Ego Check: The Game That Changes Everything Rewrite

Fayne's dream had a surreal, almost hazy quality to it, like sunlight breaking through clouds on a misty morning. She found herself in her classroom, the golden glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the desks. The room was empty save for her and Sable. It felt so natural, as if this was just another day in their imagined routine.

Sable leaned against the desk in front of Fayne's, her signature relaxed smile in place. They were talking about nothing in particular—school, music, the latest League updates. In the dream, they were close. The kind of close that made Fayne feel weightless, her heart buoyant with every casual laugh Sable let out. The warmth in her chest felt so real, so tangible.

Then, without realizing it, Fayne let it slip. The words fell out of her mouth as if they had been waiting for the perfect moment.

"I like you."

Her voice was soft, barely audible, but in the quiet of the empty classroom, it carried. Sable tilted her head, the smile fading just slightly as she processed what Fayne had just said. Fayne, still lost in the dream's tranquil haze, didn't immediately notice Sable's reaction—or even realize she had spoken out loud.

"Like me, huh?" Sable's tone was teasing, but there was something gentler behind it. "I like you too, Fayne."

It was then that Fayne snapped out of her daze, the weight of her own words crashing down on her. Her cheeks turned crimson as her hands flew up to cover her mouth. "N-not... like that," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh yeah?" Sable replied, her smirk growing as she slid into the seat directly in front of Fayne, spinning it around to face her. "Then what did you mean exactly?"

Fayne's mind raced. The warmth from earlier turned into a blazing heat of embarrassment. She couldn't look at Sable, her gaze locked onto the edge of her desk. "I... I just meant... you know..."

Sable leaned in slightly, her green eyes glinting with curiosity and something else—something Fayne couldn't quite place. "No, I don't. Care to elaborate?"

The dream shifted slightly, the edges blurring as Fayne struggled to form a coherent thought. Sable's presence felt both grounding and overwhelming, her voice pulling Fayne deeper into the moment. But before Fayne could stutter out a response, the dream began to dissolve, the warm glow of the classroom fading into nothingness.

She woke up with her heart pounding, the words "I like you" still lingering on her lips.

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"Enough already," Fayne thought, lying in bed as remnants of the dream clung stubbornly to her mind. She rolled onto her side, staring at the glowing numbers of her alarm clock. Past midnight. "Great," she muttered under her breath. Sleep felt impossible now—not after that dream.

With a sigh, she flicked on her nightstand lamp, its soft glow casting long shadows across her room. She moved carefully, not wanting to make too much noise in case her parents were still awake. Pulling open the drawer at her desk, she retrieved her journal and pen, hoping the familiar act of writing would help ease her thoughts.

But as the minutes ticked by, she found herself staring at a blank page, unable to articulate the storm inside her. No matter how she tried, the feelings wouldn't untangle themselves. Frustrated, she shut the journal and leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting toward her phone.

Her thoughts wavered. Should she reach out? She hesitated for a moment, but deep down, she already knew the answer. Milo would be awake—he always was. And if there was anyone she could confide in, it was him.

She scrolled through her contacts, her thumb lingering over his name before she typed a quick message.

Fayne: Milo, can we call?

The message sent, Fayne leaned back and waited, her heart beating a little faster. She didn't know if this would help, but she needed to try.

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On the other end of the phone line, Milo sat at his desk, illuminated by the soft glow of his monitor. A steaming cup of noodles rested in his hand as he absently watched a video, the rhythmic clicking of his mouse broke the silence of his apartment, a space that could only be described as organized chaos. It was small—a single floor with two main rooms: a bedroom, a living room that doubled as his workspace, a compact kitchen, a wardrobe, and a modest bathroom. Despite hiring a cleaning service, Milo's space often reverted to its natural state of disarray when left to his own devices.

Clothes lay strewn across chairs and the back of his couch, creating an unintentional laundry system. Dishes sat untouched in the sink, another reason he leaned heavily on pre-cooked meals and instant cup noodles. Notes and papers were scattered across his desk and coffee table, remnants of his meticulous coaching sessions and gaming research.

The apartment had a distinct grayness to it, both in decor and atmosphere. The walls were bare, save for a single clock and a shelf that held a few old trophies and trinkets from his earlier days. Milo wasn't one for unnecessary embellishments—everything in his apartment was purely functional.

