One syllable. Low. Easy. Confident in a way that knows the crowd can’t see him, and doesn’t care.
Dex reacts instantly. “Wow. That ‘hey’ just signed an endorsement deal.”
The arena erupts. Whistles. Cheers. Someone absolutely loses their mind.
"Player Two, say hello."
Player Two clears his throat. “Hello. Thank you for being here tonight.”
Polished. Calm. Strong voice. The kind of guy who expects to be taken seriously and usually is.
Dex nods, impressed. “Okay. Player Two ironed his shirt for this. Respect.”
Laughter ripples again.
Then Dex’s voice shifts toward my side of the wall.
“Player Three.”
I lean my face slightly toward the mic. “Hi.”
Same vibe as Player One.
Different weight.
Dex pauses. Just a fraction of a second.
“…Well,” he says slowly, “that one sounded like he makes eye contact with waitstaff.”
The crowd laughs, but it’s different now. Not louder. Slower. Curious.
I stay still.
Dex claps his hands. “Alright, let’s play. Question one. Easy start. What’s your ideal first date? Player One?”
Player One doesn’t hesitate. “Somewhere loud enough we don’t have to pretend we’re quiet people. Great food. No phones.” He adds, voice dipping just a little, “I make excellent reservations.”
The reaction is immediate. Cheers explode. Someone yells something deeply inappropriate.
Dex whistles. “Player One came to flirt and left scorch marks.”
Player Two follows, measured. “An activity first. Something interactive. Then dinner. Structure helps people relax.”
Dex nods. “Player Two has an itinerary and a backup plan.”
Her voice cuts in, polite but genuinely engaged. “That sounds… very considerate.”
Dex grins immediately. “Player Two might’ve just scored himself a brownie point.”
Her voice follows, warm but measured. “I appreciate someone who thinks things through.”
Dex laughs. “Wow. Compliment secured. Player Two just unlocked Level One Feelings. Everybody hydrate.”
More laughter.
Dex gestures toward the wall. “Alright, Player Three. Your turn.”
“Dinner somewhere we can hear each other,” I say. “No rush.”
