The gaming house felt different that morning—tense, heavy, like a storm brewing behind closed doors. Aarav walked into the lounge, expecting the usual banter, but instead found hushed voices and sharp glances.
Raj was pacing near the window, muttering under his breath. Zayn sat on the couch, arms crossed, looking annoyed. When Aarav entered, the conversation stopped.
"What's going on?" Aarav asked cautiously.
Raj turned, his tone clipped. "What's going on? You're what's going on."
Aarav blinked. "Me?"
"Don't play dumb," Raj snapped. "Ever since you showed up, everything's about you. Streams, fans, memes—hell, even management is hyping you up."
Aarav felt his stomach twist. "I didn't ask for that."
"Doesn't matter," Raj said, voice rising. "We've been grinding for years, and now some rookie gets all the spotlight?"
"Raj, chill," Zayn cut in, trying to diffuse the tension. "It's not Aarav's fault."
Raj scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You're his buddy now."
Aarav opened his mouth to respond, but Rhea walked in, her presence slicing through the tension like a blade. "Enough," she said, voice firm. "We're a team. Act like it."
Raj glared at her. "A team? Feels more like the Aarav Show."
Rhea's eyes hardened. "You think fame wins matches? It doesn't. Skill does. And Aarav's earning his place."
Raj laughed bitterly. "Sure. Until the fans decide he's the star and the rest of us are expendable."
The room went silent. Aarav felt the weight of every word pressing on him. He hadn't wanted this—he just wanted to play, to belong. Now, he was tearing the team apart.
Later, in the scrim room, Aarav sat alone, staring at his monitor. His chest felt heavy, his mind a storm of guilt and frustration. He didn't want to be the reason for cracks in the team.
The door creaked open. Rhea stepped in, her expression softer now. "Ignore Raj," she said quietly. "He's just… frustrated."
Aarav shook his head. "He's right. I didn't earn this attention. I just… got lucky."
Rhea walked closer, her gaze steady. "Luck doesn't keep you here. Skill does. And you've got it."
Aarav looked up, searching her eyes. "Then why does it feel like I'm ruining everything?"
"You're not," Rhea said firmly. "But this is what fame does—it messes with people. You can't control that. All you can do is play your best."
Aarav nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "I'll try."
"Don't try," Rhea said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Do."
As she left, Aarav clenched his fists, determination burning through the doubt. He wasn't going to let this team fall apart—not because of him.