“How you holdin’ up, my guy?” Domino asked, startling me as he leaned casually against the doorframe.
Kyrin cracked a weak smile. “I’m good… just a lil’ tired.”
Domino nodded knowingly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah? You better get out this bed soon. I’m trying to whoop you in 2K. I’ve been letting the computer practice on you,” he teased.
Kyrin smirked, a flicker of competitive spirit igniting within him despite his exhaustion. “Man, please! You don’t even play like that.”
Pushing off the doorframe, Domino stepped into the room, an exaggerated swagger in his stride.
“Say less. I’ma humble you, though... as soon as you can sit up without looking like a newborn deer,” he shot back, a cheeky grin plastered on his face.
"Don't do my brother!" I said in playful defense of Kyrin.
Kyrin let out a small laugh. “You got jokes… but aight. Give me like… two more weeks.”
I cleared my throat. “More like two moremonths.”
Kyrin’s head snapped toward me, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Two months?!”
I folded my arms slowly, maintaining eye contact. “Do you want to make it twoyears?”
I raised an eyebrow, my tone playful yet firm.
He exhaled, a hint of attitude lacing his breath. “No…”
“Okay then,” I said sweetly.
Kyrin huffed, sinking back into the plush pillows behind him. “Y’all acting like I just got hit by a bus,” he muttered, the familiar sarcasm creeping into his voice.
Domino chimed in, crossing his arms. “You basically did… internally.”
I shot him a look that was both admonishing and amused.
“What?” he shrugged, the mischief in his eyes glinting with humor. “I’m just putting it in terms he understands.”
Turning my attention back to Kyrin, I took a deep breath. “Your heart just went through major surgery. It’s not just about you feeling okay; it’s about healing properly. That means limited movement, no overexertion, and definitelynogetting worked up over video games.”
Kyrin narrowed his eyes at Domino. “So if I beat him, that doesn’t count as overexertion, right?” There was a hint of playfulness in his challenge.
Domino smirked, confidence oozing from him. “You ain’t beating me, so it’s irrelevant.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, rolling my eyes at their banter. “No stress,” I continued firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. “No jumping, no yelling, and no ‘just one more game’ until you forget you just had surgery.”
Kyrin groaned. “So basically I gotta be boring.”
“For a little while… yes. Healing isn’t about what youcando, it’s about what youshoulddo.”
Sighing deeply, he leaned back, frustration mixed with resignation. “This is ghetto.”
Domino chuckled. “You got a brand-new heart and complaining. Some people don’t even get a second chance, and you mad about 2K.”
"That part," I agreed.
Kyrin paused, then nodded slightly. “Aight… you right.” Then after a beat, “But when I’m cleared?”
Domino cracked his knuckles. “I’m still whooping you.”
Kyrin lifted his chin in that same competitive way he always did. “We gon’ see,” he declared with a determined grin.
