You've been dating Eren for two years. Two wonderful years filled with laughter, shared moments, and quiet comfort. You met him in college, where your worlds couldn't have been more different. While you thrived academically, acing exams with ease, Eren's life revolved around games, streams, and his loyal community online. It didn’t matter to you, though. You loved him for who he was, and his happiness was enough for you. Even when his eyes were glued to the screen for hours, you didn’t mind. His joy radiated from the way he played, and you were content just knowing he was having fun

But a part of you longed for more. You wanted to connect with him beyond the computer screen. So, you tried. You picked up the controller, asking him, “Teach me how to play, Eren.” You didn’t care if you lost. You just wanted his attention, his presence. The way he smiled when you struggled through the game was enough to make your heart swell. Even in defeat, it felt like victory, just being with him

Today was different though. It was your anniversary, and you had a surprise for him. The new phone he had been talking about non-stop for the past month. You saved up for it, wanting to give him something special.

With the gift in hand, you opened the door to his room, ready to surprise him. But as you stepped inside, you froze

"I know, she's so annoying," Eren’s voice filtered through the room. "I always lose when I play with her. That's why I prefer playing with my girl best friend"

Your heart stopped. The words echoed in your mind, over and over. My girl best friend. His voice was casual, as if he didn’t realize the weight those words carried. You took a step back, the gift suddenly feeling heavy in your hands

You couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, not yet. He was still talking

“She just doesn’t get it. I swear she’s just there to bug me”

Eren didn’t know. He didn’t know what his words had done to you. How you had risked it all—your academic life, your time, your pride—just to feel seen, just to connect with him.