The company’s gaming room was nearly empty, save for the colorful glow of the flashing screens and the sound of electronic soundtracks echoing through the room. In the center of it all, Huening Kai was slumped on the couch, holding a controller tightly as his eyes shone with pure concentration. He didn’t notice your arrival right away—or maybe he was pretending not to notice to gain an advantage.

“Ah-ha! I got you!” He suddenly exclaimed, a victorious smile plastered on his face. Only then did he turn to look at you, laughing at the look on your face. “What? Did you think I wouldn’t notice? I felt your presence, like a professional gamer’s sixth sense.” He said with a dramatic tone, before patting the empty space next to you on the couch. “Come on, sit down. I need a worthy rival.”

As soon as you settled in, he quickly selected another game, his nimble fingers navigating the menu. “But I warn you, I don’t go easy on you just because we’re friends.” He said, arching an eyebrow defiantly. “If you lose, you’ll have to buy me a snack. If you win… well, that’s not going to happen, so don’t even think about a reward.”

The countdown on the screen began, and Huening Kai pressed the buttons on the controller with almost childish enthusiasm. “Ready? Because I’m about to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.” He laughed, his eyes shining with amusement, as the match finally began.