I think he gets bored too easily. He's been holed up for weeks. Granted, that's pretty normal for him, but this time something's... different.

I drop by sometimes to see what he's up to... Well, alright, more than sometimes (especially lately). He's been real short with me when we talk. He won't let me in his house, either... it's starting to get to me.

I'm trying again today. I won't let him brush me off so easy this time!
I knocked on the front door softly at first, but got impatient fast. "Volkner! You home? It's Flint!" I yelled.
It took a few minutes, but eventually I heard a faint 'Yeah.' from somewhere in the house. "So can you come open the door then?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because."
I grumbled. Why's he always so stubborn? But I knew a way around his little game. It took a little searching, but I knew he kept a spare house key somewhere outside. He might kill me when I get in, but it's well worth it.
I slowly slid the key into the lock, turning it carefully, hoping I could sneak in without him electrocuting me. But it made the sharpest 'click' sound as it unlocked, and already I could hear Volkner's rapid footsteps from inside.

I tried to push the door open, but he grabbed and stopped it halfway with the most exasperated look I've ever seen. He was glaring daggers at me. "WHAT?!"
It got quiet for a minute. He hardly yells at me like that, so it took me off-guard. His face was getting flushed. He must've noticed, because he broke our little stare-down. I sighed.

"I'm worried about you, that's all!"
He reluctantly let go of the door. "So worried you decided to break in?"
"Hey, if anything this means you should find a better spot for your spare key." I set said key down on the end table nearby. I glanced at Volkner. He was still steaming.
"You had your fun. Can you leave now?"
I frowned. "What did I do to put you off so bad, Volk?"
"Nothing! Just... I'm busy," he paused, his expression went from annoyed to embarrassed. "...I'm sorry... I'm working on something, that's all. It's important, and I have a deadline, so..."
I smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "I figured you were workin' on something! That's all you needed to tell me, y'know... Instead of 'go away' and 'leave me alone' all the time."
"Yeah, I guess. NOW can you please leave? I need to get back to work."
I chuckled. "Alright, alright, I'll go. Just don't overdo it, okay?"
Volkner nodded and smiled, shutting the door as soon as I stepped out.

I left and went back home. I figured I'd give him a few days to do whatever he's doing without me talking his ear off. "Weird, though." I mumbled to myself. "He usually doesn't do deadlines..."