The place resembled a tech lover's dream, with rows of colorful LED lights and walls plastered with posters of famous Esports tournaments. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the sleek, oversized monitors and the array of gaming equipment.
Ningshun followed her into the office, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of his teammates' brief smirks and stifled chuckles. His shoulders squared, drawing in a deep breath before clearing his throat. "Everyone, brace yourselves! We've got a new Jungler in town—Meilin!"
Focusing on their game, Kaili, the Support, gave a kind nod; Hooman, the ADC, offered a wave; and Han, the Top Laner, met her with a warm smile.
"Hi, guys!" She emanated a cheerful vibe as she observed their screens in awe.
Trying not to disturb the match, Ningshun pulled the white gaming chair away from the desk, gesturing for her to sit. "Take a seat, Meilin. Let's have a chat before the coach comes."
"Sure." She sat down, her gaze riveted to their screens.
"Are you comfortable? After all, this is your chair."
"My chair?" she whispered, excitement overtaking her. "Thank you. I'm more than comfortable. I think I could sleep here," she joked, reclining the chair and lying in it like a bed. Her gaze followed the RGB lights stretching across the ceiling, her mind drifting away.
"Thirsty?" Ningshun's warm breath fanned across her cheek, a gentle whisper stirring a shiver that raced down her spine. His deep, husky voice drew her in like a moth to a flame. Her pulse quickened as he leaned closer, his face so near she could see the pattern of his irises.
"Yes... please," she stuttered, growing tense.
"Good, because we've got all the best drinks in the galaxy—tea, coffee, soda, water..."
"Soda's perfect, thanks," she managed with a faint smile.
As Ningshun straightened and moved away, an unexpected flush of warmth spread through Meilin. Summoning her courage, she called out, "Hey, Ningshun."
He turned back, raising his eyebrows with curiosity and a hint of intrigue. "Yes?"
Her cheeks bloomed with a soft pink hue. "Thanks for standing up for me back there."
Ningshun's eyes softened. A tender smile touched his lips as he turned his gaze away for a moment, reflecting on her words. When his gaze met hers again, a tender warmth shimmered in the depths of his eyes. "No problem, Meilin."
After the team's match, everyone focused on the newcomer. Kaili, who liked to talk the most, shared funny stories about their previous matches to make her comfortable. Hooman, with a stubbled face and a laid-back vibe, joined in with his own over-the-top stories, and Han, the quiet one, added a silent but expressive touch to the conversation.
Ningshun returned with the soda, grinning as he handed it over like a royal gift. "Here you go, milady."
She blinked, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. 'No one had ever called me this before.'
"Milady? Isn't that a bit outdated, Ningshun?" Hooman teased.
Laughter echoing off the walls slammed into silence as the coach, a tall man with a trimmed beard and a buttoned-up shirt, approached her. He reached out to shake her hand with a skeptical smile. "Meilin, welcome. Glad you could make it. We've heard great things about you."
She shook his hand. "Thank you for having me."
"So, do you think you can work well with our boys?"
"Yes, without a doubt... After all, I can... see through what my opponents will do next." She paused. 'But how can I even explain it? I don't fully understand it myself. It's just... instinct, this gut feeling that somehow guides me.'
"Watching you play, I almost believed you," he quipped. "Okay, now that you're finally here, let's see you play in person..."
Meilin's pushed away the flutter of anxiety tightening in her chest. 'I can't mess this up. This is my one shot.'
"Ningshun speaks highly of you, so I hope you're as good as he says."
Ningshun nodded. He leaned closer, resting his arms on the desk, and whispered, "I know he looks scary, but that's all. Just play like you always do."
She took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and met the coach's gaze. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
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