Eiji is Online

Eiji sat down in his gaming chair, adjusting his glasses, legs stretching as he cracked his knuckles. Finally, it was Friday night. The whole week had been a long one but now he could dive back into the game with his online friend. Right on cue, the familiar ping of Discord chimed. He grinned, already knowing Jamie’s teasing voice was about to fill his headphones. “Hi, my favorite sister Eiji Sato! Ready for another night of my precious and delicious carry?” Jamie’s voice had that unmistakable playful smugness, the kind that made Eiji roll his eyes. Also, because Jamie said his full name. “Please, Jamie. Without my rogue skills, you’d be lost out there,” Eiji shot back, laughing. “Tonight’s the night I’m taking the kill count. Watch me.” The jokes warmed up Eiji’s room as he glanced out the window at the city lights before refocusing on his screen. He clicked to join their server and the game loaded, pulling them into the world of Raging Skies, their favorite open-world video game. Eiji’s rogue character appeared on-screen, sleek and shadowed with dual blades and a dark hood, right beside Jamie’s fire-wielding mage, his crimson robes practically glowing. “Let’s check out the Shadow Ruins, sis. Supposedly, there’s a new boss with legendary loot there,” Jamie suggested, his mage summoning a small, flickering fire spell. “Yeah, read about it on the forums. And just so you know, if you fall off a cliff again, I’m not reviving you.” Eiji smirked. “Duh! That cliff fall doesn’t count!” Jamie shot back, mock-offended. “Gravity is everyone’s worst enemy, okay?” Their laughter filled the air as they journeyed through the pixelated forests, the game’s eerie background music blending. It was another typical Friday for them. But as they approached the dungeon’s entrance, a notification popped up. “Wait, Jamie. There’s someone here. Looks like they’re soloing the dungeon.” Eiji leaned closer to the screen. A warrior, decked out in gleaming blue armor, swung a massive sword as monsters swarmed him. His username hovered above: NightFury32. Jamie’s curiosity sparked. “Think he’s any good? If he’s soloing, he’s either hardcore or just trying way too hard. But well, wanna invite him?” Eiji hesitated but did not thought about it too much. “Your choice.” After a few seconds, Jamie sent a message: Hey, want to team up? Dungeon’s easier with three. There was a short pause before the stranger replied: Sure. Appreciate it. Seconds later, NightFury32 joined their party. His voice came through on chat, low and calm. “Thanks for the invite. You can call me Zane. You guys play here often?” “Every weekend,” Jamie replied. “I’m Jamie, and this is Eiji—our rogue. Thinks he’s stealthy, but he’s mostly just moody.” “No way Jamie revealed me and his name. Again.” Eiji thought in his head. Jamie had this habit when meeting randoms, despite Eiji going over and over on being cautious. Luckily, they’re still alive by now. “Nice to meet you both,” Zane chuckled. His voice had a deep, steady warmth. “Been solo for a while so this is a nice change.” As they tackled the dungeon together, Eiji couldn’t help but notice Zane’s skill. He was quick with his sword, always where he needed to be. “Solid block there, Zane,” Eiji complimented, genuinely impressed. “I don’t usually trust randoms but damn, you’ve got skills.” Zane chuckled again. “Thanks, ShadowStriker. And you’re not too shabby yourself.” The way he said Eiji’s in-game name made him pause for a second. Shaking it off, Eiji refocused as they battled deeper into the dungeon. Hours slipped by and they fought their way to the boss. By the time they beat it, Eiji could hear their sigh of relief. “Nice teamwork, guys. And I’m claiming that dagger,” Eiji said as the loot dropped. “You and your daggers,” Jamie teased. “But yeah, that was fun.” Jamie yawned loudly, breaking the moment. “Alright, I’m calling it. Got some stuff tomorrow. But Eiji, you should keep playing with Zane. Gotta make sure you don’t lose your edge without me.” “Whatever,” Eiji laughed. “Night, Jamie.” “Night, losers,” Jamie joked before logging off, leaving Eiji and Zane alone in the chat. The silence between them was heavier now, warm and lingering. Eiji wasn’t sure what to say but Zane spoke up first. “So… you and Jamie? You’ve known each other long?” Zane’s voice had softened, like he was testing the waters. “Yeah, a little over a year. Met him on a random server and we just clicked.” Eiji shrugged, realizing he was smiling. “Must be nice. I’ve been bouncing around servers, never found anyone who sticks. But you two have something good.” A strange warmth spread in Eiji’s chest, and he offered, “You could join us.” For a second, there was silence. Then, Zane’s voice came through, quiet but steady. “Thanks, Eiji. I might just take you up on that.” They fell into a deafening silence, just the sounds of the game filling the space. “Oh, by the way,” Zane suddenly said, his tone casual but deliberate, “I’m Zane Kael Castillo. Figured I should properly introduce myself.” Eiji hesitated for a moment. Should he just reveal his name on this stranger online? Well, technically a stranger. “Eiji Sato,” he said at last. His first name was already revealed so he figured just saying his full name. “Familiar,” Zane replied with his voice warm. “Nice to officially meet you, Eiji.” He was confused with what he meant by ‘familiar’ but he did not bother too much. Eiji just glanced at the clock—1:30 a.m. He should’ve been tired but he didn’t want to log off. After a while, Zane sighed. “Guess I should head out, too. It’s late.” “Yeah, same,” Eiji replied with a strange reluctance. “Tonight was great. Glad we met.” He could almost hear Zane’s smile. “Same here, Eiji. Catch you tomorrow?” Eiji’s fingers just hovered over the keyboard, a dozen things he wanted to say but no words coming. Finally, he just typed: ShadowStriker: Yeah. Tomorrow sounds good. He heard a soft laugh. A second later, Zane’s reply appeared: NightFury32: Cool. Goodnight, Eiji.  Tonight had felt different. Closing his PC, he lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Looks like tomorrow’s game session will feel like something worth looking forward to.