You Thought There Is Never a Girl Online?

Xander sat back in his gaming chair. He had taken his VR headset off for a breather. This was really happening. He was finally working up the courage. Taking a deep breath, he glanced over at his stream chat. Everyone was giving him a pep talk. The guild had just managed to beat one of the strongest world bosses and was celebrating. In the middle of celebrating Xander privately messaged Stella asking her to meet him somewhere in game.

He knew he couldn't waste any more time. Placing the headset back on his head, he leaned back in his chair, eyes closed. Touching the button on the side he muttered.

"Link start..."

A bright light enveloped him, swirling around him as it transported his mind into the game world. He could feel the sensations on his skin. The hair on the back of his neck standing up as his avatar materialised in the world.

Suddenly, Xander found himself within the serene forest. The night settled gently over the enchanted forest, its canopy illuminated by the soft shimmer of bioluminescent mushrooms nestled along the winding pathways. Towering trees with deep emerald leaves stand like silent sentinels, their branches laced with fireflies drifting in hypnotic patterns.

The waterfall cascades over ancient stones, its silvery stream catching the moon’s glow, reflecting light like fractured stars upon the lake’s serene surface. The rhythmic sound of flowing water blends with the whisper of leaves rustling in the midnight breeze, creating a melody only the forest understands.

Scattered among the moss-covered rocks, clusters of glowing crystals pulse with a quiet radiance; cool blues, gentle purples, and luminous greens painting the shadows in dreamlike hues. Their brilliance dances along the lake’s edge, mirroring the constellations above, as if the sky and earth are in quiet conversation.

The air carries the scent of damp earth and delicate blossoms, tinged with something unspoken; magic lingering in the spaces between heartbeats. An atmosphere of peace envelops the land, where time is forgotten, and wonder lingers in the hush of the night. The perfect spot for a proposal.

And there she was. Stella. She sat upon a boulder overlooking the peaceful lake. She idly moved her hands through the fireflies dancing around her. Beautiful.

Xander felt his heart seize up. He cursed himself. He had spoken to Stella so many times. Why was today any different? Clearing his throat, he approached the beautiful elf. Her ears twitched as she heard him and she looked over towards him with a smile, slipping off the rock.

"Ace! Hi there. You said you wanted to meet me here? What's up? Is it a gathering session for potions?"

He paused in front of her, shaking his head with a chuckle, scratching his cheek.

"No, not tonight. Though I do suppose I kinda forgot this is a good place for ingredients."

Another step. He was right in front of her, flashing her a charming grin as she tilted her head.

"No, I have something much more important for tonight."

Kneeling down before her, he looked up to her as a small black box materialised in his hands. She gasped, covering her lips. He smiled softly, and went on to explain.

"Stella. We've been friends for over a year now. In that time I have grown quite close to you and to be honest have grown attached to you. I enjoy our chats outside the game and we make one hell of a team. So, it's not or never. Stella, would you do me the honour of--"

He was cut off midsentence as he started to open the box to start the proposal request. Stella waved her hands out in front of her.

"Whoa. Whoa whoa whoa. Time out. Pause. Ace. We're friends. I like you. But... I need to be honest with you man. I'm actually a dude."

Xander froze, staring up at her. He blinked, still with the half opened box.

"I'm sorry, come again?"

He watched as Stella rubbed the back of her neck, turning slightly to glance away.

"Yeah man... Sorry... I use a voice changer so I can get into character.... I'm not really looking for relationships so I didn't think anything of it to say anything. Sorry... We can still be friends right?"

The elf turned to look at Xander with a nervous smile. Xander, however, was frozen with this revelation. He could see his chat blowing up in the corner of his vision. Some were laughing. Some were sympathetic. And others were just there. Quickly he cut the stream as he gulped, nodding his head.

"Y-Yeah sure. Of course."

With that, he watched as Stella logged out with a short 'bye'. He remained kneeling as if afraid standing would make the earth swallow him whole. His heart beat rapidly in his chest. How could he be so stupid? Slowly, he stumbled to his feet in defeat. Of course he shouldn't have been so stupid. He should have known that an actual girl playing was just impossible. How could he be so stupid? This day couldn't possible get any worse.

And then he heard a twig snap. His head whipped around, expecting one of the forest fauna mobs he could take his frustrations out on. But his eyes widened as he saw the username and avatar coming out of hiding from behind a tree. It was Twilight Melody. And now his day had officially gotten so much worse knowing his rival had just seen the most humiliating moment of his life.