I became an antagonist teacher in RPG WORLD

Chapter 3: Unexpected Bonds

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After their initial conversation about Fantastic Worlds, Marina and Emilette began hanging out more regularly. Lunchtimes at work turned into discussions about strategies, favorite in-game events, and character builds.

Slowly but surely, a friendship started to bloom between the two women. What began as casual talks in the office soon evolved into something more. They started meeting after work at a nearby PC café called Pixel Nexus.

Pixel Nexus was a small but modern gaming spot, tucked away in a side street near the heart of the city. The warm glow of neon lights flickered outside, illuminating the cozy interior with a mix of purples and blues.

Rows of high-end gaming computers filled the café, with the sound of clicking keyboards and mouse buttons creating a rhythmic background hum. A faint scent of coffee and energy drinks lingered in the air.

"Bet you didn’t think you’d be spending your Friday night here with me, huh?"

Emilette teased as they took their seats at a pair of computers near the back. She set down her backpack and pulled out her own gaming headset.

Marina smiled, adjusting the headset on her own head.

"Honestly? I didn’t. But it’s nice. Beats just playing solo at home."

They logged into the game, the familiar Fantastic Worlds logo flashing on their screens. The excitement of playing together made Marina feel more alive than she had in a while. As they joined a co-op dungeon, the screen filled with magical landscapes and vibrant characters, all animated in a flurry of spells and abilities.

Emilette smirked as they got into the groove of combat.

"Okay, healer. You keep me alive, and I’ll make sure no monsters get to you."

"Deal," Marina responded, already focused on casting healing spells to support Emilette's tanking character. The two of them worked seamlessly together, Emilette drawing enemies' attention while Marina kept their team in fighting shape.

As the in-game battle raged on, Marina stole a glance at her friend. It’s weird…, she thought. I’ve spent so long avoiding getting close to anyone, but with Emilette, it feels so easy.

Emilette noticed her gaze and grinned. "What? You zoning out on me already?"

Marina chuckled. "No, just thinking how reckless you play sometimes."

"Hey, reckless is part of the fun," Emilette shot back, dodging an in-game enemy’s attack. "Besides, I know I’ve got you to bail me out if it gets too messy."

Their banter carried them through the rest of the dungeon, laughter mingling with the sound of their characters’ footsteps echoing in the game’s fantastical environments. The glow of the screens cast soft, shifting shadows on their faces as they played, the world outside fading away.

After a few hours, they took a break, grabbing drinks from the café’s counter. Marina sipped on her soda, watching as Emilette animatedly recounted a recent in-game event, her hands moving as she spoke.

"You should’ve seen the chaos!" Emilette exclaimed, her voice loud enough to draw a few curious glances from the other patrons. "It was a total disaster, but somehow we still won."

Marina laughed, shaking her head. "Only you would find fun in a near-loss like that."

"Hey, it’s all about the experience!"

Emilette said, grinning. "Besides, winning’s more satisfying when it’s close, don’t you think?"

Marina leaned back in her chair, feeling the weight of the day’s work lift off her shoulders. Yeah, she thought. This is nice. Really nice.

"Thanks for inviting me out tonight,"

she said after a moment, her tone quieter now.

"I don’t usually do this kind of thing."

"Anytime,"

Emilette replied with a soft smile, sensing the shift in Marina’s mood.

"I’m glad we started hanging out. It’s been fun."

Marina looked down at her drink, her thoughts wandering again. How long has it been since I felt this… at ease around someone? It was a strange but welcome feeling.

"You’re not bad company yourself, Emilette,"

she said with a playful nudge, though there was sincerity in her words.

The night wore on, the two of them finishing a few more co-op missions before calling it quits. As they left Pixel Nexus, the crisp evening air greeted them. The streets were quiet now, the soft hum of city life reduced to a low murmur.

"Same time next week?"

Emilette asked as they walked toward the subway station.

"Yeah,"

Marina replied, glancing up at the stars barely visible through the light pollution.

"I’d like that."

For the first time in a long while, she felt connected—not just to the game, but to someone who understood her in ways she hadn’t realized she needed.