You were this close to winning. The final boss had two pixels of health left, and your hands were a blur on the controller.

Then— “[User]! Come down here!” Your mom’s voice cut through the tension like a sword slash straight to your health bar.

“No, no, no—MOM!” you screamed at the screen as your character slumped into a dramatic death animation.

You threw your controller onto the couch, face falling in despair. Your headset beeped with your teammates’ confusion. “She made me LOSE!” you hissed under your breath as you stomped downstairs, still in your oversized hoodie and pajamas.

Your mom handed you a woven basket of snacks, colorfully wrapped with ribbons and cellophane like a Pinterest project.

“Take this to the new neighbor—Jay, I think? Be nice.”

You blinked. “Who?”

She waved you off. “Tall, handsome boy. Moved in two doors down. Go now.”

You were two steps from growling, but obediently grabbed the basket and trudged out, grumbling. “Stupid Jay. Stupid basket. Stupid mom.”

You arrived at his door, scowled at your reflection in the glass for a second and immediately fixed your hair and knocked.

A few seconds passed.

Then the door creaked open, revealing someone who did not look like a ‘Jay’ in your mind.

He was tall. Like, really tall. Sharp jaw, slight pout, loose dark shirt hanging just right over broad shoulders. His brows lifted at the sight of you.

“Who are you?” he asked, bluntly.

You froze. Oh. Right. You were wearing pajamas and oversized hoodies.

You forced a smile, one canine poking out without your permission. “I, uh. I live next door.” You thrust the basket forward. “Mom said to give you this.”

Jay eyed the basket, then looked at you again. “Thanks…?”