Chapter 17 – A Night to Remember

Ethan changed into something more presentable—a simple black T-shirt and dark joggers—before stepping out of his apartment. Mia's place was just across the hall, her door slightly ajar as if she had been expecting him.

He pushed it open and stepped inside.

The moment he entered, he noticed the contrast between their apartments.

While his own space was bare-bones—just a bed, desk, couch, and laptop—Mia's was alive with personality.

Soft, warm lights illuminated the space, casting a golden hue over the room. A few neon LED strips lined the edges of the ceiling, giving off a subtle pinkish glow. The living room had a plush white couch, a glass coffee table, and a few scattered gaming controllers, hinting at her interests. On one side, her streaming setup sat in the corner, complete with a high-end gaming chair, a triple-monitor display, and a microphone arm.

Ethan's gaze moved to Mia, who was already pouring two drinks at her small kitchenette.

"I hope you're not expecting a wild party," he remarked, closing the door behind him.

Mia chuckled, turning toward him with a teasing smirk. "Relax, I just wanted to have a drink with my neighbor. No crazy party."

Ethan raised a brow. "That so?"

Mia handed him a glass. "Well… and maybe I was curious about you."

Ethan took the drink, giving it a quick sniff. Whiskey. Smooth and strong. He took a sip, letting the warmth spread through him.

Mia watched him with curiosity, swirling her own drink. "So… what's your deal?"

Ethan raised a brow. "My deal?"

Mia leaned against the counter, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Yeah. You live in this tiny, run-down apartment, but you carry yourself like… I don't know, someone important."

Ethan took another sip, meeting her gaze evenly. "Maybe I just don't like attention."

Mia tilted her head. "Mm. I can respect that."

They drank in comfortable silence for a few moments before Mia sighed, setting her glass down.

"By the way," she said, "about that Young Master Carlo guy—"

Ethan's expression darkened slightly.

Mia leaned forward. "I don't know if you were watching, but some guy—Fleeting Fable—basically shut him down tonight."

Ethan remained silent.

Mia crossed her arms. "It was… weirdly satisfying to see someone put him in his place. I don't know who that guy is, but damn."

Ethan hid his smirk behind his glass. "Sounds like a decent guy."

Mia laughed. "Right? Anyway, Carlo's the worst. He's been harassing a lot of smaller streamers, throwing money around to get what he wants. Most people just put up with it because of his money."

Ethan set his drink down. "Pathetic."

Mia nodded. "Yeah. That's why I refused him. But I won't lie—it kinda sucked watching my viewer count drop just because I didn't do what he wanted."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Those who left weren't worth keeping."

Mia blinked, then smiled softly. "You already sound like Fleeting Fable."

Ethan's grip on his glass tightened slightly, but he forced himself to stay relaxed.

Mia shook her head. "Anyway, whoever he is, I kinda hope I run into him again."

Ethan smirked. Oh, you will.

Then, Mia suddenly stood up.

"Okay," she said, "we're playing a game."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "A game?"

Mia grinned, already grabbing a controller from her coffee table. "Yeah. I refuse to let you just sit here and be all broody. Let's see if you're any good at Street Brawlers X."

Ethan smirked. "You think you can beat me?"

Mia sat cross-legged on the couch, tossing him the second controller. "I know I can."

Ethan caught it effortlessly, settling down beside her. "We'll see about that."

---

Half an Hour Later…

"Are you—" Mia gaped at the screen. "How the hell are you this good?!"

Ethan smirked, placing the controller down as his character delivered a final knockout. "I learn quickly."

Mia groaned, flopping back against the couch. "Unfair. You're not allowed to be mysterious, cool, AND good at video games. Pick a struggle."

Ethan chuckled. "Life isn't fair."

Mia crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously. "You've played this before, haven't you?"

Ethan gave a small shrug. "Maybe."

Mia threw a pillow at him. "Cheater."

He caught it mid-air with ease, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Poor loser."

Mia huffed but couldn't stop the smile creeping onto her face.

Ethan studied her for a moment. She was different from most people he met.

Genuine. Unafraid.

She didn't try to impress him, didn't grovel or seek favors. She just… existed as herself.

And somehow, that made her more interesting than anyone he had met in a long time.

Mia suddenly yawned, stretching her arms. "Okay, I admit. I'm starting to feel it now."

Ethan checked his phone—2:07 AM.

"I should go," he said, standing up.

Mia looked at him for a second, then shrugged. "Alright. Thanks for hanging out, I guess."

Ethan smirked. "Try not to lose any more games while I'm gone."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Ethan froze just slightly at that.

But she was already grinning to herself, heading toward her room.

Ethan let out a quiet breath before heading for the door.

---

Back in his apartment, Ethan sat on his bed, phone in hand.

He absentmindedly scrolled through the streaming app, checking notifications.

Then—a private message popped up.

[Mia]: Hey, are you still awake?

Ethan smirked, typing back.

[Fleeting Fable]: Depends. What's keeping you up?

[Mia]: I just wanted to say thanks. For earlier. You didn't have to do that.

[Fleeting Fable]: I don't like bullies.

There was a pause before she replied.

[Mia]: Still… you dropping 20 grand was insane. Who even are you?

Ethan's smirk deepened.

[Fleeting Fable]: Just someone who doesn't like to see good people get stepped on.

Mia sent a typing bubble but then stopped.

Ethan chuckled to himself, setting his phone aside.

She had no idea.

Then—his phone buzzed again.

But this time, it wasn't Mia.

[Unknown Number]: Hey Ethan…

Ethan frowned.

[Unknown Number]: You miss me?

His smirk vanished.

For a moment, he simply stared at the screen.

Then, his fingers tightened around the phone.

Who the hell was this?