Baek Yunho's days felt like one long blur. Classes, shifts at the café, homework, repeat. There wasn't much time for anything else. Every day, he just powered through, hoping tomorrow would be easier, but deep down, he knew it wouldn't be. It never was.
Mornings were the worst. Waking up early, rushing to class, and then straight to his part-time job. By the time he was done, it was already dark, and the only thing he could do was crash. His apartment wasn't much, just a tiny place with a couch that was starting to feel more like a bed. He'd toss his bag on the floor, throw off his jacket, and collapse onto the couch, exhausted.
But there was one thing that made it all bearable. An online game he would frequently hop on: Border of Fate.
Yunho spent his nights in the game. It was his escape from everything. There, he wasn't a broke college student with a dead-end job, he was just a player, like everyone else. He didn't have to think about work or school or anything that sucked. He just had to focus on the game.
Tonight was like any other. He logged in, adjusted his chair, and checked for his duo partner, Noctis, who was always there for their late-night raids. They'd been teaming up for a while now, and at first, it was all about the game. But over time, they started talking more, sharing random things. They'd talk about strategies, sure, but also about life. Their own lives.
Yunho had never expected to get so comfortable with someone online, but Noctis was different. He wasn't just some random guy on the other side of the world, he actually listened. Yunho would vent about how hard it was balancing school, work, and everything else, and Noctis would always have something reassuring to say.
Tonight, they were ready to raid. Yunho stretched out his arms and cracked his fingers, preparing for the battle.
The screen flickered, and there was Noctis, his avatar standing next to Yunho's in the game.
[Noctis]: "Yo, can you cover for me a bit? I need to do something real quick. With your abilities, I'm sure you'll be fine for at least 10 minutes."
[Kyren]: "Agh, fine, hurry up. If you're gonna pee, just say so, why acting all shy?"
[Noctis]: "Gosh, it's not like that, I was gonna do this earlier but completely forgot about it. Anyways, brb."
Yunho was in the middle of a raid, shielding Noctis while he's afk, when a loud knock made him jump.
He scowled, "Seriously?"
Another knock, more impatient this time.
"Hold on," he muttered, quickly typing a message.
[Kyren]: "Bro, are you back? I also need to brb, someone's at my door."
Dragging himself out of his chair, he shuffled to the door and swung it open. Standing there was a guy he didn't recognize, tall, messy dark hair, wearing sweats like he just rolled out of bed.
"Uh… can I help you?" Yunho asked, still worried about his game.
The guy gave a small smirk. "I'm Kang Wonho. Just moved in next door."
Yunho blinked. "Oh. Cool, I guess."
Wonho whispered to himself, "What's wrong with this guy? As a good neighbor, I took my time to greet him and this is what I get?"
Wonho glanced past him, eyes flicking to the glow of his monitor. "You play Border of Fate?"
Yunho squinted at him, suddenly paying more attention. "Yeah… why?"
Wonho's smirk deepened. "No reason."
Yunho didn't think much of it. Not yet.
END OF CHAPTER 1