We entered the training room. To my surprise, the space was bright and open. I sat down at the desk, launched the game, and put on the headset to chat with them. They quickly chose the lineups for both sides; their opponents’ composition clearly had the advantage. I found it odd, but the match started right away, so I didn’t dwell on it. A few minutes later, the tide turned; our team had the enemy reeling, retreat after retreat. When victory flashed across the screen, I pulled off my headset and asked in confusion, “Were those bots? How do you throw away such a huge advantage?” Suzie gave an awkward laugh. “That was our team, but their skill might be a little lacking.” “A little? That fight was brainless feeding. Seven minutes in and we were already pounding on their base. How can they be this bad?” I complained, but after that round, they fully recognized my ability; admiration sparkled in their eyes. “Raelyn, you’re incredible. Are you sure you don’t want to join our club? With skills like yours, once you’re trained, you’d be unbeatable.” I scratched my ear. “The problem is, none of you can beat me. What would I even train here for?” That stumped them; they looked at one another, at a loss for words. It was true—their top player had already been crushed by me. What reason could I possibly have to join? “Anyway, let’s just get ready for the team battle the day after tomorrow. Raelyn, do you have anything you want to say to them?” I glanced around at their faces and smiled. “Wingstorm, your pathing is way too rigid; you need to be more flexible. Suzie, your mid-lane offense is solid, but your support is weak—you’re too focused on fighting and don’t understand teamwork. And as for Radix…” His face was already lit up with excitement, which made me laugh. “You’re just too slow. But that’s not your fault—you’ve got short legs.” Radix, round-bodied and a little chubby, immediately deflated. His head drooped in sulky silence. I smacked my forehead. “I meant your character’s slow movement speed, not yours.”Gilbert looked at me curiously. “What about me?” I shook my head. “I don’t know how to put it, you’re basically the suicide squad.” Gilbert gave an embarrassed chuckle. At this point, I didn’t need to sit around grinding practice matches. Aiden was still waiting outside; if I stayed much longer, he’d definitely get upset. “Raelyn, why don’t you just stay at the club for a couple of days?” Wingstorm suggested quickly, noticing I looked ready to leave. “We’ve got everything here; we’ll make sure you’re comfortable.” I shook my head. “My boyfriend’s still outside. I have to go home…” “What home? We’ll take care of his food, clothing, and lodging too, all right?” I stared at them suspiciously. “Why are you so insistent I stay? Isn’t it enough if I just show up for the team match?” “It’s not the same,” Wingstorm explained. “A lot of the kids here are hot-headed. We need you to put them in their place.” Radix smirked slyly, clearly enjoying himself. I twitched my lips—honestly, how childish. “Fine, fine,” Wingstorm said with a grin. “Truth is, we just need more practice together. We want to adjust to your rhythm; that way our win rate will be higher.” I sighed. “All right. But once this team battle is done, I’m leaving.” Gilbert exhaled in relief. “Good. Then let’s keep training.” So I stayed with them, running match after match, the endless practice dragging on. As evening fell, I stretched with a yawn. “I’m done. I’m exhausted.” Then it hit me—Aiden was still waiting outside. Damn. I’d forgotten all about him. I pulled off my headset and hurried out. The moment I stepped through the door, I spotted him sitting alone on the sofa, his head propped in one hand, eyes closed as if asleep. Even dozing, my man was unfairly gorgeous. I shook my head, trying to push away my wandering thoughts, and leaned closer to his face.“Aiden.” I whispered his name, but he was out cold, not stirring at all. I reached out a finger to poke his cheek, and suddenly his eyes snapped open. Before I could react, his hand closed around mine; a heartbeat later, he pulled me straight into his arms. “Aiden, you weren’t asleep?” He chuckled softly. “I dozed for a bit. You were in there so long—if I didn’t sleep, how else would I kill the time?” His voice was low and husky. Guilt pressed down on me. “I’m sorry. My fault—I lost track of time playing.” Seeing me admit my mistake, his gaze softened. “Don’t say you’re sorry. Say you love me.” For a second, I froze. Then his lips were on mine—forceful, possessive, yet tender in a way that was entirely his.