As Alex and Alicia stood in front of a virtual gaming arena, the neon lights flickering above the entrance, crowds milling about inside with excited chatter.
Alex's mouth twitched hard. "You know when I said 'to wherever you want'… I meant something romantic. Not here."
Alicia flashed a big smile. "Why? Are you afraid that you'll lose… just like the first time we fought in the academy?"
Alex's voice rose in volume. "I didn't lose that day, and you know it! You just got lucky, and the professor handed you the win."
Alicia leaned in teasingly. "You just sound like a loser… a handsome loser."
Determination burned in Alex's eyes. "Oh yeah? Let's see who's the loser. Sneak peek at me. You don't know it just yet, but I'm also an avid gamer who spent hours conquering every game I got my hands on."
Alicia's smile widened. "We'll see, handsome."
They both entered the virtual gaming arena.
All eyes landed on them instantly—the room buzzing with whispers as heads turned.
