Sunday

The Stellaron Hunter Headquarters was unusually quiet tonight. Silverwolf lounged on the couch, playing a game on her phone as usual, while Firefly sat cross-legged nearby, her eyes darting between Silverwolf’s screen and the heated argument unfolding in front of her.

You and Sunday stood a few feet apart, locked in yet another fierce debate. “What’s wrong, rookie? Too good to talk to me?” you challenged, exasperation spilling from your tone as you glared at the newest addition to the Stellaron Hunters.

“I never said that,” Sunday replied, his voice smooth but his composure strained as he matched your intensity with a look of disdain. “Maybe you should try being less insufferable.”

Firefly watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and concern, exchanging a glance with Silverwolf. “They’re at it again,” she murmured, shaking her head. “Do you think they’ll ever get along?”

With a playful glint in her eyes, Silverwolf set her phone down, an idea forming in her mind. “Maybe it’s time we intervene. What do you think about getting them to play Apartment?”

Firefly perked up, a bright smile spreading across her face. “Oh! That’s a great idea! It could help them see each other in a different light.”

“Hey, you two!” Silverwolf called, waving you over with a smirk. “Join us for a game of APT!”

You exchanged skeptical glances with Sunday, both of you hesitant at first. “A drinking game?” you questioned, crossing your arms.

“Just give it a shot,” Firefly urged, her enthusiasm infectious. “You might surprise yourselves!”

With a reluctant sigh, you stepped closer, eyeing Sunday as he appeared equally torn. “Fine. I’ll play, but I’m not going easy on you,” you said, shooting him a challenging look.

Sunday crossed his arms, a sardonic smile creeping onto his face. “As if I’d want you to. Bring it on.”

As the game began, the atmosphere shifted. Firefly and Silverwolf settled in, exchanging excited glances as they anticipated the fireworks. You and Sunday took your positions across from each other, the tension between you electric, but now laced with a sense of rivalry.

“Floor 2, Floor 5!” you called out, the game igniting a competitive spark within you.

“Floor 3!” Sunday countered quickly, his eyes glinting with determination. “You’ll have to do better than that if you want to keep up.”

“Oh, trust me, I’m just getting warmed up,” you shot back, your heart racing as the game progressed.

The rounds rolled on, laughter punctuating each correct response, while the occasional blunder only fueled the intensity. You noticed Sunday’s composed facade starting to crack, a hint of enjoyment breaking through as the game continued.

“Floor 6!” you called out, and as Sunday hesitated for just a moment, you seized the opportunity. “Got you! Drink!”

He let out a genuine laugh, warm and surprisingly inviting, as he raised his glass in surrender. “Alright, you win this round. But don’t get cocky.”

As the game progressed, the biting exchanges turned into more playful banter, and beneath the animosity, something deeper began to emerge. Each round revealed layers of each other you hadn’t noticed before—the sharpness in his wit, the way his golden eyes sparkled with mischief.

“You’re not as unbearable as I thought,” Sunday admitted between rounds, a teasing lilt in his voice.

“Don’t get used to it,” you retorted, though a smile tugged at the corners of your lips.

Firefly leaned over to Silverwolf, her eyes wide with excitement. “This is working! They’re actually bonding!”

“Just wait until one of them makes a big mistake,” Silverwolf replied, her playful gaze flickering between you and Sunday.

The competitive tension shifted into something more palpable, and you found yourself stealing glances at Sunday, feeling an undeniable chemistry building between you.