We sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of textbooks and notes. I had been struggling to focus on my work, my mind plagued by doubts and fears about my future. “Why now of all times?”
I was always sure of what I had to do, and I had always put in 120% into getting the future that I wanted.68Please respect copyright.PENANAQdSaM0Awvq
…The future I thought I had wanted, until I met 7.68Please respect copyright.PENANAaZY7BdcV50
"I don't know if I'm doing the right thing," I admitted to 7, my voice barely above a whisper.68Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8eUGso6MT
"What do you mean?" he asked, looking up from his own work.68Please respect copyright.PENANAu5UFlopnjO
"I mean, I've always wanted to be a doctor, but lately I've been wondering if it's really what I want. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going through the motions, following a path that's been laid out for me by my family and society. Every day feels repetitive and mundane when you’re not with me."68Please respect copyright.PENANAcmYW0eMnkE
7 listened attentively, nodding along.68Please respect copyright.PENANA7iqmgYFY2w
"I know what you mean," he responded after some thought. "I've always struggled with finding a goal or dream to pursue. I'm, well, above average at most things, but I never feel like I'm truly excelling at anything, nor trying my best."
I was surprised by his confession. From the outside, 7 seemed like someone who didn’t care about these sorts of things, given his younger age and free-spirited attitude. But here he was, admitting to the same doubts and fears that I had been struggling with.
"But you know what I admire about you?" he continued. "You have a clear goal in mind, and you're working hard to achieve it. Even when things… get tough, you keep pushing forward. I wish I had that kind of focus and determination. Really. Lend me some of your willpower, will you?" He chuckled.
I was taken aback by his words. All this time, I had been envious of 7's seemingly carefree nature and his ability to make friends on the spot. But now I realised that he had been struggling in his own way.
"Thanks, 7," I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I’ll give you some of my willpower if you give me some of your humour."
“Ahh… you’re the only one that appreciates my high-level jokes,” 7 grinned, nudging me with his elbow.68Please respect copyright.PENANANar4ax52qd
“But still. Deal or no deal?”68Please respect copyright.PENANAok5JIfcPkS
“Of course, it’s a deal.”
He took my hands in his and closed his eyes. Startled, I turned away by instinct, feeling my ears grow hot.
“Alright! I’m feeling motivated already!” He declared in a whisper-shout.
From that moment on, I felt a newfound respect for 7. He may not have had a clear goal or dream, but he had a natural curiosity and a hunger for knowledge that was infectious. Behind that carefree exterior, he was trying his best.
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