Chapter 2

There was a sudden ding noise. He opened his eyes to see his phone across his desk, displaying a notification. There was no energy left in him, he felt like he could barely move. He reached out and picked up the phone and read the notification. It was a message from Toby.

"Hey! John is here today! Let's play!"

When he read the message, he was somewhat shocked. It had been a while since he has seen John online after all. Since John had been going to college, they have seen him less and less. Of course, he knew college was more important than playing games, so he doesn't really mind.

He grabbed his headset, logged on, and joined the party.

Kevin waved at them as he approached. "Hey, it's been a while huh? I feel like you have grown taller!"

John turned around and smiled, "I'm glad to see you're the same. How are you?"

"Could be better, but that how it always is."

There was a bit of silence before Toby suddenly exclaimed "Hey, guys! Now that everyone is here, what should we play?"

"How about everything? It's been a while since I played, and I should have all day today and tomorrow to do whatever."

Toby and Kevin thought about it for a little bit before both saying "sure."

It was the first time in a few months everyone was together. It's been so long since they started all playing together, and during that time they all grew and changed. But when they are all together, it feels just like the days of high school. After school, they would all long on and hang out for as long as they can, laughing, talking, or playing. It was just like then, they're playing the puzzle game, racing game, and everything. Even though it was like he had gone back, everything felt so much more empty.

Before they realized it, it was almost midnight. Toby jumped up and turned to everyone.

"Sorry guys, I gotta go to sleep. My parents will be mad if I stay up all night again."

"...Alright, I'll see you soon," Kevin murmured.

Toby smiled at him before logging off. Now, it was just two. Both John and Kevin stood in silence for a bit, not knowing what to say.

"You know, I really missed you..."

"Sorry, I wanted to see you more often, but I had too much work."

"It's fine, it's not a big deal. I'm happy that I got to hang out with you again."

"Hey," John put his hand on Kevin's shoulder, "Since I'm not busy tomorrow, let's go somewhere."

Kevin turned to him, shocked. "You don't have to! You live pretty far right? I don't want to waste your time or anything. Plus, I haven't been outside in so long, it's kinda scary."

He turns away, faking a laugh, "I think you should spend your free time doing something more fun, don't worry about me..."

"You don't have to worry, I want to spend time with you. Do you want to spend time with me? I won't force you or anything."

Kevin was silent for a bit. He knew what he wanted to say, but he felt too scared to say it. Even so, there was something pushing at his heart telling him to do it. Maybe it was the fact that John was smiling at him, or maybe he wants to because it was John asking him. Whatever the reason, he felt that before he could stop himself, he was already saying the words.

"...I want to."

"Then let's meet up. We'll go anywhere you want." He opens the menu, about to log off. "Goodnight, Kevin."

After that Kevin logged off as well. He took off his headset, laid down on his bed, and looked out the window. He closed his eyes for a bit. It was something so small, yet it felt so big to him. He was excited. He couldn't help himself from smiling. That night felt like the first step to something better, even if he couldn't understand what.

That night, the stars shined brightly. Everything was quiet and he soon fell asleep.