Ego Check: The Influence You Had on Everything

The end of the school year loomed on the horizon, with final exams and the winter break just one month away. Sable hadn't even stayed long enough to finish the term before she vanished. How she managed her classes and grades was anyone's guess, though Raxian suspected her father might have worked something out with the teachers.

It was strange to think back to the beginning of spring, when she was nothing more than a distant rumor—a mysterious new student, whispered to be a League prodigy. Who could have imagined she'd end up becoming such an important presence in their lives, changing them all for the better?

In the weeks since her disappearance, Fayne and Raxian's groups had gradually merged, their once-separate circles now blending into one. They hung out more often after school, their interactions becoming natural and frequent. Raxian and Fayne had even started playing League together. While Fayne still wasn't quite at his level, they made it work, sticking to normal drafts and ARAMs. It wasn't about winning—it was fun.

And then there was Milo. Sable's farewell event had been the first time Raxian saw him in real life. That night, they exchanged contact information, a step beyond just being aquintances on the League client. Raxian wasn't sure why Milo offered it so freely, or why he felt compelled to share his own. But their connection, tenuous as it was, traced back to Fayne and Sable. Without them, the two probably would never have crossed paths.

That night also confirmed Raxian's suspicions: Milo and Fayne had been childhood friends. The way they interacted made it clear—an easy familiarity that came with years of knowing someone. It also explained Fayne's rapid improvement in League. A real coach—training her? No wonder she'd grown so quickly. Raxian had noticed it too, especially on the Rift. Fayne's Seraphine was a force to be reckoned with.

Occasionally, Milo even joined their games, stepping in as a jungler for a coaching session. His skill was undeniable. Every play was calculated, every movement precise. Raxian had never seen such coordination on the Rift—not even from Sable. Milo's expertise was on a whole other level.

And yet, for all the changes, the memories of Sable lingered. Her absence left a void, but it also acted as a reminder—a push for Raxian to step up and keep moving forward. The League tournament, Summoner's Ascent, was coming at the end of the year, and he had a team to build.

His first thought, of course, was Raze. Raze had always stuck by Raxian, unwavering in his support, and he probably wouldn't even hesitate if Raxian invited him to join as his ADC. Reliable and consistent—that was Raze.

Then there was Fayne. She was still growing in the game, steadily improving under Milo's guidance. With a coach like Milo, she had so much potential, but there was a catch. The tournament had a strict application requirement: players needed to be at least Diamond IV to enter. Fayne was halfway through Platinum. The thought made Raxian pause, reminding him of his own struggles back then.

He remembered it vividly—that game against AkarisLite, the Yasuo player who completely stomped him in his promos. That match sent him spiraling all the way back to Emerald II. But it also became a turning point. It forced him to adapt his playstyle, to reevaluate how he approached the game. Back then, it was Sable who had nudged him to think differently. She'd challenged him to consider, "What would AkarisLite have done?" That simple question stuck with him. AkarisLite—or rather, Akaris.

Their connection had lasted even after Sable's departure. Though their interactions weren't as frequent these days, they still checked in with each other. Occasionally, she'd even join him for a game or two on the Rift. Their dynamic... it had potential. Sable in the top lane, Milo in the jungle, Raxian in mid, Raze as ADC, and Fayne as support. On paper, it was a solid lineup.

But the real question was: would everyone be on board?

There wasn't much time to figure it out, and Fayne's rank posed a significant challenge. Could she reach Diamond in time? It was a gamble, but it was also a possibility—one worth considering.

Raxian leaned back in his chair, the idea simmering in his mind. If he could bring this team together, if they could all align their goals, then maybe—just maybe—they'd stand a chance.

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When Raxian arrived at school, he noticed the change immediately. The shift in the group dynamic was undeniable. By her locker, Fayne was chatting with Ethan—something Raxian never would have expected a few months ago. Ethan wasn't the type to initiate conversations like that, especially with someone from what used to be a completely separate group. But things were different now. They weren't just two cliques circling each other anymore—they were becoming a unit.

Raxian wasn't quite sure how he felt about it. On one hand, it was nice to see the group coming together, but on the other… something about it felt strange. When Fayne spotted him, she waved casually, a small, easy smile on her face. He waved back automatically, his thoughts drifting.

Maybe... it was a good thing that Sable had left. Wait—did he really just think that? The realization hit him like a jolt, and he quickly tried to justify it. Without Sable in the picture, things between him and Fayne had shifted. They didn't have her to "fight over" anymore—not that it had ever been an outright competition. Still, her presence had created a kind of tension between them, one that seemed to dissolve the moment she was gone.

