Chapter 3
3
Brennon
W ill logs out of the Facebook group and I’m right behind him. It doesn’t look like he was interested in engaging with Carson either. The “Keginator” was ragging on the team, spouting his mouth like a meathead, not knowing who his audience was. I was tempted to tell him that I’m going to be the new running back for the Devils, but I opted not to get into it with the guy. I’m not interested in stirring shit up on a public forum. But I’d figured he would’ve picked up on my RB tag on my username. As soon as I saw Will’s, I knew he was a tight end.
Dang, it’s kind of crazy that right from the jump I’ve already met someone who not only plays football but is also into my favorite video game. What are the odds?
Will’s Kanturia profile loads and I’m slightly intimidated to play with him. He’s a Tyrant Exile, a few levels above me. From the way he was talking, I picked up on the fact that he was good, but from his game score glowing in the corner of the screen, he could seriously have his own YouTube channel and be a professional. I’ve seen some YouTubers who don’t even come close to his score. Dang!
Me: Tyrant Exile? Not sure I want to play with you anymore. You’re going to crush me. LOL.
Will2025TE: I may have a slight addiction to the game. Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you. NOT!! Hahaha.
Yep, I definitely think he’s cool.
Me: Do you want to battle, or do a mission together?
Will2025TE: I’d be up for a mission. Learn your weaknesses first. I’m going to just jump into the shop and grab the Serpent skin.
I scroll through the list of missions then send Will the room code. We both enter the loading zone, him dressed in his new skin, and then it’s game on. Battling the Hyacinth. Searching for the golden key to unlock the treasure chest. Claiming our prizes. We chat as we play, strategizing, joking around, talking about what we’re looking forward to next year. Before I know it, hours have passed. I no longer hear my mom’s friends cackling in the background, which means the coast is clear now if I want to go grab some food. With the way my stomach is rumbling, I could use a plate of quiches right now.
Me: Can we pause for one sec before going into the next round? Just want to go grab a snack.
Will2025TE: Actually, I think I need to log off. My eyes are getting blurry, and I have a test first thing in the morning. But I’m always up for playing, so just message me in the chat. I check the school group every day too, so you can catch me in there as well. It was fun meeting you, Bren.
Shit, it’s after one in the morning already. I was thinking it was midnight at max. I’ve got to get up for practice in a few hours. Guess time really does fly when you’re having fun. I’m tempted to ask him for his phone number so I can text him direct and not have to go through the chat, but I don’t want to come across as a clinger already trying to claim BFF status. So for now, I’ll play it cool. And in a week or so, I’ll get a feel for his living situation for next year. See if he already has a roommate.
Me: We make a good team. I’ll be on tomorrow night, if you want to go another round. And I won’t go as easy on you ;)
I smirk when I see his eye-roll emoji come through before he logs off. He whooped my ass tonight, and I had the best fucking time losing.