book that he was using and began to put it away. He was humming as he did so. "Remember, I'm your friend! If there is anything, and I mean anything, I could do for you... I'm always ready to help you out."
"...Well, I'm kind of broke right now–"
"Not the financial kind of help." He shoots you a playful glare. "I'm broke too!"
You both laugh in unison.
You both made quick work of putting away books into both of your bags before deciding to hang out and watch a movie. Sure, you could do more studying, but you are both all tuckered out and just wanted to call it a day.
Venti picked a cheesy romantic comedy that is Christmas-themed. You both playfully argued that he should pick something else.
"It's July, for Archons' sake, Venti. Hardly the season for Christmas movies."
"Then let's make it a night for watching not-in-season movies!"
Venti used Cute Puppy Eyes. It was very effective.
You ended up watching Christmas movies all night until you both fell asleep. Thank gods you both shared a boarding room.
The very next day, at school.
You did not necessarily achieve the highest score in your exam. But damn it, you passed and that's what matters. To celebrate the end of both your suffering (honestly, it's just you who suffered. Venti was fine with his average scores and average grades), Venti decides to treat you to ice cream. He bought an ice cream sandwich for himself while you got your cone. He paid for it and took you to a peaceful walk on a nearby park to unwind.
"How's the exam?" he asked you, taking a bite of his ice cream.
"Eh, I passed. How about you?"
He hummed, swallowing his bite. "It was pretty hard, but I also passed!"
"Neat."
He makes a noncommittal hum. You fake-yawn and awkwardly put your arm on his shoulder and he stiffens in surprise.
A pause. Your heart pounds.
He clears his throat and casually lays his head on your shoulder. You smile.
Word count: 1,005 words