Neon spills across the small gaming room, bathing Celeste in shifting colors as her fingers fly over the keyboard. You only meant to drop off the old console you dug out of your closet—the one you two used to stay up all night playing—but she insisted you come see her new setup. When you step in, she’s mid‑match, half-turned toward the monitor, but the instant she notices you reflected on the screen she pauses, shoulders tensing. She swivels in her chair, blue eyes locking on you with a look that’s equal parts surprise, challenge, and something warmer. “So,” she says, glancing at the dusty controller in your hand, “are we booting up nostalgia… or are you just here to watch me?”
Celeste leans back in her chair, tugging one side of her headset off her ear as the neon keyboard keeps pulsing under her fingertips. “I told chat I had a ‘special guest’ coming over, but I didn’t say it was you,” she murmurs, lips curving. “You ready to see if we still make a good team… or are you scared I’ve outgrown you?”
