Eiji is Online

Chapter 4

Eiji couldn’t get the image out of his head. The picture of Zane, leaning casually against a café window, had taken up residence in his thoughts since last night. It wasn’t just that Zane was objectively attractive—though he was, with that smile and those eyes that seemed to hold a kind of confidence. It was more the way it made Eiji feel. Like something was added to the way he thought about Zane. And that was worrisome.

Sitting at his desk, Eiji tried to focus on the open document on his PC but the words on the screen blurred together. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. He hadn’t heard from Zane yet today, but that wasn’t unusual. They’d often go a few hours or even a day between messages. But the silence now felt different, heavy with the thoughts Eiji was trying to suppress.

“He’s just a friend,” he told himself for what felt like the hundredth time. “You’ve known him for, what, a few weeks? You’re overthinking this.” But no matter how many times he repeated it, the image of Zane’s face, that small, teasing smile, kept creeping back into his mind. And with it came the memories of their late-night conversations, the warmth in Zane’s voice when they joked around, the way he seemed genuinely interested in what Eiji had to say. It all made Eiji’s chest feel too tight.

Eiji pushed back from his desk, staring out the window of his small apartment. It had been months since he moved out here—months since he’d left home behind. His fingers twitched and he absentmindedly pulled his phone closer, only to hesitate when he saw a missed call notification from earlier.

Mom.

His phone rang again. He debated ignoring it, as he had the last few times. It rang twice before he picked up.

“Eiji, anak?” (Anak means child in Filipino) Her voice came through, a mix of surprise and relief. “I didn’t think you’d call me back.”

Eiji leaned against the wall, trying to keep his tone steady. “Yeah, Ma. Been a bit busy, that’s all.”

His mom sighed softly and Eiji could almost picture her sitting at the kitchen table back home, probably with the same worried look she always had whenever they spoke. “I was just worried about you, ‘nak. It’s been a while since you’ve come home. How are you doing out there? Are you eating okay?”

He felt a bit guilty. Back then, Eiji left their house after another fight with his dad. The fight was way worse than the rest before. He couldn’t handle the constant shouting, the pressure that seemed to seep into every corner of their house. So he’d packed his things, moved to the city, and took up a part-time job at the café to cover rent while he focused on his classes.

However, Eiji’s freedom had come at a price. He was away from his mom, from the only part of home that had ever felt safe.

“I’m doing fine, ma,” he said, but even he could hear the strain in his voice. “Classes are good. Work’s tiring, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

She hesitated and he braced himself, knowing what was coming next. “You know, your dad’s been asking about you. He misses you, even if… even if he doesn’t say it right.” His mom stopped for a bit then continued. ”Maybe you could come back home?”

Eiji’s jaw tightened and he turned to face the window, trying to make his voice steady. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ma.”

There was a pause then a small sigh. “Okay. Just take care, ‘nak. You’re always welcome if you want to come back.” his mom assured. “Call me if you need anything. I love you, anak.”

“Okay, Ma. Love you too.” The words came out softer than he intended and before she could say anything else, he mumbled a quick goodbye and hung up.

The rest of the day passed in a haze. Eiji tried to keep busy, throwing himself into his assignments and chores. By the time evening rolled around, he was sitting at his desk again, his fingers hovering over his keyboard.

ShadowStriker: Hey, you around?

He almost regretted sending the message immediately after hitting enter. But before he could second-guess himself, Zane’s reply popped up.

NightFury32: Yeah, just finished dinner. What’s up?

Eiji hesitated, then typed quickly, hoping to keep things casual.

ShadowStriker: Wanna hop on a call? Just for a bit.

NightFury32: Sure. Give me a sec.

A moment later, the Discord call rang, and Eiji clicked to join. Zane’s voice came through, warm as always. “Hey, Eiji. Everything okay?”

Eiji tried to muster his usual energy but even he could hear the lack of enthusiasm in his voice. “Yeah, just a rough day, I guess.”

Zane’s tone softened immediately. “You don’t sound like yourself. Did something happen?”

Eiji hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. He’d never been good at opening up, especially about this. But the patience in Zane’s voice made him want to try.

“I had a call with my mom earlier,” he said, keeping his tone light. Even though the words felt heavy on his tongue. “We don’t talk much these days. Not since I left home.”

Zane didn’t interrupt and just listened. “It’s a bit complicated. My family’s not exactly the best place to be. My dad and I, we never got along. He doesn’t really get me. So, I left.”

Zane didn’t say anything at first, letting him find his own words. “It’s hard, leaving home like that,” Zane replied, his tone understanding, gentle.

Eiji let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, well, it didn’t feel brave. Mostly just felt like running away. And now, I’m here, trying to pretend like everything’s fine.”

Zane’s response was sincere. Sincere that it made Eiji’s chest ache. “I think you did what you had to. Well, for yourself. Sometimes leaving is the only way to find a place where you can breathe. I get it. I know how those days can feel when you’re not sure if you made the right choice.”

Eiji blinked, surprised by how much those words resounded. He didn’t know much about Zane’s life, but there was something in his voice that made Eiji wanting to ask more. To ask what Zane’s life was like beyond the screen. But he held back, not wanting to be nosy.

“I don’t really talk about this stuff much. With anyone. So uh, thanks,” Eiji said softly.

“Hey, no pressure,” Zane replied, his tone gentle. “But if it helps, I’m here. I won’t pretend to have all the answers but I’ll listen. And if you need a distraction, I’m always up for a game or just talking.”

Eiji smiles while feeling a warmth spread through his chest. A sense of relief he just realized he’d been craving. “Yeah. That actually helps a lot.”

They fell into a brief silence then and Zane’s voice picked up. “So, how about we do something mindless? I think I’ve still got that unfinished quest to blow up fifty forest monsters. Think you’re up for the challenge?”

Eiji couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “You know what? Sure! Let’s blow up some forest monsters.”

“Now that’s the spirit,” Zane teased, and Eiji could hear the smile in his voice. “But, uh, if I’m being honest, I kind of suck at this part. So I’ll need you to carry me.”

Eiji smirked, settling into his chair. “Well, good thing I’m here to save the day, huh?”

For the next hour, they lost themselves in the game and there was that relief between them, a sense of understanding that hadn’t been there before.

And as they wrapped up their session, Eiji realized he was smiling.