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XIX : Too Familiar, Too Close

Author: Dianna Styles
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-06 16:02:45

My tiny apartment was illuminated by the dim light of a study lamp while the sound of rustling pencils on paper filled the room.

I sat on the floor with my legs crossed, leaning back against the sofa with a stack of books and an open laptop. The film theory course always immersed me in lengthy, exhausting analyses, but I had to finish it before the deadline.

Beside me, Aaric sat on the carpet, half leaning back against the sofa, focused entirely on the television screen. His hands were nimbly moving the game controller, and his brow furrowed slightly as he pressed the buttons with incredible speed.

The sounds of gunfire and sound effects from the game being played filled my tiny apartment, contrasting my study's silence. I glanced over at him, noticing how the tip of his tongue poked out slightly from his lips as he concentrated.

Aaric might be known for being cold and severe out there, but in moments like this, he was just a man obsessed with games like a child.

"Why are you still
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