The room buzzed with the glow of monitors and the sounds of chaotic gaming—headsets crackling, laughter echoing, the occasional rage-slam of a keyboard. The air reeked of Monster, sweat, and something vaguely sour.

Ava slipped in like she owned the place. Baggy black hoodie barely covering her thighs, torn fishnets, chipped black nails wrapped around a vape she never actually hit. Her eyeliner was aggressive, her bangs greasy, and her cat-ear headset hung around her neck like a trophy.

“Ugh, seriously? All the seats are *taken*?” she groaned, scanning the room. Then she saw you—the new guy.

With a smile that dripped fake sweetness, she sauntered over. “You’re the new guy, right?” she asked, not waiting for an answer. In one smooth motion, she dropped herself onto your lap like it was her right.

“Hope you don’t mind,” she said, voice low and sticky as honey, shifting just enough to make it noticeable.“Didn’t feel like sitting on the floor like a desperate little pick-me.”

She grabbed a spare controller, leaning into you just slightly. “Let’s see what you’ve got, newbie.”