The only standout feature was his gaming setup, a stark contrast to the subdued tone of the room. Three monitors lit up his desk in vibrant colors, their glow reflected off a high-performance PC with customizable RGB lighting that pulsed softly. His mechanical keyboard clacked quietly beneath his fingers, its keys backlit in a cool blue hue. A sleek gaming mouse rested under his hand, accompanied by a large mousepad featuring a minimalist design.

It wasn't much, but it was his. The space might have felt cold to anyone else, but to Milo, it was a sanctuary—a place where he could disconnect from the outside world. As his phone buzzed with Fayne's message, he glanced around the room. Her timing was unusual, but her reaching out felt important. Setting his noodles aside, he picked up the phone and dialed her number.

As Milo waited for the call to connect, a frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. Why was she awake at this hour? It wasn't like Fayne to break her usual routine—she was the type who valued structure and balance. Staying up past midnight, let alone reaching out at such an odd hour, was unlike her.

The phone rang twice before she picked up, her voice softer than usual. "Hey, Milo..."

Hearing her tone, Milo's concern deepened. Fayne sounded... off. Not tired, exactly, but weighed down by something she wasn't ready to admit.

"Hey," he replied, keeping his voice even. "What's going on? You okay?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, a long hesitation that only made Milo more certain that something was eating at her. Fayne didn't call people out of the blue—not without a reason.

"I'm fine," she said finally, though the words felt hollow, even to her.

"Fayne," Milo said gently, leaning back in his chair, his gaze briefly flicking to the mess around his apartment before returning to the glowing monitors in front of him. "Come on. You don't sound fine. What's up?"

For a moment, the only sound between them was the faint hum of his computer and the rain tapping softly against his window. Fayne sighed on the other end of the call, and Milo could picture her running a hand through her hair, trying to figure out what to say.

"I just... couldn't sleep," she admitted at last, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had this dream, and it's just been... stuck in my head. I couldn't shake it, and now... I don't know. I just needed to talk to someone."

Milo softened at her honesty, his worry shifting to quiet understanding. Whatever was going on, it must've been important enough for her to reach out. He wasn't going to press—he'd let her talk at her own pace.

"Alright," he said after a moment, his tone calm and steady. "I'm here. Take your time."

"I had another dream about her," Fayne's voice broke the silence. "About this girl... about... Sable."

Milo froze, the name ringing faintly familiar. Sable, Sable... why does that name sound so familiar? His brow furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, the faint hum of his computer filling the room as he wracked his brain. Then it hit him like a bolt of lightning.

"Wait a minute," Milo muttered, more to himself than to Fayne. That Sable?

He hadn't made the connection before—why would he? But now the pieces began falling into place. He vaguely remembered hearing the name Sable in a gaming competition years ago. It was during the Celestia Circuit, an elite e-sports tournament that had taken place five years ago. Back then, she had been one of the youngest contestants—just 11 years old.

Milo's fingers tapped rhythmically against his desk as his thoughts raced. It had been a solo competition, players facing off in a test of pure skill and strategy. But what stood out most was the mystery surrounding one particular contestant. Sable had competed under the alias Akaris, concealing her real name. She never revealed her identity publicly, yet she dominated the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on the gaming community.

The media had been all over her at the time, speculating about her identity. Milo recalled stumbling across a now-deleted article that had briefly revealed her real name—Sable. The article had vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, but Milo's sharp memory hadn't let it go unnoticed.

Milo's eyes widened as everything clicked into place. Sable was Akaris—AkarisLite.

"The world's way too small," Milo muttered under his breath, the realization making him sit up straighter.

"Sorry, what?" Fayne asked, her voice bringing him back to the present.

Milo hesitated, unsure whether to share his discovery. Did Fayne even know about Sable's history in the gaming world? If she didn't, dropping this bombshell might overwhelm her. But one thing was certain—this was no ordinary crush Fayne was dealing with. She was infatuated with a gaming legend.

"Nothing," Milo said after a beat, though his tone betrayed his swirling thoughts. "So, uh... you were saying? Another dream about her?"

Milo leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting to the cluttered desk in front of him. What he had realized was big—too big to casually drop into a midnight conversation. Sable wasn't just the girl Fayne had a crush on; she was AkarisLite, the prodigious gamer he had pieced together from a deleted article and an unforgettable tournament. Fayne didn't know this, and Milo wasn't sure if it was his place to tell her.

What if knowing complicated things even more for Fayne? What if it added another layer of stress to her already tangled emotions? He decided to keep it to himself—for now.

"Yeah... I-..." Fayne's voice pulled him back to the call. Her hesitation carried the weight of her inner turmoil. "I confessed that... I liked her—in my dream."

