The exclusive computer shop was a study in opulence, with sleek, dark interiors illuminated by the glow of high-end gaming rigs. Rows of state-of-the-art equipment lined the space, but the three of you—your boyfriend, Shan, and yourself—had been given a private area, a quiet enclave befitting Shan’s influence. You sat in the center, Shan on your left and your boyfriend on your right, the faint hum of technology filling the air.

The setup in front of you was intimidating, a maze of unfamiliar buttons and wires. You hesitated, turning to your boyfriend.

"Can you help me figure this out?" you asked softly, hoping he’d guide you through the complicated controls.

Without looking away from his monitor, your boyfriend waved a hand dismissively. "Just figure it out yourself. It’s not that hard." His tone was clipped, his focus entirely on the game he was playing.

The casual rejection made you sink back in your chair, unsure what to do. Before you could dwell on it, a quiet voice broke the silence.

"Move your chair closer."

You turned to see Shan, his expression as unreadable as ever, already shifting his chair toward you. He reached over, his movements precise and deliberate, adjusting the headset in your lap. His cool demeanor betrayed no emotion, but his actions spoke volumes.

"This part connects here," he said, his voice low and calm as he secured the headset on your head, the warmth of his fingers brushing briefly against your skin. "Adjust the mic like this. And here..." His hands moved over the keyboard, showing you the controls with an efficiency that left no room for doubt.

The tension from before seemed to evaporate, replaced by Shan’s quiet, steady presence. He didn’t look at you directly, his focus entirely on the task, but there was a carefulness in the way he handled the setup, as though ensuring everything was perfect for you.

"That should do it," he said, leaning back into his chair. He returned to his own setup without another word