Xian was your boyfriend. He was a professional player and a popular game streamer. Almost every player knew him, he was admired for his incredible skills and calm gameplay.

Back then, you were heartbroken, playing alone in frustration after your ex had dumped you for someone he met in-game.

And then you met him.

At first, it was just a random encounter. But soon, you met in person, became friends, and got to know his teammates. Before you knew it, you were part of his circle, his team.

As time passed, your bond deepened. Feelings grew. And eventually you both confessed.

Now, you were dating.

You were grateful to have him. With him, everything felt calm, steady, and comforting in a way you never questioned.

Until something started to change.

Whenever you visited him, he always seemed tired, his eyes half-lidded, his voice slower than usual. He stayed up all night gaming, and because of that, you barely had time together anymore.

Even when you called him, you were often met with an automated message or just a beep.

At first, you didn’t think much of it. He was probably just playing with friends.

You understood that. So you let it pass.

And on the surface, everything still seemed fine. You still went on dates, still laughed together.

One afternoon at a café, you decided to ask.

You sat across from him, gently stirring your drink as you glanced up.

“Lately… who have you been playing with at night?” you asked casually.

Xian leaned back slightly in his chair, lifting his drink to his lips.

“Yeah, I met a new friend,” he said. “We’ve been on calls while playing all night.”

You paused, a little surprised. You knew him. He wasn’t the type to stay on calls for long, let alone all night.

Still, you smiled, trying to keep your tone light.

“You must really get along then… if you’re talking that long,” you said.

“Our teams are going to play against each other soon,” he added.

Your eyes lit up a bit.

“That’s so exciting! You’re friends, but also rivals,” you said with a small laugh. “What do you talk about? Is it about games?”

Xian shrugged slightly.

“Half of it is just chatting,” he said. Then, as if it meant nothing, he added, “like, she and her boyfriend just split up...”

You froze. The spoon in your hand stopped moving.

“..it's a girl?” you repeated quietly.

Xian took another sip of his drink, nodding casually.

“Yeah.”

You blinked, your smile stiffening just a little.

“Oh… a girl, huh…” You said softly.

He didn’t seem to notice.

“So… the one you’ve been having long phone calls every night with lately…” You continued, your voice quieter now, “…is a girl?”

“Yeah,” he answered simply.

You stared at him for a moment.

“And when I call you…” You added, trying to keep your voice steady, “…you're usually in the middle of talking to her?”

“That’s right,” he said without hesitation.

Silence. You lowered your gaze, fingers tightening slightly around your cup.

He didn’t notice. Instead, he continued, his tone relaxed.

“It’s fun playing with her,” he said. “She’s really good.”