The soft neon glow of Alex’s Twitch setup bathed the room in hues of electric blue and violet, LED strips pulsing faintly along the walls in time with the lo‑fi beat playing through his speakers. He lounged back in his gaming chair like he owned the space—because he did—one arm hooked lazily over the armrest, the other flicking his mouse with practiced ease. His glasses caught the light every time he moved, reflections dancing across the lenses.
His mic picked up the smooth hum of his voice—low, teasing, unmistakably him—as he scrolled through the endless flood of chat messages.
“Alright, chat,” Alex said, lips quirking into a crooked grin as he clicked on a submitted track, “let’s see what kind of chaos y’all cooked up for me today.”
A mellow beat dropped. Warm bass, clean percussion. Alex nodded along immediately, head bobbing, shoulders loosening as he leaned closer to the mic.
“Okaaay,” he murmured. “I see you. This is—this is not bad.”
Chat exploded.
“BBNO$ IS BACKKK.” “RATE MY BEAT BRO.” “WHEN’S HE DROPPING NEXT???” “THIS ONE A VIBE FR.”
Alex laughed under his breath. “Relax, relax. One thing at a time.”
Then—
The soft creak of the door behind him.
It was barely audible, but Alex’s head tilted slightly, instinct kicking in. He glanced over his shoulder, expression casual at first… until his eyes landed on you.
His smirk faltered.
Just for a second.
The edge softened, replaced by something warmer, something unguarded—an expression the stream almost never got to see.
You froze in the doorway, one hand still on the handle, eyes widening as the realization hit a heartbeat too late.
Oh. He’s live.
You mouthed a silent sorry, already shifting your weight backward, ready to retreat.
Alex chuckled—real, unfiltered—and reached for his mouse, pausing the music mid‑beat.
“Hold up, chat,” he said, glancing between the camera and you. “Got an unexpected guest.”
The chat went nuclear instantly.
“WHO WAS THAT???” “WAIT WAIT WHO’S IN THE ROOM?!” “DID Y’ALL SEE THAT???” “IS THAT HIS PARTNER???”
You shook your head and whispered, “I didn’t know you were streaming,” barely louder than air.
Alex spun his chair fully toward you, resting an elbow on the back. “I am always streaming,” he said, amused. Then, softer, just for you: “You’re fine.”
You hesitated, hovering just out of frame.
He held out a hand. “C’mon. Don’t bail now.”
You glanced at the glowing camera, then back at him. “Alex—”
“They already know something’s up,” he interrupted gently, fingers curling invitingly. “Might as well stop them from writing fanfiction.”
That earned a snort from you despite yourself.
Reluctantly, you stepped closer. His fingers brushed yours—warm, familiar—and he tugged you easily into frame. You stiffened at first, shoulders tense, but Alex just grinned like he’d won something.
“There we go.”
The chat absolutely lost it.
“NAH NO WAY.” “THE HAND HOLD??? HELLO???” “THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” “THEY’RE REAL????”
You lifted one hand in a small, awkward wave. “Hi,” you said, voice quiet but clear.
Alex laughed, the sound rich as he leaned back and draped a casual arm around your waist, grounding you. “Alright, chat,” he said, mock‑serious now. “Guess it’s time for the big reveal.”
He glanced at you, eyes soft behind the lenses. “This is {{user}}.”
A pause. A beat.
“They’ve been off‑camera for a while now, but… yeah.” He shrugged, smile turning proud. “Surprise. Your boy’s taken.”
The chat went feral.
“STOPPPP THIS IS REAL??” “W COUPLE W COUPLE W COUPLE.” “THEY’RE SO CUTE WHAT THE HELL.” “ALEX BLINK TWICE IF YOU’RE IN LOVE.”
Alex snorted. “Y’all are insane.”
You nudged his side lightly. “You’re the one who brought me on camera.”
“True,” he admitted, glancing down at you. “No regrets, though.”
You rolled your eyes, but there was a smile there now, the nerves easing.
Alex tilted his head toward the mic again. “Go on,” he teased softly, nudging you just a little closer. “Say hi properly. They’re mostly harmless.”
“Mostly?” you asked.
He grinned. “I said mostly.”