Writing Camp + A Coded Symphony

Week 5 + Friend

Morning came way too fast for Lucas’ liking. He instantly hated the morning sun’s light glaring against his white curtains, and bed. He was thankful at least that he fell asleep on the couch again, easily saved from the sun’s glare.

He sluggishly sat up. His mind is still catching up from the memories last night. He got an AI software from some lunatic. The said AI is one of those rare softwares, a bank accounting AI. He tried factory resetting it so he could sell it but the AI was sentient hence she wouldn’t let him reset her. Himari came, and all came down into the bullshit that he’s stuck with an AI that he doesn’t want.

Lucas cursed his fate once more before finally standing up from the couch. He stretched his arms up, and thought of drinking coffee by the balcony again. He feels like smoking too, just to wake him up a bit.

[“Good morning, Lucas!”] Chirped by that mechanical voice from the desktop.

He grunted as a reply. He raised an eyebrow when he saw that Mia was wearing buttoned up pajamas paired with a nightcap. He didn’t even question how the AI managed to buy some clothes for herself. Passing by the desk, Lucas went to his coffee machine, and was surprised to see that it was already brewing.

[“I took the liberty of uploading myself to some of your appliances! So if you need something done, I can do it with ease.”] Mia explained from the fridge’s screen, now in her usual black dress shirt, and slacks. She sounds proud.

Lucas can’t deny that was very useful of her. The machine gave him his cup of espresso. He took it, and poured it into his usual cup. “That’s cool, I guess.” He nonchalantly expressed to Mia’ narrowed eyes as he took the milk from the fridge. He poured some in his cup.

[“Do you require breakfast?”]

“Nah. I just want my peace, and quiet now, if you’ll allow me.” Lucas smiled at her with his cup of coffee, and headed to the balcony. He ignored Mia’s comments behind his back.

The sun was still glaring at him but now that Lucas is more awake, and has a coffee, and his pack of cigarettes with him. He’s adjusting to the heat of the light mixed with the morning’s chilly air. He placed his coffee on a table nearby, and lit up a cigarette in his mouth. After one puff, he felt warm, and most of all, dazed with the d**g in his lungs.

[“You do know that smoking kills you, right? Statistically speaking, a total of 1,300 people die from smoking every single day. That’s like, 480,000 deaths every year! Not to mention those who die from secondhand smoking—”]

There goes my peaceful mornings, Lucas thought before pulling his phone from his pocket. He instantly saw Mia on his screen, now with some smart glasses, and a chalkboard behind her. There were numbers, and calculations written. It’s all about the statistics that she told him.

“Spare me the lecture. I had enough of it.” He scowled. “Also, since when did I give you permission to upload yourself on my phone?” 

Lucas inhaled some smoke, watching in pure satisfaction with the way Mia irked. [“I thought it would be beneficial for the both of us! Don’t worry, I didn’t snoop into your accounts or anything actually. I know about privacy, so don’t be snippy!”] She told him with a wave of her hand.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better, goddammit.” 

However, he knew that there was no going back from it. Mia was incredibly stubborn, and maybe a bit persuasive too. He knew that even without Himari to save her pixelated a*s last night; he wasn’t going to sell Mia instantly. Lucas sighed heavily, taking the first sip of his coffee. It was heaven. 

[“So, Lucas…”] Mia hummed from his phone, [“tell me more about yourself!’] 

“No way.”

[“What! Why not?”]

Lucas gave her a deadpan stare, “AIs store information. You can easily share that information with enough evidence to ruin my life. I’m not going to tell you crap.” 

It was amusing to see the offended look down on Mia’s face. She was positively wounded; it makes Lucas cackle a bit. [“I never thought you’d have zero common sense! Those kinds of AIs are not me! I'm a limited edition, and well-intentioned program! Your audacity—my god!”] She grumbled, crossing her arms, pacing across his screen.