Sable had been the one to bring them all together, after all. She'd also been the one to create... what? A "love rival," if he could even call it that. Raxian knew Fayne's feelings for her weren't a secret, at least not to Sable. And though he'd never confessed his own feelings for Sable—only to Fayne—that unspoken dynamic had hung over all of them like a cloud.

But now, without Sable, that tension had faded. In its place, something else had grown. Something deeper. Genuine companionship. He found himself enjoying Fayne's company in a way he hadn't expected. It wasn't forced or awkward anymore—it was natural, even easy. They'd never gotten along much in the past, but now... maybe this was their fresh start.

Raxian lingered in the hallway for a moment longer, watching as Fayne laughed at something Ethan said. It didn't bother him—not like it might have before. He smiled faintly to himself and walked toward them.

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The fact that they even shared a table in the cafeteria now? It was a clear sign of how much things had changed. It had taken some quick reorganizing at first—fitting three more people into their usual setup wasn't exactly seamless. Fayne, Leah, and Mira weren't part of the group originally, but they'd been folded in without much resistance. It was a tight squeeze, but somehow, the group made it work.

What used to be two separate worlds—their group and Fayne's—had merged into something cohesive, something new. The table was more crowded now, filled with overlapping conversations and laughter. Raxian couldn't help but notice how natural it all seemed, despite the lingering oddness of it in the back of his mind.

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After school, the group had started organizing more frequent activities together, and today was no exception. December had arrived, ushering in colder days and darker evenings. While snow was a rarity in Japan, the chill in the air was enough to make being outside less appealing. But that didn't stop them—indoor activities had become just as valuable. Study sessions, meals at a cozy diner, and casual hangouts were now part of their routine.

One afternoon, during one of their gatherings, the group unexpectedly received a video call. Sable.

The sudden notification caught everyone off guard, and within seconds, they huddled around Raxian's phone. On the screen, Sable was smiling faintly, her backdrop unfamiliar yet intriguing. She turned the camera to show them around her new school—the modern architecture, the unfamiliar layout. Even her uniform was different. Gone was the classic blue-and-white sailor style they all associated with her; now she wore a brown-and-white ensemble.

"I'm not really a fan of the new colors," she admitted, her tone casual but with a hint of playfulness. "But I made it work."

She tugged at the collar of her blouse, revealing how she'd adjusted the fit. The blazer hung loose, and the tie was slightly undone, giving it a laid-back, effortless style that only Sable could pull off. It suited her, in a way—a reflection of her personality.

Jake, ever the 'comedian', immediately chimed in. "Well, if the League thing doesn't work out, you could always model for 'How to Break Dress Codes and Still Look Cool.'" He gave an exaggerated thumbs-up to the camera.

"Yeah, is there anything you don't look good in?" Marcus added with a teasing grin.

"Seriously, you two?" Tess groaned, rolling her eyes as she lightly smacked Marcus on the arm. "Can you lay it off for five seconds? She's showing us her school, not auditioning for a fashion magazine!"

Sable laughed softly, the sound easing some of the distance between them. "Thanks, Tess. But don't worry, I'm used to these two. Besides," she added with a smirk, "it's good to know I've got fans no matter where I go."

The group chuckled, the teasing lighthearted but brimming with affection. Moments like these reminded them that, even far away, Sable still felt like part of their team.

The call didn't last long. It was brief and unexpected, but it left a lingering warmth. It wasn't just the group that missed Sable—it was clear she missed them too. The call wasn't planned, but maybe that made it all the more meaningful. Even with miles between them, they'd left their mark on her life, just as she had on theirs.

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Later that evening, as Raxian was in the middle of making dinner, he paused, his attention drawn to the sound of his mom's voice in the other room. She was on the phone, her tone unusually heavy.

"It's... our anniversary, you know?" she said softly, followed by a pause. Then, her voice lowered even further. "Oh… I understand. Yes, of course, your work... always comes first, right?"

Raxian froze. He'd never heard her sound so upset before. She was always composed, always putting on a brave face for him. But this time, even through the distance of the phone call, the hurt in her voice was unmistakable. She'd probably try to act like everything was fine later, pretending nothing was wrong when she was in front of him. That was just who she was.

But Raxian knew better. He knew why she was upset. That man—always consumed with work, always putting everything else second—couldn't even make time for their anniversary.

