Page 2 of Our Final Game

Always watching me.

What a fucking weirdo.

* * *

“Dude, I think Tyson came again!” Milo laughs.

“I know I saw him,” I say as I flop down onto the sofa. We’re back at our little hangout spot, which is really just Milo’s basement room at his parents’ house, but it works. Milo was some super genius who happened to drop out of university when he realized he was actually pretty good at gaming and could make it a career. I just don’t think he thought it through too well because our game is popular, but it isn’t popular enough to support a lifestyle by itself yet. So we all have part-time or even full-time jobs. Safe to say his parents were not happy about that decision. I guess he figured he could always go back.

The only reason my own parents let me pursue gaming is because I finished my engineering degree. But they also are under the impression I’m doing better than I actually am right now with my gaming career.

“I wonder why he shows up when he could literally just watch online,” Lucas says.

“Oh, I know why.” Milo grins, waggling his brows.

“Why?” I scoff.

“You know.” He says, his smile stretching even wider on his face.

“I really don’t, and you’re creeping me out. Whatever it is, I don’t wanna talk about him anymore. I feel good right now, and just thinking about him is giving me a fucking headache.” I let my eyes fall closed as I tilt my head back to the ceiling.

Can’t enjoy shit without Tyson being mentioned.

We win, we talk about Tyson.

We lose, we talk about Tyson.

Bane of my existence.

We’re constantly compared ever since he stole my title from me as the best player in our e-sport.

“I think you’re both obsessed with each other.” Milo laughs, and I shoot him a glare.

“I’m fucking not. He is, though!”

“Alright, alright, Milo, knock it off. You know how he gets,” Zayne says, shaking his head and throwing his bag over his shoulder, “I think I’m gonna head out, I’ve got work tomorrow. See you guys for practice after. Don’t be fucking late,” he says, his voice stern, pointing at us before disappearing through the door.

“You know what, same. Good job, everyone. Bye.” I roll my eyes.

“Aww! Don’t be mad at me, Ro!” Milo whines, following behind me as I put my shoes on.

“I’m not.”

“Okay, you sure?” Milo pouts and pulls me into a hug. He can be so annoying sometimes, but I can’t help giving in. He’s too happy, and I hate seeing him all sad even though I know it’s bullshit.

“I’m sure.” I sigh, letting him squeeze me until I start to laugh. “Alright, let go!”

“Okay! See you tomorrow.” He beams.

“Yeah, see ya,” I say and wave at Lucas, who gives me a nod before I head out in the same way Zayne just left.

* * *

My apartment is warm and silent when I get back, and thank God. Chicago winters are brutal. I’ve lived here all my life, but it feels like every winter my body forgets just how horrible it can be. The stack of overdue bills still in the same place I left them on the coffee table. I sigh, unwrapping my scarf and throwing it across the couch after kicking off my shoes. I let my body sag against my gaming chair, relaxing a little before sitting up to start Understory. A new game I got invited to beta test, and I’ve been loving it so far. It’s a nice change of pace from Seeker. No competing, and while I love the rush of getting kills and scoring, there’s just something so peaceful and relaxing about grinding and completing quests.

Especially lately.

I click the panel to open my friends list to see he’s online.