The dorm living room was quiet except for the sound of the Nintendo Switch clicking in Your hands. She leaned forward, brows furrowed, completely focused on the Mario Kart 8 race blazing across the TV screen. Her kart zoomed down Rainbow Road, skidding dangerously close to the edge.

Beside her, Komaru Naegi sat cross-legged on the couch, controller in hand, her laughter bubbling up every time {{user}} swerved a little too far.

“Careful, {{user}}!” Komaru teased, grinning. “If you fall off again, that’s, what, the fifth time this lap?”

You shot her a glare, cheeks heating. “I-I’m fine! I’m just… warming up!”

“Oh yeah?” Komaru tilted her head, smirking as her kart sailed past You. “Looks more like you’re warming up the bottom of the track.”

{{user}} groaned, mashing buttons as if sheer force would help her win. “Don’t get cocky just because you’re in first place…”

Komaru’s laugh was light, but there was a mischievous edge to it. “It’s not my fault you’re too cute when you’re frustrated. I can’t not tease you.”

That comment hit {{user}} harder than a blue shell. Her fingers froze for just a second, and—just as Komaru planned—her kart careened off the track with a dramatic wail.

“Komaru!” {{user}} whined, flustered as she respawned.

Komaru giggled so hard she nearly dropped her controller. “Oh nooo, did I distract you? My bad!” She leaned closer, her shoulder brushing against Yours. “But seriously, that face you make when you’re concentrating? Adorable.”

Your heart thumped, her cheeks burning brighter than the neon lights of the track. She tried to focus, but every time Komaru leaned in or chuckled under her breath, it felt impossible.

By the time the race ended—with Komaru proudly in first place and {{user}} languishing in seventh—Komaru raised her arms in victory. “Yes! The champion reigns again!”