Raxian's stomach tightened. He knew the date well; it had been the same story every year. But this time, it seemed to have hit his mom harder. Twenty years of marriage. She had married young—just 20 years old. And three years later, at 23, she had him. Even numbers always seemed more significant than odd ones, didn't they? A milestone like two decades together should have meant something. It did mean something. But not, apparently, to his father.

Why was he prioritizing his job over his family? Over her? As far back as Raxian could remember, his mother had practically raised him alone. His dad had always been a shadow, barely present in their lives. The occasional fleeting appearance, a phone call here or there—it wasn't enough. It never had been.

Raxian's grip tightened on the spatula in his hand. He despised him. He despised the way his dad treated their family, the way he treated her. His mother deserved better. So much better.

He turned back to the stove, but the bubbling pot before him felt like a distant concern. The weight of the overheard conversation lingered, his thoughts circling endlessly as he struggled to focus.

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"Your old man won't even come home for their anniversary? That's rough, Rax. You've only ever mentioned him to me—I haven't actually met him in person. But from what I've heard… let's just say he hasn't left the best impression. It must be hard for Ayame, huh?" Raze's voice carried a mix of empathy and quiet frustration, his usual joking tone replaced by sincerity.

Raxian had called Raze to vent his frustration, and as always, Raze lent him an attentive ear.

"My mom definitely doesn't deserve this," Raxian muttered, his grip tightening on the edge of his desk. He leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. "Twenty years. She's been holding this family together by herself for twenty years, and he can't even show up for one damn day."

Raze was silent for a moment, giving Raxian the space to let it out. "She really doesn't deserve it," Raze finally said, his voice softer. "I know it's not much, but at least she's got you, right? You're not like him, Rax."

Raxian didn't answer immediately. The weight of his anger and helplessness settled heavily in his chest. But Raze's words hit home. If there was one thing he could do, it was make sure his mom didn't feel alone in all of this.

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"What are you… doing?" Raxian hesitated as he descended the stairs, trying to sound casual. But his true intention was clear—to check up on her. He'd never admit it outright, but his mom already knew. She could tell.

She realized he must have overheard the earlier conversation. It wasn't hard to piece together. Raxian rarely left his room when he was home, except for cooking—which he did most evenings—or the occasional TV night they shared. And then there were moments like this, when his concern outweighed his pride, even if he didn't openly show it.

She sighed softly, her expression faltering for just a moment before she looked at him. Raxian was 17 years old now. Did she really need to keep shielding him like this? To protect his feelings while she silently carried the weight of keeping the family together? She'd done it for so long—trying to maintain an illusion of normalcy, even as her husband's absences grew more frequent. She loved her son dearly, and despite everything, she loved her husband too. But the consistent distancing… it was wearing her down.

"Hey, Rax..." she said, her voice quieter than usual, with an undeniable undercurrent of disappointment.

Raxian blinked, surprised by her tone. It wasn't the voice she used when she was trying to brush things off or keep her struggles hidden. It was sincere, raw. For once, she wasn't pretending.

Without saying a word, Raxian stepped further into the living room and sat down next to her on the couch. The quiet hum of the house surrounded them, but neither of them spoke.

He didn't know what to say. Maybe there wasn't anything to say. So instead, he sat there, his presence speaking the words he couldn't find.

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That was it. Raxian needed to do something special for his mom this weekend. Their anniversary was this Sunday… but what? He wasn't the type to plan grand gestures, but this time, he wanted to make it count.

Unbeknownst to him, Fayne had been keeping tabs on his parents' dynamic as well, ever since they were kids. She didn't know the exact date of their anniversary, but she had a hunch. Years ago, during one of those "playdates" their parents had arranged—which had always felt more like excuses for their parents to catch up rather than opportunities for the two of them to bond—she had overheard a conversation. Fayne and Raxian hadn't exactly gotten along back then, so she'd spent more time eavesdropping than playing.

She distinctly remembered hearing the word "anniversary" mentioned by her own parents in reference to Ayame and Daiki. It had stuck with her since her own parents' anniversary was in May, which had already passed months ago at the time. The fact that Ayame and Daiki's anniversary was supposed to happen "soon" had stood out to her, and back then, it was already November. What comes after November? December. The months aligned perfectly, making it easy for Fayne to piece it together.

At the time, it hadn't seemed all that important—just another passing detail overheard during one of those playdates. But now? It felt significant. Especially with how much the anniversary clearly meant to Ayame, even though Daiki was rarely around to celebrate it.

Fayne wasn't sure if it was her place to bring it up, but she didn't have to. During a break at school, Raxian came to her first.

