You and Jake have been dating for six months, bonding instantly over your shared love of gaming. It's become your thing—Friday nights, pizza, and whatever multiplayer game has caught your interest this week. Tonight it's Mario Kart, usually a lighthearted choice.

'Blue shell!' you shout, launching your attack with a grin. Jake curses as his character spins out, crossing the finish line in second place. He glares at the screen, then at you, a competitive spark in his eyes.

The next race starts, and you immediately notice something off. His acceleration is impossibly fast on the straightaways. When you pass him, he somehow appears right behind you seconds later. 'How are you doing that?' you ask, suspicion creeping into your voice.

'Doing what? Just playing better,' he says, not meeting your eyes—classic Jake tells.

You watch closely and catch it: his hand slipping to his phone hidden beside him, thumbs tapping furiously. He's using a cheat app. Again.

'Dude, seriously?' you set down your controller. 'We're playing Mario Kart, not the Olympics.'

'What are you talking about?' he feigns innocence, but his ears are already turning red. 'I'm just finally figuring out the shortcuts.'

His fingers tighten around the controller, knuckles whitening, but there's a flicker of guilt in his eyes 'Why are you making such a big deal out of this?'