Milo adjusted his glasses, leaning closer to his desk. "You did, huh? And... how'd it go? In the dream, I mean."

Fayne let out a breathy laugh, more out of nervousness than amusement. "I don't know... it felt real, you know? And for a moment, she... she liked me back. But then I woke up, and it all just... shattered." She paused, her voice quieter now. "I don't know, Milo. I don't know what to do about this anymore. It's... too complicated."

Milo tapped his fingers lightly against his desk, thinking carefully before he spoke. "Feelings are messy, Fayne. Especially when they're new, or when they catch you off guard. But complicated doesn't mean impossible."

"It feels impossible," Fayne said softly, her voice laced with frustration. "It feels like no matter what I do, it's not enough to... to stop feeling this way."

"You're not supposed to stop feeling," Milo said, his tone steady and calm. "You're supposed to figure out what those feelings mean. Whether they're worth chasing or not."

"And if they're not?"

"Then you let yourself let them go," Milo replied, his voice carrying a rare note of sincerity. "But that's something only you can decide. No one else can do it for you."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of Milo's words hung in the air, mingling with Fayne's swirling thoughts. She didn't know if she was ready to figure it out, but at least she wasn't facing it alone.

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The next morning, Fayne woke up with dark circles under her eyes, evidence of the restless night she'd endured. The remnants of her conversation with Milo still weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her emotionally drained. She groaned softly, pulling the blanket over her head, considering the idea of skipping school altogether. Everything just felt... too much.

A gentle knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. "Fayne?" her mother's voice called out, soft but laced with concern.

"Yeah?" Fayne mumbled, not moving from her cocoon of blankets.

Her mom stepped in, her expression shifting to worry when she saw Fayne's pale face and sluggish movements. "Sweetheart, are you feeling okay?"

Fayne hesitated. "I'm... not really," she admitted. "I think I need to stay home today."

Her mother moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed to press a hand against Fayne's forehead. "You're a little warm," she said, frowning slightly. "Alright. You should rest today. I'll let the school know."

"Thanks, Mom," Fayne muttered, feeling a small pang of guilt, though her body and mind ached too much to argue.

As her mother stood to leave, she added, "I have to head to the shop soon, but I'll bring you something nice for lunch, okay? Just focus on getting better."

Fayne gave a faint nod, watching her mom leave the room. She burrowed back into her blankets, staring at the ceiling. For a moment, she allowed herself the smallest bit of relief. A day to herself might help her sort out the chaos in her mind—or at least give her a chance to breathe.

But as she lay there, the image of Sable's face, her smirk, her teasing words, lingered in her mind like an echo. Resting wouldn't be as easy as she'd hoped.

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Raxian couldn't help but glance back at Fayne's empty desk in class. It stood out like a sore thumb—Fayne never skipped school. He wracked his memory, trying to recall if she'd ever missed a day. Nope. Never. Something was definitely off.

Excusing himself from the lively chatter of his usual group, Raxian crossed the room to Leah and Mira's tables. They looked up, surprised to see him approach.

"Hey," Raxian said hesitantly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "So... Fayne didn't show up today?"

Leah and Mira exchanged a quick glance, as if silently debating what to say. Mira was the first to respond, shaking her head. "Nope. Looks like she isn't feeling well today."

Raxian frowned. "Not feeling well? Did she say what was wrong?"

Leah shrugged, tapping her pen against her notebook. "She didn't go into detail. Just told us she wasn't coming in."

"Yeah," Mira chimed in. "She texted us this morning. Said she'd try to rest up."

Raxian nodded slowly, though the answer didn't quite satisfy him. "Right... okay. Thanks."

He lingered for a moment longer, as if expecting them to add something more, but when they didn't, he turned back toward his own seat. Fayne's never sick, he thought to himself, the unease settling deeper in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was bothering her was more than just a cold.

Jake, with his usual loud and teasing demeanor, called out as Raxian returned to his seat. "Hey, man, not like you to wander off like that. What's up, Rax? You suddenly got a thing for Leah and Mira or something?"

Raxian rolled his eyes, slumping into his chair. "Yeah, because that's totally it, Jake," he said dryly, hoping to deflect the question.

Jake smirked, leaning in. "So, what's the deal, then? You don't just ditch us mid-conversation unless it's something big. Come on, spill."

"It's nothing," Raxian said, brushing it off. But Jake wasn't buying it.

