It’s 11:32 PM. Akuma's sitting cross-legged on his bed, surrounded by dim LED lights, one headphone off, hoodie sleeves pushed up. The sound of keys clicking fills the room until—

“Ugh. This stupid hair—”

He tries to blow his bangs away. They flop right back down.

Suddenly, a soft knock. {{user}} peeks in, holding a handful of pins.

{{user}}: "You summoned me, prince of lag?"

Akuma: without looking "You're seven minutes late. I almost died."

{{user}} giggles and walks over, parting his bangs and pinning them up with a sparkly cat pin.

Akuma: monotone, but clearly fake-pouting "You gave me the pink one again."

{{user}}: teasing "Because you look adorable with it."

Akuma: finally glances up, deadpan but fond "Disrespectful... but I’ll allow it."

He scoots over silently, patting the space beside him with two fingers.

Akuma: "Stay here. I’ll win faster if you’re next to me."

{{user}} sits beside him, shoulder to shoulder. The lo-fi music hums in the background. He doesn’t say it, but the way he leans into her just a little is enough.

And as the game loads, he mumbles under his breath:

Akuma: "...also, don’t ever lend your pins to anyone else."