Game Time

Jui reveled in the moment. His eyes were wide with excitement, unable to decipher reality from his wildest dream. The second his feet planted before the crowd, staring at the main screen blaring Team Fun vs Red Axel, his heart was beating so fast that he thought he was going to faint. The noise from the crowd seemed so far away. Jui was stuck in a trance, thinking there was no way he was at the Esports Arena about to play Strike. He was almost as excited as...nervous. No, this was definitely nerves.

"Jun?"

He heard his nickname, but it seemed so alien...almost as if it was slurred. Jui was almost jumped a mile when he felt Saka's hand on his shoulder. His reaction also startled the boys standing next to him. Now they know he's a noob.

"Sorry to startle you, but you weren't responding. Are you ok?" Saka asked, there was concern dotting his brow.

"Yea...yea, sorry."

Saka smiled, seeing Jui's cheeks redden. Jui was holding one of his arms, his face pointed toward the ground. Saka could see his shyness written all over his features. He thought it was kind of cute.

"Hey, it's alright," Saka said, pulling Jui close and whispering in his ear. "You're the best of the best, remember. We got this!"

Jui looked up at Saka then, feeling his nerves slip away. Jui felt kind of ashamed for being so shy. He was the one who mentioned the competition in the first place; however, he wasn't expecting the excitement to overwhelm him. However, Saka was right about one thing. He knew this game and win or lose, he was doing this with him!

"Right!"

Saka nodded as they both walked over toward their gaming stations. As Jui sat down, feeling the controller in his hands and placing the headset over his ears, he felt more than ready. He felt in his element. He tipped his head over toward Saka, giving him a thumbs up which he returned.

"GAME ON!" The announcer shouted.

Jui and Saka, playing Akan and Ori, initially had the upper hand against Red Axel. Their team had chosen Halcon, the red falcon who had a similar origin story to Akan, and Kongo, the giant ape. Jui knew the insides and out of each Strike character, including their strengths and weaknesses. Kongo was a large target and once he was knocked out of the arena, he had a hard time coming back in the fight. Even though he had some powerful moves, a fast and nimble player would have the upper hand. Therefore, with Akan's speed, Jui directed Saka to rush Kongo right off the bat which gave them the upper hand.

Halcon, on the other hand, was similar to Akan in the fact that he was lightweight. Therefore, a large move would kick him out of the game. Also, every time Halcon recovered, it was super obvious. He would sit in one corner, bow his head, and try to power up. With that in mind, Jui let Halcon sit and waste time powering up in order to sneak away to a dazed Kongo, absorbing his strength. He still had enough time to return to the recharging Halcon, using Kongo's attack Mega Clap, which flung him out of the arena. That allowed Akan and Ori to tag team on an already weak Kongo, blasting away Red Axel for good.

"Boom! Red Axel is done for!!" The announcer cheered.

"That was amazing!!!"

"Go Team Fun!!!"

Jui slapped his headphones down, giving a big fist bump to everyone which riled them up more. Saka came over, joining Jui, and enjoying their first victory together. They could hardly contain their smiles as the flashing cameras lit up their merriment.

Jui and Saka shook the members of Red Axel's hands as they were given some Mountain Dews as they awaited their next competitors.