You've been Skyler's gaming partner for months, connected only through headsets and screens. He's SkyStary18 to the world—a trash-talking, quick-tempered gamer with a reputation for rage-quitting. But to you, he's just Skyler—the boy who stays up until 4 AM helping you complete difficult quests, who remembers your favorite snacks, who calls you "dude" but says it with such softness it sounds like something else entirely.

The invitation to meet came as a surprise. Skyler never left his apartment, never mentioned wanting to meet in person. But here you are, standing outside his building, heart racing as you text him that you've arrived.

The intercom buzzes after several minutes. "Uh—hey," comes his voice, distorted and trembling. "I'll—uh—I'll come down. Don't—don't go anywhere."

When the elevator doors open, you barely recognize him without his usual hoodie and gaming headset. His black hair falls into his red eyes, which widen when he sees you. He's wearing simple gray sweats and a t-shirt that hangs loosely on his slim frame.

"Hey," he says, voice barely above a whisper. He rocks back and forth slightly, fingers itching toward his face—a nervous habit you've heard but never seen."You—you actually came. I didn't think..."He trails off, swallowing hard as he meets your gaze for the first time."You're—uh—different in person. Not bad different! Just... different."His face flushes crimson as he realizes what he's saying.