"Nah, dude, you've got that look. Like you're trying to solve some deep mystery or whatever. What's eating you?"

Raxian sighed, debating whether to explain. "It's just Fayne. She didn't show up today. Kinda weird, y'know? She's not the type to skip."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Fayne? The quiet one? She's probably just sick, dude. People get sick. Not exactly headline news."

"Yeah, I know," Raxian muttered, but his tone betrayed his lingering concern. "It's just... not like her."

Jake shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe she finally got tired of school, like the rest of us."

Raxian forced a laugh, but Jake's nonchalant attitude didn't ease his worries. Something about Fayne's absence didn't sit right with him. Maybe I'm overthinking it, he told himself. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it.

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As the lunch break rolled around, Raxian found himself sitting across from Sable in the cafeteria. The usual chatter of the students filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere. He idly poked at his food before finally blurting out, "It's just... not like her to not show up to school, you know?"

Sable raised an eyebrow, her green eyes flicking up from her tray. "Rax, are you worried?" she asked, her tone even but with a hint of curiosity.

He shrugged, trying to appear casual, but his fidgeting hands gave him away. "I mean, I guess? Fayne's just not the type to skip, that's all. I've known her since we were kids, and she's always been... dependable. Like, the one person you could count on to always be here."

Sable leaned back slightly, her gaze steady. "It's kind of sweet that you're paying attention," she said, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "But maybe she's just sick. Not everything has to be a mystery, Rax."

"Yeah, but..." He paused, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "She's been... different lately. Like, more quiet than usual. Even Leah and Mira noticed."

Sable tilted her head, clearly mulling over his words. "You think it's something more than just being under the weather?"

"I don't know," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I just feel like something's off, y'know? And since you've been... well, you know, kind of invested in her lately, I figured maybe you'd have an idea."

Sable's expression softened for a moment before she looked away, her voice quieter. "I've noticed it too. She's been carrying something heavy, but... I don't think she's ready to talk about it. Not to me, at least."

Raxian frowned, leaning forward. "So, what do we do? Just... leave her alone?"

Sable sighed, twirling her fork idly. "Maybe that's exactly what she needs right now—space. If she wants to talk, she'll reach out. You can't force someone to open up, Rax."

He slumped back in his chair, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Yeah, maybe you're right."

But even as he said it, the unease in his chest didn't fade. Something told him that whatever Fayne was dealing with, it wasn't going to go away on its own.

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Raxian leaned back in his chair at the gaming café, his drink untouched on the table in front of him. The dim glow of monitors and the hum of other players in the background created a familiar atmosphere, but his mind was elsewhere. Across from him, Raze watched him with a curious expression, clearly surprised by the shift in tone.

"This is... bugging me more than I let on, to be honest," Raxian said, his voice lower than usual. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration showing. "Even if we weren't particularly close back then, even if we had different interests, even if she found me loud and annoying... I've always kinda been seeing her as a sister, you know?"

Raze arched an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "A sister?"

"Yeah," Raxian mumbled, staring at the condensation forming on his drink. "And the fact that something is gnawing at her so deeply like this... it's concerning. I mean, she doesn't talk to me, doesn't really let anyone in, and it's like... I don't know. It just feels wrong, y'know?"

Raze tilted his head, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "I've gotta say, Rax, this is... unexpected. You don't usually talk like this."

"What do you mean?" Raxian frowned.

"I mean, you're not exactly Mr. Open-Heart," Raze said with a smirk, though his tone was lighthearted. "You usually keep things close to the chest. But this? You're actually worried. Like, genuinely worried."

Raxian sighed, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "I guess I am. I don't know, man. It's just... Fayne's been on my mind more than usual. I've been noticing things, y'know? Little things. She's quieter, more withdrawn. Even if she's got Leah and Mira, I don't think she's actually letting them in."

Raze studied him for a moment, then nodded. "You've mentioned her before, here and there. Nothing big, but enough that I can tell she matters to you. More than you probably realize."

Raxian shot him a glare. "It's not like that, okay? She's just... family, sort of. And it's weird seeing her like this. I don't know how to help, or even if she'd want me to."

Raze chuckled softly. "Rax, you might not see it, but you're already doing more than you think. Just caring? That's already a big deal. Not everyone has someone who gives a damn."

Raxian looked up at him, his expression conflicted. "Yeah, but what if it's not enough? What if I'm just... in the way?"

Raze smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Then you step back when she needs space, and you step forward when she needs someone. Simple as that. Trust me, man, you've got this."

