The world seems to slow down whenever I think of my roommate, Alex. It feels like if I've known Alex for a lifetime. The memories of Alex when we spend late nights studying or arguing over whose turn it was to take the trash out.
I've realized that no matter how many girls I've met, I only like Alex, and I'm sure about that.

But today, my heart was beating fast as I contemplated Alex's recent behavior.
He was always shaking, covering his ears or sleeping in classes.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something I was missing, that there was something Alex was keeping away from me.

I've decided to ask him later about it.

Alex is known to be the smartest of the bunch, with an encyclopedic knowledge.
Being him not raising his hand even for the simple questions was a shock to everyone.

The contempt in my classmates' voices as they mocked Alex's temporary lapse in intelligence was palpable.
I wanted to punch them and make them apologize, but instead, I just gritted my teeth and silently boiled within my grip on the desk, getting tighter and tighter.

I'm not letting those bastards continue making fun of Alex.