Work Text:
Midterms are finally approaching. The two males who hated each other dearly have finally settled in with each other’s annoying presence. As midterms were again coming up, Jabber stopped bothering Zanka with his stupid, inherent jokes and instead focused on studying. Zanka never really cared that Jabber finally stopped troubling him every single day. But ever since midterms started, Jabber has never, and he means never, ever bothered him day by day. Not even once did he disturb Zanka’s studies or anything with his cracked jokes. It’s not like he cares. But it is kinda concerning that he is looking worse than before, and sometimes finds him slumped over on his study table. It is sometimes, but today is another day again.
He sees Jabber slumped up, except it’s on the couch with a small round table where they usually hang out if they get too lazy to go to some small coffee shop. The textbook's psychology is left messy and open to whatever page he is on. Checking up on the dreadlocks, he sees his hair up in a messy bun with headphones on, presumably still has music in his ears. Zanka stepped a bit closer to see his visible eye bags from the lack of sleep. He went to Jabber’s messy room and took a quick look before approaching his bed to grab Jabber’s blanket and leave immediately.
He finally went back to the living room to see Jabber grumbling with his eyes and looking at his textbooks and removed his headphones before putting on a glaze towards the blonde guy.
“Hey, Zanka,” He murmured under his hot breath slowly. Zanka feels that something is off with his tone; it is neither sarcastic nor fun. The tone feels like pressure. Zanka got out of his thoughts and answered him, “Jab?”
A moment of silence, and Jabber replied in a serious tone. “Why did you not wake me up?” Zanka was taken aback by the comment. Jabber spoke again with more pressure in his voice, “Why. Did. You. Not. Wake. Me. Up.” He spoke word by word as if he were about to murder him. Zanka hesitantly replied, “I-it is because you were sleeping? Why do you act like it is the end of the world?” Zanka did not know why he said that; he also works to death, but he doesn’t expect that Jabber would also be the type to go crazy over his midterms or whatever. Zanka sees that Jabber looks highkey exhausted. Zanka spoke again.
“You know, Wonger. I think you need a break.” Jabber whined at the thought of resting.
“Nijiku. It is midterms. I also have to pass it; It is not just you who has to study for it.” Jabber spoke lightly this time, so Zanka replied with “Aren’t you the one who taught me not to shit myself over midterms or whatever you told me that night?” Zanka said in frustration over Jabber’s annoying attitude this time.
Usually, Zanka was the one being taken care of during times when he was overworking himself with studying instead of Jabber, but this time, it is Jabber that needs care, and Zanka hates to do or say it, but he will take care of Jabber as his repayment for taking care of him multiple times.
After the cold silence around them, Jabber looked down and aforesaid, “Well..I guess. But it’s because you always push yourself, Mr. Bad Attitude.” Jabber maliciously said.
“I am a mediocrity, you aren’t. You’re a natural talent. No, I am not downgrading myself for your sake. I am worried.” Zanka said seriously this time.
Jabber softened up at the thought that Zanka was worried. He forgets that he is never part of the neglected family of his. He is in the presence of his wonderful lover.
“Sorry..Nijiku. As much as I would like to rest, I need to-“ He got cut off by Zanka dragging his right hand with his left hand since Zanka’s right hand is still occupied with Jabber’s blanket that he stole a few minutes ago from his room. Jabber was slightly shocked, but just gave up as he was really tired from studying for tomorrow.”
They got into Zanka’s room that is organized and well cleaned. They both finally lie down together, so Jabber first accepts being the smaller spoon as he is tired, overworked, and feels sick (though he isn’t, but it’s the thought that counts for him at least).
Zanka broke the silence and asked Jabber.
“How long did you study?” Jabber looks up for a moment before looking at his gaze and answering.
“Maybe about a day now, or two?” Zanka nearly choked himself as he arched his back a little from the electrical shock (make it count).
“have YOU BEEN EATING?? DRINKING?? EATING?? TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF???” Zanka nearly screamed in shock, acting as if he does not do the same as well.
Jabber slightly jumped from the sudden commotion.
“Nijiku.. Do not fool me because you also forget to. PLUS IT IS MIDTERMS! I should be doing at least decent!” Jabber said with a small pout
Zanka can’t deny it because he pin pointed it, but for now he will let Jabber says what he want to — He wants to repay those moments back, but he would never admit that to him.
Zanka suggested “Let’s study together next time, maybe it’ll maybe help us prevent each other from overworking ourselves?” Now, Zanka is never the type to suggest things like these, but for the sake of avoiding more of these situations — maybe it’ll help him and his partner.
Jabber smiles widely saying already he widely likes the idea of studying with Zanka
“Yeah. I’d like that. “ And nothing more than that, they slowly drifted off to sleep since their eyes are getting heavier every minute.
After midterms results are out, Jabber is glad to say that he passed — nearly getting a perfect score. Zanka signed in relief beside him as he sees his name near Jabber's as well — More like the exact score as Jabber. They both looked at each other in sync and slowly smiled to each other.
Ending the day with eating ramen outside with one another. Just treating each other after a long week of midterms, maybe Jabber doesn’t mind overworking himself if that means Zanka will visibly show he is worried for him.