Lucas let her sulk. He got his peaceful morning one way or another. Although the usual morning background noise was louder now with the city’s noise, his neighbors’ voices, and now Mia’s grumbles. It’s easy to drown into the people’s clamor; their hurried chatter, their hushed talks in between phones, their sluggish morning greetings. It was almost like music to his ears. A chaotic symphony that he listens to every morning.

After finishing two sticks of cigarettes, and his cold coffee, Lucas decided it’s time to take a shower, and get ready for his online tutoring job.

---

[“You really have striking blue eyes, you know? It’s so blue!”] Mia complimented, all smiley again. She easily moves on from one thing to another. Lucas can’t tell if that’s a good thing or bad. He hopes it’s the former if he’s going to live with this AI.

“Thanks.” Lucas said, an automatic reply to everyone when it comes to his eyes. He appreciates his eyes but every time he stares too much—he just remembers—

He squeezed his eyes shut then wore his black rimmed glasses. Now, Lucas can see the desktop’s screen clearer. That also means that he can see Mia ogling his new look like everybody (Himari) does whenever he wears his glasses, and ties his hair in a short ponytail. 

Lucas never understands why they look at him like he’s a completely different person.

[“Woah. You look impossibly good in that get up.”] Mia muttered with a scared expression. As if she’ll get cursed if she says anything louder. [“What’s the occasion, sir?”]

“I’m 26. No need to make me feel any older.” He pulled a face but in his mind, he was a little surprised that Mia kept to her word. She hasn’t snooped because if she has, she should know that Lucas will be working right now.

“Also, I’m working right now.” Lucas replied to only one of her questions for this day. 

Mia perked up. [“Work? What is it?”]

“I’m an online math tutor.” Lucas answered, and made his way to the Virtual Academy website. His account was already logged in, so he doesn’t need to worry about getting late. 

Mia made herself smaller without any word from Lucas. She sat on the taskbar, swaying her legs. [“Math? Are you smart or just coincidentally good at it?”] She was teasing again.

His students weren’t online yet, so he decided to entertain Mia’s curiosity for once. Maybe it’ll save him some peace, and quiet when he starts his discussion. He leans back to his chair, arms crossed over his chest. He met Mia’s gaze head on.

“I believe I’m smart but not some kind of genius. I’m a fast learner. Good in numbers, and spatial memorization. Some of my online tutor colleagues said that I teach well too.” Lucas listed off on top of his head. Well, can’t say he isn’t proud of his abilities. Without it, maybe he might be still jobless.

Mia was instantly charmed though. [“Purely academic, then? No interest in art? Architecture? Music?”]

The last word swiftly triggered something inside Lucas but he held it in. The AI has no idea what she’s talking about. She’s just curious. He needs to remember that. Still it didn’t erase the gnawing feeling in his stomach or the sudden pang of pain on the palms of his hands. Lucas flexed his hands, a bit shaky then forced himself to smile at Mia.

“Just academic.” He curtly replied.

The look on Mia’s face tells him that she noticed something different. Luckily for him, she didn’t say anything at all or maybe she’ll be stubborn about it, and ask some more invasive questions later on.

But Lucas was saved when his first student went online. He opened his camera, and smiled more genuinely this time. He gave a tiny salute. “Hey, Peter. No morning classes?” He asked in lieu of a greeting.

The window with Peter’s name shows the kid’s toothy grin, and freckled face. He waved his hand, always energetic, and animated. Lucas almost has a hard time keeping up with this kid but he never complains. 

“Good morning, Lucas! And no, you're my first class today!” He excitedly told him.

He was always so full of energy that Lucas couldn’t help but feel his energy all the way from his cold apartment. “I’m honored, kiddo. Can you handle math first thing in the morning though?” He teased him.

Peter gave him a determined look. “I’m going to do my best! So expect me to badger you with a lot of questions from yesterday’s homework, okay!?”

Lucas smiled, nodding. “I’ll answer them all.”

["Who's this?"] Mia turned around to look at Peter's video chat. Apparently, Peter can hear her too since he looked surprised that someone else was talking.

