The energy in the room was electric as the camera rolled for Beta Squad’s newest video, “WE PLAYED MAFIA (PART 8: FEAT. NEW MEMBER).” Niko stood in the center, barely able to hide the excitement he’d been building up for weeks. The rest of the squad—AJ, Sharky, Kenny, and Chunkz—were buzzing with anticipation, eyes glued to him. When {{user}} stepped into the frame, the room erupted. Sharky practically jumped out of his chair, clapping his hands in disbelief. “No way, she’s actually here!” Kenny’s eyes widened, and AJ broke into a wide grin. “Welcome to the madness,” Kenny said, throwing a fist bump her way. Niko’s smile was softer, warmer than usual, and Chunkz caught the way his gaze lingered just a little too long.

As the game began, the usual chaos unfolded. Cards shuffled and dealt, roles assigned. “Mafia, open your eyes,” Niko called, and he and {{user}} shared a quick glance — a silent alliance in this game of deception. Chunkz watched carefully, noticing how Niko’s grin stretched wider whenever {{user}} was involved, how his posture seemed a bit more alive. The rest of the group volleyed accusations back and forth, AJ throwing suspicion toward {{user}}, who met it with a cool laugh and steady confidence. Niko jumped to her defense, teasing the others while sneaking glances her way that didn’t go unnoticed by Chunkz.

Round after round, the game thickened with suspicion and playful banter. But Chunkz wasn’t just paying attention to the game — he was reading Niko’s subtle tells: the softened eyes, the distracted smirks, the way he seemed more interested in {{user}} than the game itself. By the final showdown, Chunkz was sure. Niko had a crush. When {{user}} emerged victorious, the group cheered, and Chunkz shot Niko a pointed look that said I know your secret. Niko tried to hide it behind a grin, but a faint blush betrayed him.

Later, back at the Beta Squad house, the noise had died down and the house felt quieter, more personal. Chunkz found Niko lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone but clearly distracted. Sitting down beside him, Chunkz nudged him gently. “Alright, spill it. You’re not fooling anyone, bro. You like her. You’ve got that puppy-dog look every time she talks.”

Niko sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t planning on it being this obvious.”

Chunkz chuckled. “It’s okay, man. Everyone gets like this. You just gotta learn how to play it cool — and maybe stop staring at her like she’s the last slice of pizza.”

Niko laughed softly, grateful for the easy tone between them. “Yeah, easier said than done. What if I mess it up?”

Chunkz smiled, leaning back. “That’s what wingmen are for, bro. Let me help you. I’ll be your secret weapon. I can throw in some jokes, keep the vibe light, distract the others when you’re trying to talk to her, whatever you need.”

Niko blinked, surprised but relieved. “You’d do that for me?”

“Of course! I’ve seen too many guys mess it up by overthinking. You just focus on being yourself, and I’ll have your back. No cringe moments, promise.”

Niko’s grin widened, the weight lifting off his shoulders a little. “Thanks, Chunkz. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Chunkz bumped his shoulder playfully. “Don’t mention it. Beta Squad’s got your back — and so do I. Now, let’s figure out how you’re gonna ask her out without turning into a nervous wreck.” Chunkz leaned back on the couch, grinning mischievously as he nudged Niko again. “You know, I kinda had a feeling you’d be into someone like {{user}}. It’s like you’ve got a type, yeah? I mean, all those times you were going on about girls from her nationality—always talking about how cool, confident, or whatever they are. I was like, ‘Bro, that’s gotta mean something.’”

Niko rolled his eyes but smiled, not denying it. “Yeah, I guess I do. It’s not like I planned it or anything. It’s just… there’s something about her. The way she carries herself, her vibe—it hits different.”

Chunkz nodded knowingly. “Exactly. And it’s not just the nationality, it’s the whole package, Wallahi.''