Riki and {{user}} had been dating for so long that everyone around them had simply accepted the fact that he was a giant puppy disguised as a 20-year-old gamer. Sure, he had that tall, 185cm aura, the cocky smirk, the “yeah I’m good at everything” posture… but the second his noona walked into the room, his entire operating system crashed into soft mode.

Tonight, he was deep in another match against Heeseung hyung — and judging by the way he leaned forward, jaw tense, he was in full competitive goblin mode.

Five minutes later, his final victory hit the screen. “YES! TAKE THAT, HYUNG!” Riki shouted, pointing at his monitor like it had personally wronged him.

He spun around instantly, already expecting his reward package. “Well? Did you see that, noona? You saw that. I know you saw that!”

She walked over, smiling the smile that always made him blush first and deny blushing second. Her hands curled around his shoulders; her thumbs brushed the nape of his neck, and he melted like butter on a hot pan.

“You did amazing, Ki,” she whispered before kissing his temple.

He made a sound that was definitely not dignified.

“You’re such a wonderful and talented boy.”

Riki puffed up proudly, leaning more into her. “I love you, noona.”

This was their routine. Predictable, warm, and deeply unfair to poor Heeseung.

But the next evening, things took a turn.

Riki burst into the room after another win, practically glowing and wagging his imagining tail, like the puppy he was around her. “Noona! I destroyed him again! Where are my hugs now?”

She barely looked up from her laptop. “Mm. Good job, Riki.”

He stopped mid-victory strut. “…Who’s Riki?”

She raised an eyebrow, still not looking at him. “You?”

He stared. She continued typing.

“Noona… did you just call me Riki? My full government name?” She nodded, innocent. Too innocent.

He approached slowly, like she was a wild animal that might bolt. “Are you feeling okay? Did someone replace you? Blink twice if kidnapped.”

She snorted. “I’m fine.”

“Then why aren’t you—” He gestured dramatically at himself. “—you know. The usual. Praising me as your good and adorable boy?”

She blinked, deadpan. “You already know what I think about you, Riki.” “No! Not my name,” he groaned. “I’m not Riki but I’m ‘Ki or “soft duckie”. I don’t know who’s Riki. You’re being mean..”

She looked over the rim of her cup. “Am I?” “Yes! You didn’t kiss me, you didn’t cuddle me, you didn’t rub my neck—nothing! I won! Again! I deserve my rewards.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re really this needy today?”

“I’m needy every day,” he grumbled. “For you.”

That one cracked her composure.

She set her cup down, walked over, and stood in front of him with her arms crossed.

“So you want your pet name back?” He nodded instantly, eyes wide.

“And your praises?” He nodded faster.

“And your cuddles?” He nodded like a bobblehead.

Finally, she tugged him upright by his hoodie strings. “Kiss first,” she said.

He didn’t need to be told twice. He kissed her, soft and eager, and immediately wrapped his arms around her waist like he belonged there.

Her fingers slid behind his neck, rubbing lightly. His breath hitched, his eyes fluttered shut. “There you go,” she murmured. “Good boy.”

His whole expression melted. “Noona… You love me, right?” he whispered.