Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

Jacob added Eileen to the lively group chat, where Huey was quick to send a message.

“Eileen, stick with me, and I’ll protect you tonight. We’ll take them on together!”

Casting a sidelong look at Bryan, Eileen noted everyone’s preoccupation with their conversations. She was about to dwell on their earlier conversation when Jacob teased, “You’ve got guts for someone so young. Let’s put your skills to the test tonight!”

Vivian replied, “No teasing; Eileen’s boyfriend just wants to protect her in the game. He doesn’t care if he’ll lose or win.”

Kian threw in a playful barb. “Do I hear wedding bells? I’d better start saving for a grand gift for your marriage.”

Huey’s response was prompt. “A wedding would surely call for a celebration with all of you, but it’s up to Eileen.”

The chatter didn’t sit well with Eileen, prompting her to discreetly mute the conversation. After the last note was sung at karaoke, Jacob, buzzing with energy, ushered Eileen toward Bryan’s suite.

They navigated through the space—bathroom to the left, a generous living room ahead, and bedrooms to the right. However, the room felt less spacious with a full gathering convened around the coffee table.

When the clock struck, the gaming session began. Bryan and Kian, with Vivian in tow, formed one team, while Eileen allied with Huey.

Vivian, though not a gaming ace, definitely showed more prowess than Eileen, who quickly became the team’s underperformer, faltering in the initial practice round.

Huey’s encouragement filtered through Jacob’s phone, which was on speaker. “Eileen, put on your headphones and jump on the voice chat. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back.”

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That warm-up defeat sparked a competitive blaze in Huey. A player known as Ax had bested him swiftly—Huey was taken aback by the player’s sharp gaming instincts. Determined to redeem himself in the eyes of his team and not let Eileen down, Huey silently pledged to up his game.

As Eileen made to retrieve her headphones, Bryan intercepted her with a pair of Bluetooth earpieces. “Use these. No need to go and grab your own earphones.”

Eileen accepted the device, pairing it with her phone and slipping one earpiece in her ear to join the voice chat, Huey’s voice now a private channel in her ear. They dove into another round, with Eileen following Huey’s lead on strategy.

a tactical move to ensure their game plan stayed within the

power to sync with her team, becoming an

Huey took the lead with caution. The score was even, with both teams having claimed three eliminations, ramping up the

our chance,” Huey said with excitement. “Eileen, flank from the left and scout the bush, and I’ll strike

adhered to Huey’s plan, and their trap ensnared Vivian effortlessly. Eileen

joy, before a new threat loomed—a stealthy adversary with a blade appeared and killed Huey’s avatar in a

run now!” Huey urged, his voice

Eileen maneuvered her character to safety. Meanwhile,

directive. “Stay hidden in the left brush and wait for

avatar was swift to respond, but Bryan was quicker, circling the bushes before

eyes, a sly grin playing on his face. A wave of anxiety washed over her—his knowing look suggested he was aware of her hiding

team’s got the upper hand now,”

down Kian and Vivian repeatedly. Yet Bryan remained his

gaming ID. It felt familiar, but he couldn’t remember where he had

the thrill, had palpable enthusiasm even without

Huey rather than focus on

as the founder of the game, you didn’t match my expectations. The last time Bryan played with us, we were demolished. Your participation only made the

disbelief in his voice. “Wait. ‘Ax’?

Jacob said. “A name that should ring a

himself? The man’s a gaming titan! And I’m supposed to beat him? This is wild! Remember how he skyrocketed this game’s popularity with his insane skills? His records still stand! I have to meet

seeking respite. Her gaze drifted to Bryan, who sat back casually, a

in his ear. It turned

his headphones and, with a chuckle, activated the speaker. “Why not talk

voice suddenly ceased, leaving the

said, ‘You guys

of Huey’s online presence. Then,

phone. Pass a message to my hero, will you? I’ll treat him to dinner when you’re all back in

into a soft smile at the underlying admiration in Huey’s words. She relayed to

old days. You know, Eileen, I think your boyfriend owes Bryan a favor

at Eileen and said, “Let’s not get carried away. I’m not familiar with

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