Page 74 of Our Final Game

“Oh, they took it completely offline this morning, actually. Nobody could log into the servers anyway.”

“Interesting.”

“Yeah, maybe he left cause he was embarrassed or something,” Carter chuckles, turning to his desk.

“Maybe,” I hum.

My notification bar signals that I have a few new emails. When I open the app, I see the first one is from Noel. There is only one sentence in the entire email.

“Congratulations on winning the game, now for fate’s final act.”

I tilt my head at the screen, my brows pinched together. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

What a strange guy.

“What did you say, buddy?” Carter says.

“Nothing. Nothing,” I say, waving him off. “I’m going down to get some coffee, actually. Want anything?”

“You know it!”

“Right. Your sugary bullshit.” I roll my eyes.

* * *

When I get to my usual cafe, I’m greeted by a very unexpected face, but not unwelcome. Since he’s the boy I can’t seem to stop from running through dreams and even my mind when I’m awake at this point. Rohan is standing at the register looking at me, the usual heat in his gaze, not burning but surprisingly warm this time, same as when he jumped into my arms the other morning.

“Hey,” he says, pushing my usual drink towards me and Carter’s. “I didn’t know if you were getting this for your friend too or not, but I just did it anyway.”

“Uh, thanks. You work here?”

“Yeah, I figured you knew that.”

“Ah, right, since you think I stalk you and all.”

“Well, you kinda do. What are the chances your favorite coffee shop is the one I work at?” Rohan says, folding his arms. Giving a little more of the Chandra I’m used to. This one is more predictable. That other boy is way too consuming.

“I never even see you here, you’ve been hiding from me?” I chuckle, teasing him.

“Why would I be hiding from you?” he huffs, pushing strands of his pretty golden curls back.

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

“You’re stupid.”

“Hmm, sounds about right. So, is everything okay? The other day you…” I start.

“Ty, are you busy Saturday?” Rohan says, interrupting me.

Am I busy Saturday? Is Rohan Chandra asking me what I think he’s asking me? Am I still asleep in one of those weird dreams right now?

“Uh, no, not really.”

Why am I leaning into this?

“Okay, I, um,” Rohan mumbles, his cheeks growing pink. Holy shit, I’m definitely asleep. He’s so fucking cute in my dreams, just like right now. This must be how I wish he was sometimes. Though I like the feisty one too, deep down inside.

“I, I just wanted to know if you’d like to hang out. Go out … with me. Maybe we can get something to eat?” he finishes, swallowing hard and nibbling on his bottom lip.