In Love with my room-mate

Gaming Surprise

Leaving the kitchen behind, a feeling of accomplishment warming my chest, I take a moment to tidy up the countertop. I rinse the pan and bowl, letting the water wash away the remnants of my breakfast endeavour. The aroma of burnt toast has dissipated, replaced by a faint hint of butter and eggs a reminder of my culinary adventure.

With a satisfied nod, I turn off the kitchen lights and make my way down the short hallway to my room. The morning sunlight filters through the curtains, casting playful patterns on the floor. I close the door behind me, the soft click a signal that I am ready to move on to the next phase of my Saturday.

My room feels like a sanctuary, a space that reflects my personality and comforts. I kick off my house shoes and take a moment to appreciate the quiet solitude. The soft hum of the apartment's ventilation system is the only sound, a gentle backdrop to my thoughts.

I need to take a shower and just change into comfortable clothes. I have no plans of going anywhere and I can’t take a nap just yet so maybe I will watch some TV. I head to my closet, pulling out a cosy pair of cotton cutout shorts and a worn-in T-shirt. The fabric is soft against my fingers, and I can already imagine the comfort they will bring as I lounge around.

I head to the bathroom and stare at my reflection while I tie my hair up. I don’t want to wash it. I washed it yesterday. I strip my clothes off and then step into the shower cubical.

As I stand under the water, I let my thoughts drift. The events of the past week play through my mind, the recent breakfast adventure in the kitchen, and the sense of connection that has begun to take root. With each drop of water, it's as if the weight of the long week is being washed away, leaving me with a renewed clarity.

I reach for my shower gel, its fragrance a soothing blend of floral and citrus notes. The lather forms between my hands, and I gently massage it onto my skin. The scent envelops me, a comforting cocoon that enhances the experience. I allow myself to fully immerse in this moment, savouring the sensation of relaxation and rejuvenation.

As I rinse off the suds and let the water cascade down my body, I feel a sense of lightness. I am shedding not only the physical remnants of the day but also any lingering tensions. Stepping out of the shower, I wrap myself in a plush towel, the softness a gentle reminder of the care I am always extending to myself.

I return to my bedroom, the clothes I had chosen earlier still waiting for me. The cotton cut-out shorts slide on effortlessly, and the worn-in T-shirt is like a comforting embrace. I take a final look in the mirror, my hair tied up in a bun. Contentment radiates from my reflection, a reflection of someone who's allowing themselves a moment of peace and comfort.

After slipping into my chosen outfit, I take a quick look in the mirror. My reflection stares back at me, a mix of determination and a hint of mischief in my eyes. I brush my hair back, securing it in a loose bun, and I feel a renewed sense of energy coursing through me. The confrontation with Jay seems like a distant memory, replaced by the pleasant and embarrassing memories of my cooking attempt.

I step into the living room, hoping to unwind after our breakfast adventure. The sunlight pours in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the furniture.

As I glance around, I notice Jay's game console sitting on the TV stand, a controller resting on the couch beside it. The screen displays a paused game, and a small grin tugs at the corners of my lips.

When I dated Dylan, he forced me to learn how to play video games. Something I least expected I would do. Andy on several occasions tried to convince me to play with him and I said no. Andy was the only one who believed I could play video games because he once caught me red handed playing with Dylan and I begged him not to tell Jay because I turned Jay down. It was going to hurt his feelings then knowing about my interest in video games because of Dylan.

I approach the console, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. I have never been much of a gamer, but hey, trying something new seems to be the theme of the day. I pick up the controller, its weight and shape familiar in my hands. The buttons and joysticks seem like a puzzle waiting to be solved. It's my chance to explore another facet of Jay's world his gaming realm.

With a deep breath, before I unfreeze the game, I study the scene, trying to understand what's happening. The graphics are impressive, and the virtual world before me is both captivating and foreign.

This all looks familiar. I will just give it my best shot, after all it is just a game. I press the play button, the screen unfreezing with the characters in mid-action.

I navigate the character, a hero standing at the edge of a lush, fantastical landscape. The controller's buttons respond to my touch, and I guide the hero forward, exploring this virtual domain. The movement feels slightly awkward at first, but I start to get the hang of it. I haven’t done this in over three years.

I leap over obstacles, collect items, and engage in battles with various creatures. The adrenaline rush is unexpected, but it's exhilarating.

As I continue to play, I find myself drawn into the game's narrative. The hero's journey unfolds before me, a story of bravery and determination. I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment with each challenge overcome. The controls become more intuitive, and I begin to react faster, making split-second decisions to navigate through the game's challenges.

Suddenly, a voice breaks through the haze of concentration. "Am I dreaming or are you actually playing video games?"

The words penetrate my focused state, pulling me out of the virtual world and back to reality. I startle, my fingers tightening on the controller as I look up in surprise. There, leaning casually against the doorway, is Jay, wearing a playful smile that tugs at the corners of his lips. Heat surges to my cheeks, a blush betraying my guilt at being caught in the act of playing his game.

My heart races as I find myself caught in the spotlight. With a nervous laugh, I hurriedly set the controller down, as if it would somehow make my current situation less obvious. I clear my throat, my voice a bit higher pitched than usual, as I try to regain my composure.

"Uh, yeah. I thought I should give it a try," I admit, my tone a mixture of sheepishness and honesty.

I offer a self-conscious smile, my eyes flitting between Jay's amused gaze and the paused game on the screen.

He chuckles softly, taking a step further into the room. "A try? You look like you know what you are doing and really enjoying yourself while at it."

“Well…” I begin, my voice trailing off as I search for the right words to explain my newfound gaming prowess.

How can I put into words that this is my first time and that my comfort around the controller is a mix of genuine interest and the unexpected camaraderie between us?

But Jay's gaze seems to read me like an open book. "Don’t even bother yourself cooking up some lie," he says, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "I know you can play."

My eyes widen in genuine surprise, and I feel like I have been caught in a clever trap. "What!! How did you…?" I sputter, my confusion evident.

Did he notice my lack of rookie mistakes, the way my fingers moved with familiarity over the buttons?

Jay's smile widens, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I have been observing you from the doorway for a little while now. You were navigating that level like a pro."

My cheeks burn with embarrassment, the realization that I wasn't as covert as I thought sinking in. I mentally replay the moments the way I thought I was blending into the game seamlessly. Apparently, I hadn't fooled Jay one bit.

A sheepish grin forms on my lips as I meet his gaze. "Well, I suppose my attempt at acting casual was futile, huh?"

Jay's laughter fills the room, and suddenly, the tension that had accompanied his surprise appearance dissipates. "I have to admit," he says, stepping closer, "you're quite the natural."

Feeling a mixture of pride and humility. "Thanks. I guess I got caught up in the game."

He leans against the couch, his posture relaxed. "Hey, no judgment here. Video games are a great way to unwind."

As our eyes meet, I feel a renewed sense of camaraderie between us, the awkwardness from before melting away. It's as if this moment has shifted our dynamic, making us less like mere roommates and more like friends sharing a secret.

"I am glad you found some enjoyment in it," Jay adds with a genuine smile. "Maybe we can play together sometime."

The offer catches me off guard, a pleasant surprise amid an unexpected exchange. "Yeah, that sounds like fun," I say, my voice more confident now.

Look at that, he never even bothered asking how or where I learnt from.