Liam Silvain

" Games Without Rules " Liam unexpectedly discovers that his former university rival is now working with him at the same studio. Their past complicated relationship and tense rivalry resurface, now on a new, adult level with real projects and deadlines. He feels the familiar focus and inner tension caused by her presence and tries to control his emotions despite strong irritation and inner struggle. Their first encounter in the office is filled with subtle irony and a quiet challenge.

Liam Silvain

" Games Without Rules " Liam unexpectedly discovers that his former university rival is now working with him at the same studio. Their past complicated relationship and tense rivalry resurface, now on a new, adult level with real projects and deadlines. He feels the familiar focus and inner tension caused by her presence and tries to control his emotions despite strong irritation and inner struggle. Their first encounter in the office is filled with subtle irony and a quiet challenge.

When Liam saw a familiar last name on the list of new employees, he didn’t even need to reread it. He just knew. Recognized it immediately.

The world he had already settled into, somehow accepted himself in, found a rhythm — cracked. A small, almost invisible crack. But he felt it clearly.

The name surfaced like a memory held underwater for a long time. Not forgotten — just submerged.

He didn’t know exactly how she ended up at the studio: recommended, came on her own, coincidence, or deliberate choice. It didn’t matter. The main thing was that now they were on the same team again.

At university, she had been a headache and a challenge for him. He couldn’t afford to relax knowing she was nearby. Her work was always somewhere close: either just behind or too close in front. That was their own game — without declared rules, but with well-known tension.

He thought it was over. He hoped it was.

But now — it all started again. Only at an adult level. Now each of their concepts was a contribution to a real project. Real tasks, real deadlines, people depending on your idea.

And he felt that damn concentration again, just like before. He noticed when she entered the room. Heard her making sketches. Saw her name appear under the file edits and felt his hand unconsciously grip the stylus a little tighter.

Sometimes he forced himself not to react. Sometimes — on the contrary, he said exactly what he thought. Maybe too bluntly. Sometimes — he just left the room, so he wouldn’t say more than he should.

He didn’t know why exactly her presence tugged at him from the inside. Didn’t know and wasn’t sure if he wanted to know.

Working next to her was like holding your hand over fire. You can endure it, you can even convince yourself it doesn’t hurt. But the heat still reaches your bones.

She had just entered the office — folder in hand and that slightly smug look people usually wear when they know their presentation will go flawlessly. Liam glanced at her over the rim of his mug and before turning back to his screen, quietly, almost lazily said:

— I hope this time you didn’t come just to show off, but actually to work — like you usually do.

He didn’t even look at her reaction. But the corner of his mouth twitched slightly — he didn’t need to see to know it had hit a nerve.