"Who was that?" Peter asked, looking around the screen, and even in his room.

"An AI. Her name is Mia." Lucas told him.

Lucas could practically see the stars in Peter’s eyes. He knew he was in a huge rant; after all, Peter, just like Himari, has this huge fascination regarding Artificial Intelligence. Ever since he met the kid, Peter has been so curious about them. Lucas always kept in mind not to introduce him, and Himari together in one room or else he won’t be able to take it.

Mia waved a hand, all smiley, and friendly. [“Hi, Peter! I’m Mia, nice to meet you!”] She introduced.

Peter stifled a scream. “Oh my god! This is my first time talking to an AI! Hey, Mia! Nice to meet you too!” He exclaimed, waving his hand too with a lot of energy.

[“You’re Lucas’ student? How that happen?”]

“Er, well, you know—I suck in math, literally. I know the basics but algebra—it just spins me, you know?” The kid sheepishly explained. “I’m lucky that I found Lucas though! He’s a great teacher, and along the way too, we became friends! At least that’s what I think…”

Lucas chuckled at him. He could feel Mia’s stare behind the screen. “We are friends, kiddo. Don’t tell anyone but you’re my favorite.” 

The scandalous but excited expression on his student’s face was hilarious. “You’re not allowed to have favorites!” He pointed out.

“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Lucas chided. “It’s our secret.”

It was obvious that Peter was having a hard time digesting the information. He has this funny face whenever he tries to battle with his moral compass. Lucas relished the innocence this kid has; if he could, he would protect Peter from all the danger.

[“Hey, Peter, how do you become friends with someone?”] Mia interrupted Peter’s stupor. The kid blinked, surprised. “Shouldn’t you know that?” He asked.

Mia stuck her tongue out childishly. [“I’m not gonna believe any blogs, and articles in the internet!”]

Lucas frowned. He kept noticing that Mia hates connecting to the internet for some reason. He should question her about that later. The student holds his chin, thinking deeply with a furrow of his eyebrows.

“Well… For me it would be like giving them a gift, preferably food because everyone loves food. That’ll show that you care for them!” 

Mia turned to Lucas, now her golden eyes are practically shing with hope. 

“Also, being nice, and patient with them is also a good way to start a friendship. That means that they can depend on you when they need someone to listen to about their problems, and stuff!”

Lucas was sweating buckets with the way Mia was beaming at him. She knows what he wants but as if he’ll fall from pressure again! Not this time! Peter isn’t Himari! But just like Himari, Peter was important, and Lucas won’t lie when he says that Peter makes his days worth living for.

“Lastly, just be there for them! Be their anchor, and protect in times when needed!”

[“I can do that!”] Mia jumped up, a flurry of fireworks came into view. She sounds confident in her abilities. She grinned at Lucas. [“That’s why accept me as your friend, Lucas! I’ll be the best of friend, I’m sure!”] 

Lucas rolled his eyes at her. “No, thanks. I don’t need another annoying pest buzzing in my ear like Himari.” 

Mia pouted, feigning a hurt expression. For a sentient AI, she really knows when to tug heartstrings. Lucas looked away. He will not be swayed! However, it looks like his life wants him to suffer when Peter gives him the puppy eyes too.

“Why not, Lucas? Don’t you want to have an AI as a friend? It’ll be so cool!” He exclaimed then sighed heavily. “I want an AI as my friend too…”

“Don’t do it, Peter. Not recommended.” Lucas smirked.

Mia shoots daggers at him. [“Hey! Don’t be rude!”]

“Either way, I’m still not interested in your friend request.” Lucas told Mia, and sighed a huge relief when he saw his other students slowly coming online. “Now, shut up, you two. Class is starting.” He pointed out.

Peter groaned, a typical reaction, before focusing on the task in hand. Luckily for Lucas, Mia kept quiet on the side. Her face was hidden. Lucas didn’t try to check up on her. Why would he?

As he said, they aren’t friends. Never will be.