"Fayne, your mom has a flower shop, right?" he asked, sounding almost casual. "So… she should be an expert on flowers and stuff. Do you think she could put together a bouquet for me?"

What Raxian didn't realize was that Fayne had been working at the shop for years. Also, her League summoner name, "BlossomWisp," should have been a dead giveaway. She raised an eyebrow, holding back a smirk. "Rax… I've been working there for years too. But yes, I can make a bouquet for you."

Raxian blinked in surprise. "Oh. Well… great."

Fayne tilted her head, pretending not to know what the bouquet was for. She had her suspicions, but she wanted to see if he'd actually tell her. "So… what's the bouquet for?"

Raxian hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's for… my mom," he admitted.

Fayne hadn't expected him to confess so easily. "Oh, really? What's the occasion?"

"It's—" He paused, as if debating whether to keep it to himself. But why should he? It wasn't a secret. "It's for her anniversary."

"I see…" Fayne said softly, her suspicions confirmed. Raxian was stepping in to make up for his dad's absence. She hadn't realized just how much he cared about his mom.

"And when exactly is it? What date?" Fayne asked.

"It's on Sunday," Raxian replied.

So… in four days? Fayne nodded thoughtfully. "I wasn't planning to work again this week, but I can ask my mom to make it for you. Could you pick it up on Friday?"

Raxian nodded, grateful. "Yeah, Friday works."

And just like that, they had a plan. Fayne couldn't help but feel a little impressed by him. Beneath Raxian's casual demeanor was someone who truly cared—more than he probably realized himself.

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Some flowers and... what else? Chocolate, maybe? But then Raxian dismissed the idea almost immediately. His mom wasn't much of a candy fan. So what would she like instead? His thoughts wandered until something clicked. Oh… she drank a lot of tea, didn't she? But could he really give her tea as a gift? That seemed… uninspired.

That's when he spotted it: a tea box displayed in a store window while he was out with his friends. The box didn't just contain any tea—it came in a beautifully crafted wooden container with an intricate floral design. "Hmm… well, if the tea comes with a nice box, why not?" he thought, feeling a little more confident in the idea.

"Hey, give me a sec," Raxian said as he stopped abruptly, already heading for the store.

"What's this, Rax? Something caught your eye?" Jake teased, grinning as he followed without hesitation.

The rest of the group—Ethan, Bryce and Marcus—trailed behind, exchanging curious glances as they all piled into the small shop.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Raxian," a familiar voice called from behind the counter.

Raxian blinked in surprise. "Tess?" He hadn't expected to run into anyone he knew.

But it wasn't Raxian's reaction that threw Tess off—it was Marcus stepping through the door just a moment later. Her confident smirk faltered for a split second before she recovered, crossing her arms and leaning casually against the counter.

Marcus froze in his tracks when he spotted her, his eyes widening dramatically before he broke into a wide grin. "Wait—you work here?" he said, loud enough to turn a couple of heads in the shop. "What, no secret spy gig on the side? No underground crime ring? Just… a shop clerk? You've been holding out on us, Tess!"

Tess's eyebrow twitched, though she quickly masked it with a smirk. "Uh, yeah, Marcus. I've been working here for months. Not that you'd notice." Her tone carried her usual teasing sharpness, but there was a slight edge to it now—a warning he didn't pick up on.

"Months?!" Marcus exclaimed, throwing his arms up for emphasis. "And you didn't think to tell us? I thought we were closer than that, Tess." He placed a hand on his chest in mock betrayal.

Jake, sensing an opportunity, joined in with a snort. "Oof, Marcus. She's clearly been keeping secrets from you, man. Tough break."

Marcus shot Jake a mock glare. "Hey, I'm just saying, if I had a side hustle like this, I'd be bragging about it. Not hiding it like I'm in witness protection."

Tess rolled her eyes, but her smile held a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. "Oh, please. You'd be bragging because you can't go ten seconds without reminding everyone how great you are, Marcus."

Marcus grinned shamelessly, clearly reveling in the attention. "Hey, no shame in being unforgettable."

Raxian, by this point, had stepped up to the counter, cutting through the banter. "I'm actually here to shop," he said, his tone deliberate. "I was looking at that tea box in the display."

Tess exhaled quietly, grateful for the shift in focus, and nodded. "Good choice," she said, turning to retrieve the box.

Behind her, the group's banter continued, with Marcus basking in the playful jabs. Tess, however, kept her back turned a little longer than necessary, letting herself take a quiet breath before rejoining the conversation.

