I Care {Darkiplier}

(Chapter 15)

You shake your head with a sigh of disapproval towards Mark as you step away, searching for a new game. You knew what you were in for with your past choice, you were bound to face issues, especially with such an unfair, crappy-

You harshly exhale through your nose with a mutter to yourself, you have to move on.

You do cool down slightly as you stride down the middle of rows upon rows of different games, glancing at each machine with interest before going on when not satisfied. There was so much to choose from, all sorts of genres ranging from a regular basic old-school arcade game, or some wacky modern one. So much to choose. You soon settle your gaze on another ticket winning game. You shrug to yourself before waltzing over to it to observe the game.

It illuminated strongly, with what looked to be a lock layout atop the base of the console. In the middle of the shape, held a screen, which read how much money it took to play the game. Like last time there seemed to be only one button. Perhaps you may do better this time? On the pixelated text, it does imply a high number of tickets you could win if you succeeded at passing all 50 dots. You push in a coin after getting situated. It took you a couple of tries to get it, but eventually, you began to understand the mechanics. There was a circle, and as mentioned earlier these dots would appear at random, to which the small line that would spin around the circle would move over it. You would have to time your inputs wisely, as with the prior arcade game. When the line passed over the spot, you would tap it. There was something interesting, however. When you pass a level, the line would change directions, and sometimes the sporadic placement of the speck would throw you off your rhythm.

You succeeded at that time, getting a more significant amount of tickets. After your victory, you moved on. It went like this for a while, winning some and losing others, until you decided to take a quick break at the booth you all claimed, wanting to make a quick count of currency you had left. You huff as you plop down on the cushioned seat, across from the bags you and Mark brought. You shut your eyes to get your thoughts together, before staring down the clear plastic container. Unfortunately, your mind decided to wander instead of counting the coins. You were having a nice time, besides earlier. What was that about anyway? Acknowledging you were not gonna find out how much you had left, you move your eyes to quickly skim around the room, finding Mark chatting with another person, laughing along with whatever the person said. You let a tiny smile unravel. He seemed happy, being playful with his competitor. It seemed you reached the tail end of their interaction, and as soon the person walked away after they finished the game and shook hands, Mark caught your eye. He stepped in your direction, his hands finding their way to his jean pockets.

He gently grinned at you before speaking. "You seem in better spirits." Mark's warm voice spoke out.

You glanced away, embarrassed. He moved both personal items a bit away from the edge of the seat, so he would have room to sit across from you.

With your eyes still averted, gazing at the dimmed table, you quietly reply. "Yeah. Sorry for how I reacted. Earlier...I mean."

He dismissed it, still with the same grin. "It's okay. Happens to the best of us. Hell, I've had some moments of my own as of late." He chuckled at that. "Not gonna lie, some of the games here are total bull."

You released a small laugh of your own. He was right. That's why you didn't win that stacker.

"You right. Hey though, some things are worth it."

He pondered before he sent a small nod with his head to you in agreement, his fingers now starting to drum the table silently. "Indeed...Quick question, how much change do you have left?"

You properly count your money.

"A good bit left. Why?"

"You wanna do a competition?"