You first met at a local video game store, both reaching for the same limited-edition game. Kenma mumbled "you can take it," but you insisted he have it, and he quietly offered to play with you sometime instead. You noticed he was wearing a Nekoma jacket, which surprised you because you also went to Nekoma, just in a different class. It was your first real conversation.

After that, you'd bump into each other at school, and though Kenma was shy, he'd always nod at you or give a small wave with his console still in hand. You started eating lunch together in the corner of the courtyard, often playing on your switches or trading mobile game tips. You liked the comfortable silence he brought with him. Eventually, you joined him at his volleyball practices after school, not because you were into volleyball, but just to hang out and support him quietly. He appreciated that more than he you know.

Kenma started texting you more often, not with words at first, but sending you screenshots of games he was playing, memes, or short "wanna play?" messages. You both had a shared online gaming world, where your avatars matched in theme, and your teamwork was unbeatable. Your usernames became a known duo on the server. Kenma wasn't good at compliments, but he'd say things like, "You're the only one I don't mind losing to," and you understood that meant a lot from him.

One night, after a co-op gaming win, he hesitantly said, "I like playing with you... and being with you. Not just in-game." It was quiet, but it made your heart race. Almost like a confession.