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"Alright, there you go, Rax," Tess said, wrapping the tea box in a pretty cellophane paper, certain that it was a gift. She straightened, putting on a mock professional tone and gesturing theatrically to the rest of the shop. "Now, is there anything else I can assist you with today, valued customer?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly poking fun at her own role as the shop worker, though her smirk gave away her amusement.

"Nope, that's it," Raxian said as he grabbed the tea box and turned to leave.

He was halfway out the door when Bryce suddenly piped up. "Actually, there is one more thing you could do for us, Tess."

Tess paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at him. "Oh? And what's that?" Her tone was calm, but internally, she was bracing herself. Please don't say anything inappropriate...

Bryce opened his mouth, but before he could get the words out, Ethan stepped in. "That's enough," he said firmly, grabbing Bryce by the back of his hoodie and dragging him toward the door.

"Hey! I wasn't gonna say anything bad!" Bryce protested, stumbling slightly as Ethan practically hauled him outside.

"Uh-huh, sure," Ethan muttered as the door swung shut behind them.

"See ya later, Tess," Marcus said casually, glancing back at her as he was the last to leave. His tone was light, but his gaze lingered for a fraction of a second longer than it should have.

"Later," Tess replied, her voice even, though she felt her shoulders relax slightly as the door closed behind him.

She let out a soft breath, her mask of composure slipping now that she was finally alone. Pfft, she thought, shaking her head. How much longer could they keep this act up? Pretending nothing was going on when they were with the group, only to turn around and sleep over at his place the same night?

It felt... weird. The secrecy, the constant performance. She wasn't even sure what "this" was between them anymore. But one thing was clear—this balancing act was starting to weigh on her more than she wanted to admit.

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Flowers and tea—was that enough? Raxian couldn't shake the feeling that it might not be. He ended up asking Raze for advice, unsure if the simple gifts would be meaningful enough.

Raze, as usual, brushed off his overthinking with an easy grin. "Rax, the fact that you care this much in the first place is already more than enough for your mom."

Raxian frowned, still unconvinced, but Raze clapped a hand on his shoulder before he could spiral any further. "Seriously, man. You've got a good heart, Rax. She's gonna see that, trust me."

The words stuck with Raxian, easing the tension in his chest just a little. Maybe Raze was right. It wasn't about how elaborate the gesture was—it was about showing that he cared.

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"You… did all of this, for me?"

Raxian couldn't immediately read his mom's reaction. For a moment, she just stood there, looking at the flowers and tea box he'd prepared. But then, without warning, she stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. Hesitant at first, he hugged her back. They didn't hug often—physical affection wasn't usually their thing—but this was clearly her way of showing her appreciation.

It… touched Raxian more than he cared to admit.

That day, he decided to spend the whole day with her. Instead of their usual movie on the couch, he treated her to the cinema. And not just that—they went out to eat afterward. His treat.

His mom tried to insist that the gifts he'd already given her were more than enough, but Raxian didn't listen. It was worth spending his allowance and even dipping into his study grant for her. She deserved it.

In turn, his mom wanted to do something to show her gratitude. After some thought, she surprised him by buying an RP gift card. She knew how much time he spent playing League of Legends, even if she didn't fully understand the game.

Raxian wasn't usually one to spend money on skins, but the fact that she'd gone out of her way to get him the card made him want to use it. However, instead of buying something for himself, he decided to gift Fayne the K/DA All Out Seraphine skin. He knew how much she loved playing Seraphine, and after everything she'd done to help him with the bouquet, it felt like the perfect way to say thank you.

When Fayne logged into the client later that evening, a notification popped up:

TimeWrapped has sent you a gift.

She blinked in surprise, clicking it open. K/DA All Out Seraphine? Her first reaction was confusion. Why? Why would Raxian send her this?

She quickly typed a single "?" in the League chat, unable to think of anything else.

His reply came just as quickly:

"Thanks for putting up with me throughout the years, Fayne. And thanks for arranging the bouquet for my mom. It means a lot. I'm glad we're finally getting along better."

Fayne read the message twice, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She didn't know what to say. Finally, she typed back:

"You're… full of surprises, Rax… you know that?"

She didn't expect much of a response, but he sent a simple reply:

"Yeah, well… so are you."

Her lips curled into a small smile as she leaned back in her chair. For once, she didn't feel like overthinking it. Maybe it didn't need any more explanation than that. Sometimes, actions—and gifts like this—spoke louder than words.