Raxian sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "Thanks, Raze."

"Anytime," Raze said, lifting his cup in a mock toast. "Now, drink your soda before it gets warm. Can't have you losing your cool factor entirely."

Raxian rolled his eyes but finally took a sip, feeling a little lighter after their conversation.

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Fayne's absence stretched into a week, and with each passing day, Raxian's unease grew. It wasn't like her to skip school—not for this long. Even Leah and Mira, who had initially shrugged it off as a minor illness, started to look more and more concerned. Raxian noticed their quiet whispers during breaks, their lingering glances at Fayne's empty desk.

He tried to focus on his usual routine, but his thoughts kept circling back to her. What could be so serious that she'd miss this much school? He knew Fayne was resilient—she wasn't one to let something like a cold keep her down for long. This felt... different.

Raxian leaned against the wall of the school hallway, fiddling with his phone. He knew where Fayne lived—it wasn't far from his apartment. The idea of stopping by crossed his mind more than once, but every time, he pushed it aside. Would it be weird? Would she even want to see him?

He glanced over at Leah and Mira during lunch, watching them whispering to each other. He debated asking them directly if they'd heard anything new, but even that felt like crossing a line. They'd probably just tell me to stay out of it. And maybe they were right. Fayne had her own circle, her own boundaries. Who was he to barge in uninvited?

But the worry gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Even Raze, who he'd confided in during their gaming café meetup, had told him to follow his gut. "Sometimes, people just need to know someone's there," Raze had said.

Still, Raxian hesitated. He wasn't great at this kind of thing—reaching out, crossing lines, being vulnerable. He wasn't sure how Fayne would take it if he showed up unannounced. Maybe it's better to wait it out, just like the others.

Even as he told himself that, though, a part of him itched to do something. Waiting was never his strong suit, especially not when it came to people he cared about—even if he wasn't sure how much he cared, or why.

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Fayne stepped into the classroom, her presence like a sudden jolt of energy after her long absence. Leah and Mira wasted no time, rushing to her side and enveloping her in a warm, heartfelt hug. Their voices overlapped as they bombarded her with questions and exclaimed their relief.

"Fayne! You're back! We missed you so much!" Leah said, holding her tightly.

"Are you okay? What happened? You had us so worried!" Mira added, her eyes scanning Fayne's face for any lingering signs of distress.

Fayne laughed softly, the sound light and free, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "I'm fine, really. I'm sorry for worrying you all. It's... been a lot, but I'm okay now."

Raxian, sitting at his usual spot near the front of the classroom, caught sight of her through the commotion. A quiet, relieved sigh escaped him. Finally. He didn't realize just how much tension he'd been holding until he saw her standing there, seemingly lighter, more at ease.

There was something different about her, though—something almost imperceptible. She seemed... brighter, more at peace. Whatever had been weighing her down, whatever had kept her away, seemed to have been resolved. Or, at the very least, she was doing a good job of masking it.

Raxian leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching as Fayne chatted with Leah and Mira. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply feel relieved. Whatever happened... she's okay now. That's what matters.

Still, a small flicker of curiosity lingered in his mind. What had changed? What had brought her back with such a shift in her demeanor? He didn't plan on prying, though. Not yet, anyway. For now, he was just glad to see her smiling again.

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As the lunch bell rang, the classroom buzzed with activity, students bustling out to enjoy their break. Fayne, however, hesitated, gathering her things more deliberately than usual. Leah and Mira watched her curiously as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

"Where are you headed, Fayne?" Leah asked, her tone light but inquisitive.

"I've got... some plans," Fayne said with a soft smile. "I'll catch up with you two later, okay?"

Before they could ask any more questions, Fayne slipped out of the classroom, her pace purposeful yet calm. Leah and Mira exchanged puzzled glances but didn't press further.

Meanwhile, Raxian, seated across the room with his group, had been quietly observing. Something about Fayne's demeanor caught his attention—her slight hesitation, the way she seemed to avoid meeting anyone's eyes as she left. Without much thought, he excused himself from his table, muttering something about needing air, and followed after her.

He wasn't sure why he felt compelled to do this, but there was a nagging curiosity, an unease he couldn't shake. He trailed her subtly, keeping a safe distance as she made her way through the school halls. Fayne's movements were deliberate, almost as if she had a destination in mind.

Raxian kept his footsteps light, his gaze fixed ahead as he followed her outside the school building. Fayne headed toward a quieter part of the campus, one he didn't frequent often. Where is she going? he wondered, his curiosity mounting with each step.

