Zara stared down at the vending machine like it had personally insulted her.
No coffee.
Only energy drinks. Sugary, overpriced, and probably the reason half the players in the building had shaky hands during interviews.
Her phone buzzed.
> [Manager Lee]
"Intern, if Adrian Zhen complains about you, you're off the roster list. Don't screw this up."
Zara rolled her eyes. She didn't even want the internship. She wanted a seat on the team. A jersey. A headset. Not a freaking clipboard and caffeine duty.
Still, she grabbed the least radioactive-looking can, swiped her ID card, and returned to the team lounge where the dragon himself sat — legs crossed, arm slung over the back of the couch, watching another match replay with that same blank, unreadable face.
She stopped in front of him and held out the can.
He glanced at it. Didn't take it.
"That's not coffee."
"Well, neither is your attitude," she muttered, under her breath.
Unfortunately, not quiet enough.
Adrian's eyes flicked to her face, sharp as a sniper's aim.
Zara stiffened. "Sorry. The machine's out. I'll check the break room."
But instead of scolding her, he tilted his head slightly. "You play?"
She blinked. "What?"
He gestured lazily to the glowing screen behind him. "Your posture. The way you tapped your card. Most interns avoid the players. You walk like you're scouting them."
Zara's heart did a weird skip.
Was he suspicious?
"I mean… I play casually," she said quickly. "Mostly support. Low-rank. Just for fun."
"Support." He repeated the word like it tasted strange. "Figures."
"Excuse me?"
"Support players avoid direct confrontation."
Zara's brows shot up. "Right. Unlike team captains who rage-ping the jungle instead of checking their cooldowns."
His gaze narrowed.
Silence.
Oh no. She didn't mean to say that. She absolutely meant to say that, but not out loud.
She clutched the can tighter. "Sorry. That was… a joke."
His mouth twitched. Just slightly.
Was that a smirk?
Before she could decide whether she was about to be fired or fake-laugh her way out of a lawsuit, the door opened.
In walked a girl dressed like a magazine ad — platinum blond bob, skin-tight jeans, heels in a gaming studio like she owned the place.
"Adrian," she purred. "You left your phone."
Zara blinked.
Oh. Of course. Tall. Beautiful. Flirty.
Team captain's type.
"Thanks," Adrian said without looking up. He barely acknowledged her. The girl pouted, glanced at Zara, and strutted off.
Zara turned to leave too, but Adrian spoke again.
"What's your in-game name?"
She froze. Turned back slowly.
"Uh… 'PinkBunny13.'"
He raised a brow. "Seriously?"
"Yep." She nodded. "All glitter and hearts. I heal, I vibe. That's me."
"Right."
She walked away fast, before the heat in her cheeks could become full-blown steam.
Behind her, Adrian still stared at the screen — watching QueenZero's flawless movements in silence.
He had no idea the girl who just handed him the wrong drink and insulted his ego…
…was the same player who made him question his god-tier status.
---