Chapter 3: Game On, Drama On

On the day of the event, I watched the Twitch stream out of sheer boredom. My snacks were lined up on the coffee table—microwave popcorn, a half-empty can of LaCroix, and a bag of gummy bears. Somewhere, my phone buzzed with a DoorDash promo I’d probably use later. Comfort food for a comfort game.

The host was introducing the guests on stage. The production values were high—colored lights, glossy backdrops, and that weird over-caffeinated energy only esports hosts could pull off.

The camera panned across the lineup. I leaned closer, trying to pick out familiar faces. The chat scrolled so fast I could barely keep up.

When it landed on the second contestant's face, my eyes lit up. Whoa—so handsome! Like, leading-man-in-a-romcom handsome. There was a ripple in the crowd, even through the screen.

There's actually someone this good-looking in the esports scene? He could totally be a celebrity. I almost dropped my gummy bears in shock. He had that movie-star aura, the kind that made you forget to breathe for a second.

The host announced, "Let's welcome player Anki!"

He looked at the camera, lips curling into a faint smile, the corners of his eyes lifting: "Hey everyone. I'm back."

The cheers from the audience swelled. Someone in the front row waved a giant sign with a bear paw on it.

The chat exploded:

"Anki is finally returning to the stage after more than half a year!"

"Looking forward to his amazing performance!"

The comments were wild, calling him 'husband.'

[A God! He's back! Finally!]

[Fans, calm down. He hasn't played in over half a year—who knows if he's still worthy of WG's starting lineup.]

[Haters, mind your own business. Dad's skills are none of your concern.]

[Hubby! Let me worship you!]

[Look at those abs, let me bite, bite, bite!]

No wonder. The hype was unreal.

Turns out he hadn't been on stage for half a year. It all started to click.

When I first met Caleb and he claimed to be a pro player, I checked the tournament rosters. I was thorough, even cross-referencing player stats and socials.

I scrolled through all the player photos but never saw Caleb's name. Nor did I see a face this handsome and striking. He would've stood out anywhere.

So I lied too, saying I was a celebrity. At least I wasn't the only one pretending.

A relationship built on lies was never going to end well. No matter how good the fantasy felt.

But from now on, I'll forget about the heartbreak Caleb gave me and become a loyal fangirl for this handsome guy. Easier said than done, but at least it was a start.

Before the exhibition match, my sister showed off the nine-tailed fox skin I'd spent a hundred bucks trying to get—only for Caleb to gift it to me in the end. I’d bragged about it for weeks.

"This skin is gorgeous. Wearing it makes me feel even more powerful in-game." Aubrey twirled her avatar, making the tails fan out like fireworks.

Madison looked at her own grayed-out skin list and forced a smile: "I was too busy filming back then, didn't have time to grind for it. I'll definitely get it next time it's available."

My sister smiled sweetly: "Then I'll wear it for now." There was a glint in her eye, one only sisters could recognize.

Both teams entered the loading screen. The tension was palpable, even through the stream.

Host: "Let's look forward to our first match..."

Suddenly, the host's voice cut off. There was a strange, awkward pause.

The director's camera froze awkwardly. For a split second, everyone on stage seemed to realize something at the same time.

The chat went silent. Then it exploded.

I looked up at the live feed, my eyes wide in disbelief.

No way—his name is BigBear Honey too? My jaw dropped.

And the couple tag is still there? My heart started pounding, confusion and hope mingling in my chest.

The chat exploded:

[Anki and Aubrey!]

[Someone please slap me awake.]

[I think I've had too much Coke. I need a break.]

[Couple IDs, level 52 couple tag...]

[Wife fans, where are you? Come cry with me.]