Meilin flinched, her eyes snapping up to meet his, and cleared her throat. "Yes, and?"

Ningshun raised an eyebrow. "I see what you did there. You learn fast."

With a cheeky grin, she folded her arms and tilted her head. "You're clearly loving this way more than you should, so I don't see the problem."

His smile flickered and died like a flame in a draft. He blinked, his shoulders tensing as he swallowed, fingers drumming on the door handle. "You have no shame, do you?"

A sheepish smile curved her lips as she placed a hand behind her head. "I, uh..."

"Never mind." A sharp breath escaped him. He twisted the handle and pushed the door open. "Ready to meet the rest of the team?"

'I just... ugh, whatever.' Meilin shook her head and stepped into the office.

The team, clustered around a central table, glanced up from their match. A series of stifled snickers and exchanged glimpses met her entrance.

'Did they hear everything?' she thought as sweat formed on her brow.

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 at the sight of his teammates' brief smirks and stifled chuckles. He held their gaze, as if his stare challenged them, causing their snickers to wither. With his shoulders squared, he drew in a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Everyone, brace yourselves for the new Jungler—Meilin!"

Kaili, the Support, gave a kind nod; Hooman, the ADC, offered a wave, and Han, the Top Laner, greeted her with a warm smile before they resumed their match.

"Hi, guys!" She emanated a cheerful vibe as she observed their screens in awe.

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 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 he straightened and moved away, an unexpected flush of warmth spread through her. 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."

His 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 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 entered—a tall man with a trimmed beard and a buttoned-up shirt. He reached out his 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..."

She 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."

Meilin took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and met the coach's gaze. "I'm ready. Let's do this."