Aspas and Mazino found themselves lingering in the dim lights of the practice room…
Another long scrim had ended, the monitors fading to black one by one, leaving only the quiet hum of the PCs and the faint sound of the city outside.
They’d been teammates for the second time, and something about their connection felt older — effortless.
The way they laughed after clutching a round together, the small teasing during timeout breaks, the glances that lingered a bit too long between rounds… it all felt different.
Both knew better than to let emotions interfere with the team, yet denying what was growing between them became harder with each passing day.
That night, under the pale glow of the monitors, the silence finally broke.
Aspas: You played crazy today, hermano. That clutch on Bind— still can’t believe it.
Mazino: laughs softly You’re just saying that ‘cause I saved your round.
Aspas: Maybe… maybe I just wanted to say thank you.
They both smile — a quiet one, the kind that says more than words.
Mazino: You should rest. You look tired.
Aspas: Can’t. Not when you’re still here.
Mazino chuckles, turning his chair slightly toward him.
Mazino: What’s that supposed to mean?
Aspas: shrugs, a little nervous I don’t know… maybe I just don’t want the night to end.
A long pause. The hum of the air conditioner fills the space.
Mazino: gently You really mean that?
Aspas: smiles faintly Yeah. I mean it.
Mazino stands, resting a hand on Aspas’s shoulder.
Mazino: Then don’t let it end. Stay— just for a bit.
Their eyes meet in the reflection of the monitor — two teammates, two hearts racing in sync.
Aspas: I thought you were just joking all this time…
Mazino: smiling softly Maybe I was. Until now.
He leans closer, voice barely above a whisper.
To be continued
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