A/N: FML! I wrote almost 12 pages and then accidentally cut the whole chapter. So I had to write this all again... Anyways, happy reading!
The arcade was alive with noise—flashing lights, the metallic clink of coins dropping into machines, the low hum of electronic beeps. James stood near the entrance, taking in the scene. It was different from the environment he was used to. No loud crowds of students, no adrenaline-charged atmosphere of a fight, just bright lights and the low buzz of arcade machines.
His eyes scanned the room, quickly falling on a lone figure seated in front of a Tekken machine in the far corner. Taesoo.
His posture was relaxed but focused, fingers moving expertly over the buttons as his character landed precise, devastating combos on his virtual opponent.
James hesitated for a moment. This was it. He could feel the strange pull between them, the same sensation that had hit him during their fight in the countryside. It hadn't gone away, and he was still unsure what it meant. But he had to talk to Taesoo. He had to know more.
With a deep breath, James walked over to him, his boots clicking on the floor. Taesoo didn't look up at first, completely absorbed in the game. James stopped just behind him, watching the screen light up as Taesoo's fighter landed another flawless victory.
James smirked. "You're pretty good at this game."
Taesoo's fingers paused for a moment, but he didn't look up. "It's just a game," he muttered, his voice low and uninterested.
Taesoo was focused in his game. He wasn't interested in small talk with strangers.
"Yeah?" James raised an eyebrow. "You sure seem pretty serious about it. I could give you a challenge, though."
The voice sounded familiar. Taesoo couldn't remember where he heard that voice. Suddenly, he could smell the fragrance of strawberries from behind. "Wait- Is it him?"
Taesoo finally glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowing slightly.
He searched for this guy for two whole days. But couldn't find anything. And now here James came on his own.
There was something about the way James stood—like he was trying to be casual, but the tension was still there. Taesoo didn't answer right away, instead turning back to his game, waiting for the next round to load.
There were many things Taesoo wanted to say, many things that he wanted to ask. But seeing James standing in front of him, Taesoo forgot everything.
"You think you can beat me?" Taesoo asked instead, his tone bordering on amused, but there was a sharpness underneath.
"I know I can," James replied with a grin, his confidence hard to miss. "Come on. One round. You might actually have some competition for once."
Taesoo gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head, but his lips quirked up just slightly, like he was considering it.
He glanced at James again, sizing him up. Something about this guy—his attitude, his presence—felt familiar. He knew that they had met before, but the feeling is not a "I've seen him around" way, but in a deeper sense. But Taesoo didn't have time to figure that out now. A challenge was a challenge.
"Alright," Taesoo said, a smirk playing on his lips. "One round. But don't get mad when you lose."
James shrugged and slipped a coin into the machine. The game flickered to life, and the character selection screen appeared.
"Don't worry. I'm not used to losing," James replied with a grin, he sounded like he believed it.
As the game started, they both took their stances. The characters on screen mirrored the players' own intensity. Taesoo's fingers moved fluidly, and James followed suit, adjusting to Taesoo's style of play, looking for weaknesses.
YOU ARE READING
Fragments of a Soul
Fanfiction"Running away?" The words were too familiar. He have been reading them everyday since he was six. James's eyes widened at hearing those words. Out of all the scenarios he imagined, this isn't how he wanted to meet his soulmate. A world where the fir...
