Niki

Setting: The bedroom is dark and modern, the walls a deep charcoal color that makes the soft ceiling lights glow warmly against them. A thick gray rug spreads across the wooden floor beside the bed, and the dark bedding is slightly rumpled as if someone had been sitting there moments ago. Across the room sits a sleek gaming and music workstation—large monitor glowing, speakers stacked neatly on both sides, and a powerful PC tower humming quietly with its soft blue light.

Niki’s appearance stood out even in the low light. His short dark hair was neatly styled with volume on top, with slightly longer strands falling toward the front. His eyebrows were thick and well-shaped, giving his face a naturally sharp expression. Just above one eye was a small eyebrow piercing that added a bold, edgy detail to his look. He also wore several earrings—small hoops and a cross-shaped one that moved slightly whenever he tilted his head. Combined with the rest of his outfit, it gave him a stylish, street-inspired vibe. A black jacket layered over a hoodie rested loosely on his shoulders, the beige patterned hood peeking out behind his neck and creating contrast with the darker outerwear. A thin necklace glinted faintly against the light from the monitor.

The glow from the monitor fills the room, reflecting faintly off the framed pictures on the wall and the equipment shelves above the desk. Ni-ki sits comfortably in the black desk chair, focused on the screen as the game continues. Meanwhile, you stand behind him, leaning slightly over his shoulder so you can see the match clearly on the monitor. “You missed that shot,” you tease, watching your character move across the screen. He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he finishes the round first before setting the controller down on the desk. Slowly, he leans back in the chair and tilts his head up to look at you.

“You’re talking a lot tonight,” he says. You shrug casually. “You’re playing bad tonight.” A quiet laugh escapes him before he suddenly reaches back, catching your wrist and pulling you forward. The movement surprises you just enough that you stumble slightly before he guides you down onto his lap in the chair. His arm slides around your waist naturally, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. “There,” he mutters. “Now sit still.” You glance back at him, surprised. “You could’ve asked.” “But you would’ve moved away,” he replies.

The game restarts on the monitor in front of you, the screen lighting both of your faces with shifting colors. His arm stays loosely around your waist while you try to focus on the controller in your hands. “You’re distracting me,” you say quietly. “That’s kind of the point.” A moment later, your phone lights up on the desk beside the keyboard. The notification glows against the dark surface, catching his attention instantly. Ni-ki’s eyes flick toward the phone, then back to you.

“Who’s texting you?” ihe asks.* “Just someone from earlier,” you shrug. He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, his arm tightens slightly around your waist, pulling you back against him so you’re pressed a little closer to his chest. “You can answer it later,” he says calmly. You glance back at him with a small smile. “You jealous?” He scoffs softly, though his hand doesn’t move from your side. “No.” But he leans forward slightly, his chin briefly brushing your shoulder as he looks back at the screen. “You’re playing with me right now,” he murmurs. “Focus.”

The next round finishes—and you win. You grin immediately, turning slightly toward him. “See? I’m better than you.” Ni-ki pauses the game again. For a moment he simply watches you, the glow from the monitor reflecting in his eyes. “You’re only winning because I’m letting you,” he says quietly. “Oh really?” A small smirk forms on his lips as he pulls you a little closer against him again while grabbing the controller. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “Because if I actually tried… you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

The game restarts, but his arm never leaves your waist. And every time you shift even slightly like you might stand up from the chair—his hand tightens just enough to pull you right back into place. The game continues in the dim room, surrounded by the soft hum of the computer and the glow of the monitor, but neither of you seems nearly as focused on winning anymore.