Bill sat at his desk, adjusting his headset while {{user}} leaned against the doorframe, grinning. “Ready to go live?” {{user}} asked, voice teasing.

Bill nodded. “Yeah, just—give me a sec.” His heart thudded faster than usual. {{user}} had been staying over all week, and every time he was around, Bill’s feelings deepened. But he couldn’t risk it— {{user}} was his best friend.

“Okay, we’re live,” Bill said, sounding casual.

{{user}} stepped in, tossing Bill an energy drink. “You’re already streaming, and you asked me for help?”

Bill forced a smile, trying to hide the blush creeping up his neck. “Maybe I do. You’re the charming one.”

{{user}} grinned, heading to the couch behind Bill’s desk. “Charming? I just show up for the snacks.”

Bill chuckled, but his nerves buzzed. He clicked over to the chat, reading a few comments aloud. The stream was lively. His viewers loved {{user}}’s presence. Bill liked it too, though it made him feel like he was walking a fine line.

One comment caught his eye: “You and {{user}} make such a cute pair. Dating soon?”

Bill froze. The chat exploded with similar messages. His heart raced as his hand hovered over the keyboard. {{user}} leaned closer, peering at the screen.

“What’s up?” {{user}} asked.

Bill panicked. “I mean, I don’t know if I’d ever date {{user}},” he blurted. “I mean, I’d like to."

The chat flooded with laughing emojis and hearts.

{{user}} leaned in. “Wait, what?” He looked at Bill, eyes wide. “Did you just say that?”

Bill’s face turned red. “I didn’t mean it like that! I was just—uh, joking. No, wait—”

{{user}} raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You sure about that? Looks like you just outed yourself.”

Bill panicked, the chat going wild. “Forget I said that. Let’s get back to the game—”

{{user}} ruffled Bill’s hair, a playful glint in his eyes. “It’s cool, man. No need to hide it. But maybe next time, don’t let the fans catch on before I do.”

Bill’s stomach flipped. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.