Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 43

That evening, the group gathers in the living room, not really knowing what to do, so we just sit around on our phones. Aiden flops onto the couch, tossing a couple of game controllers onto the coffee table like they're weapons. "Who's ready to get their ass kicked in Mario Kart?" he shouts, a cocky grin spread across his face. Why is he in such a good mood?

"Dude, you're going down faster than Kai's last girlfriend," I shoot back, bouncing up from my bean bag like it's game time. Kai gasps dramatically, and everyone else just laughs.

Belle sprawls out next to me, smirking. "Ly, I'm going to wipe the floor with you this time."

"Keep dreaming, princess," I reply, rolling my eyes as I grab a controller.

Amina plops down beside Aiden, nudging him. "You'd better watch out. I've been practicing, and I'm ready to kick your ass."

"Practicing what? Losing?" he quips, causing us all to laugh.

"Hey you guys should be worried about me, too," I say, snagging a handful of popcorn from the bowl. "Don't forget how I keep destroying all of you in poker, every single time."

"Yeah, but in Mario Kart you always seem to be so busy with crashing into walls," Aiden fires back, and the laughter continues.

I notice Kai not wanting to take part, which is weird, because, well, it's Kai.

"Hey, Kai! Get your ass over here and join the game!" I call.

"Yeah, we need someone to bring down Aiden's ego," Amina adds with a grin.

"Alright, I guess I can be your savior. Just don't blame me when I kick all your asses," he says with a smirk.

The banter flows easily as we start playing, but I keep catching Belle sneaking glances at Aiden. Every time he boasts about his latest win, she looks at him a little too long.

"Belle, you in the game or just here to watch Aiden's ego inflate?" I tease, raising my eyebrows.

"Just making sure Aiden doesn't cheat," she shoots back, her tone playful but firm.

"Cheat? Me? Never!" Aiden exclaims, throwing his hands up in mock innocence. "You should know better, I'm just good!"

The competition heats up as the game goes on.

"Just so you know, Belle, I'm going to destroy you in the next round," Kai says, challenging her.

Belle just smiles, as if she's genuinely pissed, and tosses a popcorn kernel at him. I ignore it, I'll ask her later about it.

As the games continue, Aiden and Amina throw playful insults at each other, while Kai's competitive spirit draws him into the mix, teasing Belle about her skills—or lack thereof.

"Seriously, Belle, I didn't realize you were so bad at this. Did you ever play a game that didn't involve shopping?" Kai snorts.

"Shut up! At least I didn't waste my life playing video games, and still lose, like you!" she fires back, and we all crack up.

As the night winds down and the last game ends with a mix of cheers and groans, I look around at my friends. The atmosphere is lively, filled with friendly competition and laughter.

"What's next, losers?" Aiden asks, a mischievous smile on his face.

"More games! I can't admit defeat." I declare, and agreement fills the room.

"Alright, how about we mix things up? Let's play blackjack, but with a twist. If you lose a round, you have to share a secret." Amina suggests

"Secrets?" Aiden raises an eyebrow. "Sounds childish."