Vishal looked down at the boy squatting on the ground in front of him with sympathy.
Having had a long day as well, it felt annoying to come back to this when all he wanted to do was shower and go to sleep.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it this time."
Speaking softly to the silent Ari, Vishal began banging on the door.
Bang bang bang!
Bang bang bang!
But nobody inside the room responded.
Bang bang bang!
Bang bang bang!
"Hey! This is Vishal, open the door!" Vishal banged on the door again and could faintly hear snickering and things rustling.
"Snicker, are you alone or is that masked weirdo with you?" Ian's muffled voice could be heard behind the door, and Ari just made himself smaller while tucked on the ground.
"…It's just me. He's still practicing." Vishal lied smoothly, although he was upset at how Ian referred to Ari.
"Really? Then say please, and I'll let you in." The door opened a crack, and the light from the hallway partially illuminated Ian's face.
