Gaming Goddess: Bestie

***

With a surprised expression, I turned towards Precious as Tim asked, "Are you a gamer?"

"Absolutely, I'm a pro gamer," she declared. Her response carried an air of confidence, stressing the word "pro".

I was intrigued, realizing there was more to Precious than met the eye.

I left Precious in the living room with Favour, Tim and Theo as I excused myself to change out of the white outfit I'd worn since returning from church. The sound of the gaming session continued, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of gaming prowess Precious was about to reveal.

I was eager to see how she would fare against my gaming enthusiast siblings. Little did we know that we were about to witness the gaming prowess of someone unexpected.

Upon returning, I found Precious, not as a spectator, but still an active participant in the gaming session. When I was leaving, She had taken the controller from Theo, who was in the middle of a Mortal Kombat battle with Tim. The room echoed with the sound of swift button presses and animated commentary.

"Wait, what's happening here?" I questioned, genuinely surprised to see Precious fully immersed in the game.

Tim grinned. "you never mentioned your guest was a gaming goddess."

Precious, with a sly smile, continued to unleash a series of impressive combos, effortlessly countering Theo's every move. The twins, now on the receiving end of her skills, were both baffled and impressed.

"You never mentioned you were a gamer," I remarked, genuinely astonished.

Precious chuckled. "Well, I thought it would be a fun surprise. Plus, I couldn't resist the temptation to join in on the Mortal Kombat madness."

Theo, visibly astonished, added, "She's not just joining in; she's dominating us."

As the match concluded with Precious securing a victory, her elegant demeanor contrasting with the intense gaming session.

I couldn't help but be genuinely impressed. "That was incredible! You've got some serious skills."

She grinned, "I might have a few tricks up my sleeve."

Theo, recovering from the defeat, teased, "Daniel, this changes everything." He looked towards Favour. "Are you seeing this? How are you always complaining about gaming?"

Favour, enjoying the banter, chuckled. "See, Gaming isn't my thing. I try to enjoy it, but maybe not as much as Precious here.

Precious chimed in, supporting Favour's perspective. "Honestly, it just depends on what you love doing. I've always enjoyed the competitive nature of gaming. Just like how most girls aren't gamers, it's true that not all guys are into it either."

Theo, raising an eyebrow, added, "Well, maybe you'll convert Favour into a gaming enthusiast."

The banter continued, with Theo and Favour playfully ribbing each other about their different interests.

Tim, ever the peacemaker, intervened, "Alright, alright, let's not turn this into a gaming debate. We're all here to have a good time."

Precious and I shared a glance, l laughed, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events. "Looks like I've been underestimating you. Note to self: never challenge Precious in Mortal Kombat."

Precious asked, "What do you mean by that?" and challenged me to a round in Mortal Kombat.

Tim, excited, encouraged the challenge, He too had suffered defeat by Precious, "Yes, Daniel's our secret weapon, the defending champ!"

As we started the game, the atmosphere was charged with competitive energy. I could feel the pressure, but I wasn't alone in that; Precious seemed to be in the zone. The characters on the screen engaged in virtual combat, and a few trash talk between them added to the intensity.

At the beginning, I felt a bit pressured, knowing that Precious had already showcased her skills. However, as the match progressed, I could sense that she was feeling the pressure too. Her expression switched from elegant confidence to feisty adorable, and it added a layer of charm to the competitiveness.

The room buzzed with a newfound energy as we continued our gaming session, this time with Precious fully integrated into the competitive spirit.

As we played, I couldn't help but admire the seamless transition between her elegant exterior and the fierce gamer within.

I complimented her, "By the way, that outfit is not just for show. It's the perfect blend of elegance and gaming prowess. You've got style and skill."

"Well, I aim to surprise" She said laughing lightly, not once did her focus shift away from the screen, "are you attempting to distract me? I must inform you that I once ran a live gaming channel."

I grinned, enjoying the reaction. "Well, it's not the first thing that comes up in casual conversation. But you know, maybe you'll think twice before challenging the gaming veteran in the future."

***

Theo burst into laughter. "No way, Daniel! Seriously?

Tim, still in disbelief, exclaimed, "We've been outplayed by our own secret weapon."

Despite the initial tension, Precious emerged victorious in the end. It was clear that her gaming skills were more than just above average.

We all had a good laugh about it, and Tim teasingly remarked, "Well, looks like the family needs a new secret weapon"

The banter continued, making the gaming session a memorable and light-hearted experience. Precious had effortlessly rewritten the script with her unexpected gaming finesse.

*****

The time displayed 2:33 PM on my phone as I reached for my backpack, putting it on. I also helped Precious with her bag as we were about to make our way outside to where she had parked her car.

Favour's disappointment lingered in the air as she asked escorting us out through the front door, "So she's not your girlfriend?" Her eyes held a hint of letdown, realizing that her assumption had taken a different turn than expected.

I decided to handle the situation with care, not wanting to hurt Favour's feelings.

I grinned, aiming for a light banter to soften the revelation. "Well, Favour, you see, Precious, She's my partner in crime, my confidante, and my absolute bestie."

Favour's expression shifted from disappointment to curiosity, her eyes narrowing. "Bestie? Seriously, Daniel?"

I chuckled, elaborating on the playful narrative. "Oh, absolutely. We're like two peas in a pod. You know, the kind of friend you can share secrets with, laugh till your stomach hurts, and, of course, take on the gaming world together."

Precious joined in on the teasing. "That's right, Favour. Daniel and I have a bond but not the typical boyfriend-girlfriend dynamic.

Caught between confusion and amusement, Favour couldn't help but giggle. "Okay, I guess I misread the situation. Seriously, Daniel, you could've given me a heads-up" She playfully rolled her eyes "Fine, fine. Bestie it is then. But you two owe me for the emotional roller coaster."

Precious leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper, "Don't worry, Favour. We'll make it up to you with a legendary gaming session. A three-player mode, you and me teaming up against the champ. What do you think?"

I raised an eyebrow with a smirk. Champ? This girl is clearly mocking me.

Favour's eyes lit up with excitement. "Now, that sounds like a plan. I'm holding you both to that."

"Before I forget, tell Mom and Dad that I'm heading to Greg's house opening," I told Favour as we stepped out of the compound. Knowing them, they would be in the room, enjoying quality time together this Sunday afternoon. I had already informed them earlier about my plans to go out as soon as we got back from mass.