“These part time jobs—” I started, curling my palms around my ankle, grounded to the steps while glancing at the street light above me. Few insects were buzzing around it. “Why you do it? You told me that your father works as a loan officer in a private bank. It's good enough job to fulfill the needs of your family. I- I don't think you need this. Unless you are an alcoholic or a drug addict and you need the money to buy the next stock.” 
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hm, let's see. Before this job, I touched alcohol a month ago. Even now, I don't drink the way I did today. I mostly drink to taste. Does that make me alcoholic?” He propped his head to a side, looking doubtful. As I drank his stature, his black jacket and his eyes, I noticed something I haven't before. 
“Your eyes?” 
“My eyes? The fuck happened to my eyes. Did I become a vamp?” he asked puzzled and as if on cue, started rubbing them with his fist. He probably thought something got into inside it. But wouldn't he feel itchy then? Stupid fella. Must be really drunk then. 
“Nothing happened. It's just that I always thought your eyes were pitch black. Not dark brown,” I clarified. I glanced into those eyes again that were dark chocolate brown under the light. It's surprising how I didn't notice, when I was noticing him all along. 
“Many people miss out on that detail, actually. My eyes are nearly black. They only show their true colors in bright light. Like a vampire,” he said, trying to appear wicked by showing his teeth. 
“This is almost like unlocking a mystery. Only someone who knows you close enough is allowed to know.” 
He met my gaze. “Unlike your beautiful eyes that's open for everyone to see. Kinda wasted if you ask me.”
I felt wasted but that was only because of his gaze and not his words. I knew better. “Not at all. It only works in my favor,” I said. Like, right now. I waited for him to add something else but when the fucker didn't, I voiced out myself. “You still haven't answered my question.”
He shot a drunkard smile and looked away. “Money...” he murmered to the silent air. “I want money. Lots and lots of it. And I'll do anything to get it.”
There was such a conviction and danger in his voice that almost caught me off guard. His jaws were taught, his palms clasped and his eyes intense, burning holes in the ground. I've never seen him this determined before. “I don't get it. Not the wealth part but the part time job one. You can just finish college with a flashy GPA and get yourself placed. You'll be handsomely rewarded.”
He snorted, finding no meaning to my statement. “Oh, shit college and their placement companies. They will only take in the best ones, or 'favorites' as they put it. Atleast this college does,” he said, air quoting favorites with his fingers. “I know this cos' I've heard it from my seniors. It might be easier for someone like you but not me, uh, uh! I'm far from best. It's a fuckin' marathon to fetch the average scores you know.”
It was a bit harder for me to grasp whenever someone said studies were difficult for them. Yes, it was never easy to begin with, but not impossible either. You just had to be a regular to score. I bit back the remark. 
“You can still get a job afterwards,” I stated the obvious, getting his attention as he scrutinized me. “Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting you to quit this job or anything. I'm just curious. Actually more from what you said.” 
“Pa has been working in the bank for as long as I remember, Ma has cooped herself in being a housewife while my sis has settled down. We have a three bedroom apartment, a Swift Dzire car that has been kicking it's shit engine for seven years, a run down garage. It's been like that for years and years. No change. No significant evolution,” he said and let out a frustrating sigh. “Honestly, I'm sick of of it. Sick of watching some of my rich uncles living off a high. How many times did I have to adjust? How many times did I hear a 'no' from my father? He deserves more, but luck is not in his favor.”