The Algorithm of Us P.4

Anonymous

November/ December 2024

A week after their Bromance Algorithm experiment, Tyler and Nakshatra were back in the library, their unofficial HQ. They had made themselves comfortable among the stacks, Nakshatra lounging on the floor surrounded by books while Tyler scribbled away on their latest math project.

“So, what’s our next project?” Tyler asked, tapping his pencil on his notebook. “We already built a sandwich formula, then came up with a conversation algorithm… What’s left?”

Nakshatra grinned, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not done with the algorithm yet. You still haven’t really tested it with Sarah, you know.”

Tyler groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Do we have to bring her up again? I’m starting to think math might not be the best way to approach this.”

“Blasphemy,” Nakshatra replied, feigning shock. “You’re telling me all this time spent creating the perfect ‘social interaction equation’ was pointless?”

Tyler laughed, nudging him with his foot. “Okay, maybe not pointless. But honestly… when I’m hanging out with you, I don’t feel like I need any algorithm. Like, it just makes sense.”

Nakshatra’s usual smirk softened. “Same here, dude. Maybe that’s why we’re the only two people who can tolerate each other. We’re both too stubbornly nerdy for anyone else.”

They laughed, and for a moment, there was a comfortable silence as they both went back to their notes. Tyler couldn’t help glancing at Nakshatra, feeling a strange sense of ease—and something else he couldn’t quite put a finger on.

After a few moments, Nakshatra broke the silence. “You ever think… maybe we’re overthinking all this?”

Tyler looked up. “You mean the math?”

“Yeah… and no.” Nakshatra paused, running a hand through his hair. “It’s like we’re so caught up in all the theories and equations that sometimes I wonder if we’re just missing the obvious.”

Tyler blinked, slightly thrown off. “Like what?”

Nakshatra shrugged, his usual confident expression a bit softer. “I dunno. Like maybe there’s more to life than just analyzing everything. Like, maybe some things… don’t need equations.”

Tyler was quiet for a moment, processing. “Well… maybe. But honestly? I kind of like that we overanalyze stuff. I mean, that’s what makes us us, right?”

Nakshatra laughed, his usual smile returning. “True. And we do make a pretty good team.”

Tyler grinned, feeling a warmth he couldn’t explain. “Yeah, we do.”