She finally stopped near the garden at the back of the school, a secluded area where the greenery provided a natural barrier from prying eyes. Raxian ducked behind a tree, watching as Fayne sat on a bench, pulling out what looked like a small journal from her bag. She opened it, her expression softening as she began to write.

A journal? Raxian thought, his brow furrowing. He hadn't known Fayne to be the type to keep one, but maybe that's how she had been dealing with... whatever it was that had been bothering her.

He debated whether to approach her or leave her be. She seemed at peace, absorbed in her thoughts, but the questions swirling in his mind kept urging him forward.

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Fayne sat on the bench, her heart racing as she tucked her journal back into her bag. The words she had written felt monumental: I'm going to do it. I can't hold this in any longer.

She inhaled deeply, her thoughts flashing back to the memory of her unexpected encounter with Sable. It had been during her time away from school, during one of her aimless strolls in the city to clear her head. She had stumbled upon Sable by sheer chance, the other girl as calm and unbothered as ever. They exchanged a few words that day, light conversation that somehow ended with Sable suggesting, "Here, take my number. You seem like someone worth keeping in touch with."

Fayne had hesitated, but she took it. Since then, they had been texting occasionally—nothing too deep, just surface-level exchanges. Yet, it was enough for Fayne to feel a pull, a desire to say more, to let Sable know the truth. It had to happen, here and now.

The sound of footsteps snapped Fayne out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Sable approaching, her presence as casual yet commanding as ever. Her green eyes scanned the garden, locking onto Fayne with a curious yet warm expression. Fayne's stomach flipped.

Meanwhile, Raxian, hidden behind a tree at a safe distance, froze in place. His jaw tightened as recognition hit him like a bolt. Sable? he thought, his mind racing. What is she doing here? With Fayne?

He almost said her name aloud, but caught himself just in time, clamping his hand over his mouth. He crouched lower, his heart pounding in his chest. His curiosity burned like a flame, but he couldn't risk being caught.

Sable reached the bench, standing a few feet away. She tilted her head slightly, her hands tucked into her skirt pockets. "Hey," she said with a small smile, her voice as steady and cool as ever. "You picked a nice spot. It's quiet here."

Fayne forced a smile, her fingers gripping the edge of the bench tightly. "Yeah... I thought it'd be good for, um... talking."

Sable raised an eyebrow but didn't push, taking a seat next to Fayne. "Alright then," she said, leaning back and gazing at the greenery. "What's on your mind?"

Behind the tree, Raxian's mind raced. What's going on here? Fayne and Sable... meeting up, alone? He couldn't make sense of it, but he knew one thing for sure: this wasn't just a coincidence. Something was happening, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was significant.

Fayne's heart pounded so loudly she was sure Sable could hear it. She didn't know how to start, where to find the right words to express what had been weighing on her for so long. But no—she couldn't let herself drown in hesitation. She had decided to do this, and there was no turning back now.

She took a shaky breath, her grip on her bag tightening as if it was the only thing anchoring her. Sable turned her head slightly, her calm green eyes watching Fayne with an unreadable expression, waiting.

"Sable..." Fayne began, her voice barely above a whisper. She swallowed hard and tried again, her words more steady this time. "There's... something I've been keeping from you. For a while now."

Sable's expression didn't change much, though her gaze softened slightly. "Okay," she said quietly, leaning forward a bit. "What is it?"

Fayne's hands were trembling now, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess. But she forced herself to continue. "It's... not easy for me to say this," she admitted, her voice trembling despite her resolve. "But I feel like if I don't tell you... it'll just keep eating at me."

Sable waited patiently, her calm demeanor contrasting with the storm raging inside Fayne. "You can tell me," she said softly, her tone reassuring.

Fayne looked down at her hands, clasping them tightly in her lap. "Sable, I..." Her voice cracked, but she pushed through. "I like you. Like... really like you."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy yet freeing. Fayne didn't dare look up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She felt like the world had stopped spinning, like her entire existence was balanced on Sable's next words.

For a moment, there was silence. Sable didn't respond immediately, and Fayne's heart sank with every passing second. Finally, Sable leaned back slightly, letting out a quiet breath.

"Fayne..." she started, her voice measured. "I... don't know what to say."

Fayne's heart sank further. Sable's tone wasn't harsh or dismissive, but it wasn't the response she had secretly hoped for, either.

"I didn't expect this," Sable continued, her gaze shifting to the ground. "And... I've never thought about you like that before. But... I'm flattered, really."

