The restaurant buzzed around them, a lively hum of conversations, laughter, and clinking silverware filling the air. The long tables were crowded, everyone mingling enthusiastically beneath the bright NeonStrike banners. Niko shifted in his seat, his gaze drifting irritably to where Emi sat next to him, chattering away happily with the guy beside her—a tall, athletic-looking young man with tousled blond hair and an overly friendly grin that seemed permanently fixed on his face.

  Louis, Niko remembered sourly.

  “Honestly, Emi, your moves today—” Louis leaned in closer, eyes sparkling eagerly, "—magic. I've never seen gameplay that clean."

  Emi laughed, completely oblivious to the admiring gaze Louis fixed on her. “Aw, thanks! It was mostly instinct, really. And a bit of luck.”

  “Yep,” Niko cut in sharply, jabbing at his plate with his fork. “All luck. Pure button-mashing luck.”

  Emi turned quickly, glaring at him. “Niko, you’re just jealous because your strategy failed spectacularly today.”

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  He scoffed, irritation simmering beneath his skin. Louis chuckled lightly, glancing between them, clearly amused.

  “I’ll grab some drinks,” Louis offered, pushing back from the table with a friendly smile. “Need anything?”

  “Just a water, please,” Emi said warmly, returning his smile.

  Niko watched Louis disappear into the crowd, a sour twist settling in his gut. “Does he even know what ‘clean gameplay’ means?” he muttered under his breath.

  Emi stared at him, brow furrowed. “What is up with you tonight?”

  Niko flushed, suddenly feeling exposed under her confused scrutiny. He shrugged defensively. “Nothing.”

  “You’re acting weird,” Emi pressed, clearly skeptical.

  “I’m not,” he snapped back, heat rising to his face. His eyes darted away, then back. He fidgeted uncomfortably, then cleared his throat abruptly. “It’s freezing here. Can we switch seats?”

  “What?” Emi’s eyes widened incredulously. “Seriously?”

  He shot her an impatient look. “Come on, the aircon’s too cold in this spot. I’m going to get sick, I can feel it. Just swap.”

  Emi sighed deeply, clearly irritated but giving in anyway, swapping seats just as Louis returned, two drinks in hand. Louis stopped short, visibly confused by the seating shuffle.

  Niko settled comfortably into his new seat, flashing Louis a deliberately bright, entirely insincere smile. “Hey Louis. Good to see you back.”