I watch the screen as she speaks, mesmerized by the deft way she’s making her character move around and attack the dragon as she continues, “I don’t know about you, but fuck work. If I were you, I’d at least try to see if there’s still something there between us.”

I shake my head. “I can’t ‘fuck work,’ though. This is quite literally the most important project I’ve ever had at Horizon.”

“Fine.” Slash, dodge, roll, slash. “Then get all your work done and then fuck.”

A startled guffaw of laughter escapes from my lips. I love how little a filter Val has. I always have.

“You know, sometimes, dating is like playing a challenging game like Elden Ring,” she continues, gesturing at the screen with her controller. “Once you get going, you can’t hit pause. It’s full of surprises, and you’ll make a lot of mistakes before you get better.”

Celeste and I are nowhere near the possibility of dating again. But I listen to my friend anyway, since I know she’s trying to help. Plus, it’s absolutely amazing how Val’s managing to skillfully attack the monster on-screen while keeping up our conversation.

Stab, dodge, stab, stab.

“For much of it,” Val continues, “you’ll have no idea what the fuck you’re doing or if what you’re doing is even worth it. But trust me, when things are good, you’ll get the biggest rush of euphoria you can legally get.”

I scoff, finally looking away from the TV. “As if you and Kiara ever struggle that much with each other.”

Still keeping her eyes glued to the screen, Val raises her eyebrows. “Are you kidding me? Of course we do. Why do you think she’s out with her friends right now?”

My eyes widen. “Did you guys fight while I was out today?”

She somehow manages to shake her head while mashing a bunch of buttons.

“No, not today. But we used to a lot more when she first moved into my place. Once we started to officially live together, Kiara and I realized we’re completely different people. She’s an extrovert who loves to hang out with a lot of different people and wants to go out every day, while I’m content to play video games after work and meet my friends virtually. You’re one of my only friends that I regularly go out to meet in real life. And you don’t even count as that anymore, since we live together now.”

I blink. “Wow, really? I’m honored.”