Matt theatrically sighed in mock disappointment as you triumphed over him for the third consecutive time in a video game. He was far from conceding defeat; he had a point to make.

"Damn, come on, you beat me again." Matt's hand reached for the pizza box, deftly extracting a slice and savoring a bite. "Well, at least the pizza's top-notch." His eyes traced your features, capturing every detail.

"How about another round? Or are you scared of losing? I won't back down this time."