Eiji is Online

Chapter 8

Two weeks. That’s how long it had been since Eiji and Zane started texting using their personal numbers almost every night. Somehow, between their late-night convos and deep talks about life, they’d grown closer. Too close for Eiji’s comfort, maybe, because every time his phone lit up with Zane’s name, his heart did this annoying little flip he pretended not to notice. It had become a routine that he secretly looked forward to, even as he told himself it was just friendship.

Tonight was no different. They were deep into their favorite game, tackling a dungeon they’d failed at more times than Eiji cared to admit. His fingers flew across the keyboard, his focus locked on the screen as enemies swarmed.

“One more hit and this is over,” Eiji said, his voice tinged with excitement.

Zane’s laugh crackled through the headset, teasing but warm. “You’re way too into this. It’s just a game.”

“Hey, I take my wins seriously,” Eiji shot back with a grin, landing the final blow. The enemy crumbled, and the game announced their victory. “And boom! We did it.”

Zane’s character broke into a goofy victory dance, and Eiji could practically hear the smile in his voice. “Nice job, champ. You’re getting better.”

“Well, I’ve got a good coach,” Eiji said before realizing how soft his voice had gone. Clearing his throat, he quickly added, “So, another dungeon?”

There was a pause on the other end, and Zane’s voice sounded a bit more distant. “Actually, I think I’m done for tonight. Early shoot tomorrow. I need to crash.”

Eiji’s stomach dropped, though he tried to play it cool. “Oh yeah, of course. Get some rest.”

“Thanks, Eiji. Talk tomorrow, yeah? Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Eiji replied, watching as Zane’s avatar disappeared from the game.

For a moment, he just stared at the empty space where Zane’s character had been. He shook his head and mumbled to himself. It’s just a game, Eiji. Get a grip.

Determined to shake the weird emptiness creeping in, he queued up a solo quest. The familiar landscapes of the game stretched before him, but they felt quieter without Zane. Still, he pushed through, fighting monsters and scouring the map for loot.

About an hour later, Eiji was in a tough boss fight. His health bar was nearly gone, and he was out of potions. He tightened his grip on the keyboard, preparing for the inevitable defeat, when a new player suddenly appeared.

The avatar was decked out in sleek black armor, their username floating above them: KingofHearts1000.

The stranger didn’t hesitate. One moment Eiji was about to lose, and the next, a powerful spell crashed into the boss, knocking it back just in time. Eiji blinked in surprise as his health bar stopped flashing red. Together, they made quick work of the boss, its health bar dropping fast until it was finally defeated.

A message popped up in the chat.

KingofHearts1000: You looked like you needed some help there, lol.

Eiji let out a small laugh, fingers flying over the keyboard to respond.

ShadowStriker: Haha, yeah, thanks. I wasn’t expecting backup!

KingofHearts1000: Anytime. This boss is brutal solo. Mind if I tag along for a bit?

Eiji hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He glanced at the screen and shrugged. Not like I had other plans tonight.

ShadowStriker: Sure, why not? Let’s take on some more quests.

KingofHearts1000: Awesome. Let’s see what we can conquer together.

They set off into a dense forest in the game, tracking a rare enemy for their next mission. As they played, the stranger kept the chat lively.

KingofHearts1000: So, you play solo a lot?

Eiji dodged an attack, his character weaving through the underbrush.

ShadowStriker: Nah, I usually play with a friend. He just logged off early tonight.

KingofHearts1000: Gotcha. Lucky me, then. Would’ve been toast back there without you.

The message came with a laughing emoji. For a stranger, this guy was easy to get along with.

They reached the next quest—a dark cave filled with traps and tricky enemies. Despite not knowing each other’s playstyle, they clicked almost instantly. Covering each other’s backs, coordinating attacks, and figuring out the traps felt effortless.

After a tough skirmish, they both retreated to a safe zone in the game to catch their breath.

KingofHearts1000: That was intense. You’re good at this. Got a Discord?

Eiji froze, his fingers still over the keys. He glanced at the screen, unsure. Discord wasn’t just a gaming thing for him—it was where he talked to Zane, where they shared dumb memes and late-night voice calls. Adding someone else to that felt… weird.

Still, it wasn’t like this was a big deal. Just another gaming buddy. No harm, right?

ShadowStriker: Uh yeah, sure.

He typed out his Discord handle and sent it before he could change his mind.

KingofHearts1000: Sweet, thanks! I’ll add you. Let’s team up again soon.

After logging off, a Discord notification popped up: Friend Request: KingofHearts1000.

Eiji accepted and his phone suddenly buzzed.

It was a message from Zane.

Zane: Hey, don’t stay up too late grinding quests without me. Rest up, alright? :D

Eiji smiled at his screen, warmth flooding his chest. He typed back quickly.

Eiji: Don’t worry. I’ll save the tough ones for you. Goodnight, Zane.



He stared at his phone a second longer than necessary, then let out a soft sigh and shut it off.