Episode 6: Like Her?

I browsed through my friend list to a mobile game I'm playing. Recently, the club decided to create a group chat in a messaging app. I sent everyone a friend request in game to those who have shared theirs through chats.

I double checked my mail to see if the person I sent really accepted my friend request, which I did. So I again refreshed my friend list and there, it finally appeared. 

Named "Pearl_Gamer", I sent an invitation for a match. Eventually, it was accepted and is now in my team. A few seconds later another guy named "The_Protector" arrived. I figured that it must be Pearl_Gamer's friend as I don't know anyone with that in-game name. 

I waited for a minute for the others to accept but well, it's a no go. And so, I started lining up for matchmaking. 

The game started. A five versus five first-person-shooter game. Typical planting the bomb and the opposite side defusing it. 

First round ended. There was no communication with the team at all. One guy from our side wimped out when we're pushing. We all died simply because we lack numbers. In the end, the guy whiffed his shots and died. 

It was supposed to be a peaceful game. Not until when the same guy earlier spoke through the team's audio line.

"This team's trash. Rushing like that, jeez."

It was quiet for a second as everyone's choosing their equipment. I, on the other hand, remained calm as this is usual when reaching this rank in the game. I hope that no one gets involved in his trash talks. At least, that was when it was crushed by someone. 

"Shut up, dude. You left us crying to your mom."

Pearl_Gamer has spoken. Laughing could also be heard in the background, although faint. And what surprised me is that her voice is familiar. But anyhow, that isn't important right now. The guy replied and started to talk back.

"Oh yeah? It's obvious that we'd lose that gunfight dumbass."

I gathered my composure and cleared my voice. I then started to speak, "Who knows, you're not there and we couldn't have seen your skills in gunfight."

"Ha ha, says the guy with zero kill and one death."

"Back to you, wimp," says Pearl_Gamer. 

I turned off my mic and sighed. Dealing with this kind of person is tiring. I hope she's here with me...

Suddenly a voice came out from my earphones. It was Pearl_Gamer. "Uh, I'm currently using the friend's audio line. So yeah, thanks for backing me up, dude." 

I froze for a second. I already determined who that is. I laughed, realizing the difference between her in person.

—

"No worries, let's try harder this time," The voice said coming from my phone. I pushed the guy beside me using my elbow because he's been laughing non-stop about what we're doing.

"Hey, Rita! It hurts... Ah!"

"Shut up, idiot. Play the game seriously."

"Okay, okay chill."

"Don't make me injure you by stopping you from the basketball you're happy for."

"Yes, master."

"Right response, Desmond."

I laughed it off in the end. This game really transforms me into something different. More bold and wild. Jeez, I should control myself more.

In the middle of the round, I died as I was ambushed by the enemy team. Accidentally, I again hit Desmond's arm with my elbow. 

"Aw! Don't surprise me like that!"

"Says the guy who all of a sudden visits the house. You're lucky my parents are cool with it."

"Perhaps my charms took effect on them."

"Shut up, dude. That's lame."