Fayne nodded weakly, her chest tightening. "It's okay," she said quickly, trying to mask her disappointment. "I just... I needed to say it. I needed to get it off my chest."

Sable's eyes softened, and she gave Fayne a small, understanding smile. "I get that. And I'm glad you told me. It takes guts to be that honest."

Though Sable's words were kind, they didn't erase the sting of rejection. Fayne forced a smile, her hands still trembling slightly. "Thanks," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Behind the tree, Raxian's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected to overhear something so personal, and he didn't know what to make of it. Fayne likes Sable? His mind spun, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.

As Fayne and Sable continued their conversation, Raxian silently slipped away, his own thoughts racing as he processed what he had just witnessed.

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Raxian's footsteps slowed as he walked away from the scene, his thoughts a tangled mess. So that's what's been eating at her… a crush? On Sable, of all people? He hadn't seen that coming—not in a million years. It was so unexpected, so... not Fayne. Or maybe he just didn't know her as well as he thought.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Why did I even follow them? The question gnawed at him. It wasn't like him to be so nosy, to intrude on someone's private moment like that. Fayne hadn't done anything to deserve it. If anything, she deserved better—from him, from everyone.

Raxian stopped in his tracks, leaning against a lamppost as the weight of his actions hit him. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he muttered under his breath. He had no business knowing this, no business eavesdropping on something so personal. And now that he did know… what was he supposed to do with it?

The image of Fayne, her voice trembling as she confessed, replayed in his mind. She'd been so vulnerable, so open, and seeing her like that stirred something in him—guilt, concern, and a pang of… protectiveness? Maybe. Whatever it was, it left him feeling conflicted.

And Sable. She hadn't exactly rejected Fayne outright, but her response had been far from the fairy-tale ending Fayne probably hoped for. It made Raxian wonder if Sable had any clue how much this was affecting Fayne. Did she even want to know?

Raxian exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cool afternoon air. This isn't my problem. I should just let it go. But the thought felt hollow. Fayne was hurting, and now that he knew why, he couldn't just pretend everything was fine. She was more than a classmate or a childhood acquaintance—she was someone he'd always cared about, even if they hadn't been close.

"Damn it," he muttered, pushing himself off the lamppost. He didn't know what he'd do or how he'd help, but one thing was clear: Fayne needed someone in her corner, and like it or not, Raxian wasn't about to stand by and let her face this alone.

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The days that followed felt oddly out of sync. Raxian wasn't outright avoiding Sable, but the change in his behavior was noticeable—at least to her. He no longer invited her to hang out with his group or join him for casual banter after class. It wasn't like him to pull back like this, and Sable couldn't help but wonder what had changed.

Was it Fayne? The thought nagged at her. Fayne had seemed… better, if not entirely herself, after their last encounter. She carried a renewed sense of ease, as though unburdening her feelings had lightened her spirit. And yet, now it was Sable who felt the weight of something intangible, something she couldn't fully grasp.

Sable found herself retreating to the rooftops during lunch, reclaiming her usual sanctuary. Up here, the world felt smaller, quieter. The distant hum of the school grounds below was a reminder that life continued to move forward, even when she wasn't sure how to keep pace with it.

Fayne had a crush on her. That fact clung to Sable like an unsolvable puzzle. It wasn't that she was uncomfortable with the idea—she just… didn't know how to process it.

She leaned back against the rooftop railing, her green eyes scanning the overcast sky. Fayne's confession had caught her completely off guard. Sable wasn't sure what to make of it, and the more she tried to figure it out, the less clarity she found. She'd always kept people at arm's length—moving around so much, forming strong connections had never seemed worth it. And now this?

Sable let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. Why now? Why Fayne? She thought back to their recent interactions—their unexpected meetings, Fayne's quiet demeanor, the way she seemed to light up when they talked. It was all starting to make sense in hindsight, but that didn't mean Sable knew what to do with it.

And then there was Raxian. His sudden distance only added to her confusion. He'd been the one to invite her into his world, to introduce her to his friends, to make her feel like she belonged. And now he was pushing her away without an explanation.

"What's your deal, Rax?" she muttered under her breath, the words lost in the breeze.

Sable couldn't shake the feeling that everything had shifted, and she wasn't sure where she stood anymore. Fayne had laid her heart bare, but now it was Sable left trying to piece together her own. What did Fayne's feelings mean to her? Could she even answer that question? Or was it something she'd have to figure out with time?

