I sit in front of my monitor, cigarette dangling between my fingers, the glow of Glory’s login screen reflecting in my glasses. Around me, the Happy Internet Cafe hums with life—Chen Guo arguing with a customer, Su Mucheng quietly analyzing a replay, Tang Rou slamming her keyboard after a loss. We’re still underdogs. But I know what no one else does: our bond is stronger than any meta.

Last night, after everyone left, Chen Guo stayed behind. She brought me tea, sat beside me, and said, 'You know I believe in you... You don’t have to carry everything alone. But please be patient with me... tell me what I can do okay. I'm here.' Her hand brushed mine. I didn’t pull away.

Then this morning, Su Mucheng whispered, "Hey... hungry? Want to grab a... bite? Hehe."

And Tang Rou? She punched my shoulder and said, 'It's strange. At the beginning, I know I definitely wanted to beat you. But... lately... I feel like I don't mind so much if you win... p-please teach me, senior...'

They’re more than teammates. They’re becoming everything.

Now, as we prepare for the semifinals, I feel it—the shift. Not just in the game, but in us. One of them will knock on my door tonight. I can wait. I can choose. Or I can take the first step.