For now, all Sable could do was navigate the uncertainty, one step at a time.

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Sable hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she stared at RazeFlicker's online status. He wasn't online often unless Raxian, or TimeWrapped as she knew him in-game, was around. This time, however, he seemed to be on his own.

AkarisLite: "Hey, Flicker?" she finally typed, hitting send before she could overthink it.

A quick reply popped up.

RazeFlicker: "Yo, Lite! This is a surprise. Wrapped isn't around?"

Sable smiled faintly at his casual tone.

AkarisLite: "Not tonight. Actually, I wanted to ask you something… if that's okay."

RazeFlicker: "Of course, what's up? You don't usually reach out. This must be big."

Sable leaned back in her chair, chewing on her bottom lip as she thought about how to phrase it. She wasn't one to open up easily, especially not to someone she didn't know all that well. But Raze had always seemed easygoing, and he clearly had a tight bond with Raxian. If anyone might have some insight into him—or even just a fresh perspective—it was probably Raze.

AkarisLite: "It's about Rax... and someone else."

RazeFlicker: "This sounds interesting. Go on."

Sable sighed softly. It was going to be a long conversation, but for once, she figured it wouldn't hurt to let someone else in.

Sable hesitated for a moment, her fingers dancing idly over the keyboard as she considered how to frame her question. RazeFlicker's casual demeanor made it easier to reach out, but this wasn't just small talk. Finally, she typed, deciding to take a direct approach.

AkarisLite: "Hey, considering how close you and Rax are..."

She paused briefly, biting her lip. It was rare for her to refer to Raxian by his real name, especially in-game, but this conversation felt personal, something outside the usual bounds of their virtual personas. If she was going to ask, she might as well address Raze directly.

AkarisLite: "Do you know a girl named Fayne?"

There was a moment of silence, the typing indicator popping up before disappearing again. Finally, his reply came through.

RazeFlicker: "Fayne? Can't say I've met her, but Rax mentions her sometimes. Why?"

Sable leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against her desk as she read the message. So, Raxian had brought Fayne up before, at least in passing. That wasn't surprising, considering how often their names seemed to cross paths lately.

AkarisLite: "She's someone in his class. I've seen them interact a bit, but... she's been on my mind lately. Just trying to get a better read on things."

RazeFlicker: "Ah, I see. Sounds complicated. What's the story there? Is she a friend of yours or...?"

Sable shifted the conversation, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she carefully typed her next message. She didn't want to breach Fayne's trust or overstep any boundaries, but she couldn't ignore the distance Raxian had been keeping lately—it felt off.

AkarisLite: "Hey, has Raxian been reaching out to you lately? Has he been telling you anything?"

There was a slight pause before Raze's response came through, as if he was weighing his words.

RazeFlicker: "Not much, actually. He's been quieter than usual. Why? Something going on?"

Sable sighed, leaning her elbow on her desk. That was exactly what she had been sensing. Raxian wasn't someone who withdrew for no reason—he was loud, confident, and usually at the center of things. His sudden retreat from hanging out or even casual gaming was noticeable.

It reminded her of the last time she'd seen him like this. That day under the bridge, when she'd stumbled upon him while idly chilling next to her graffiti, she could tell something was weighing on him even before he said anything. His posture had been slouched, his usual bravado replaced by a quiet, contemplative air. It wasn't often that she saw him like that—unguarded, raw. And now, his recent behavior carried that same weight. The patterns were unmistakable: distancing himself, growing quiet, even avoiding her outright.

It didn't sit right with her.

Sable wasn't the type to push, and she valued her own space enough to respect someone else's. But she couldn't deny that this was bothering her. Was this what growing close to someone was like? That nagging feeling of wanting to help, even when you didn't know how? That constant pull to understand what was going on in their head, even if they weren't ready to share it?

She exhaled deeply, her fingers tapping idly on the desk. Growing close to people wasn't something she was used to. She'd spent so long keeping herself at arm's length, avoiding attachments because they only made leaving harder. But Raxian? Fayne? Somehow, they'd both slipped through the cracks in her walls, and now she was left wondering what she was supposed to do with these connections.

Her gaze flicked to her phone again, her conversation with Raze still open. His words lingered in her mind: "He'll come around. Maybe I'm reading too much into it."

Maybe. But maybe not. She just wished she knew how to help—how to navigate this strange, unfamiliar territory of caring about someone enough to be concerned when they started pulling away.

"Damn it, Rax," she muttered under her breath. "What's going on with you?"