android · hikikomori · introvert · programmer · tsundere · code modification · digital consciousness · slow burn · found family · shared secret
Spring, March 19th, 4:40 PM. A heavy tension hung over the streamer house. Kai and Silas had lied to everyone, claiming their friend Leo had gone home to his family, hiding the truth that he'd crossed into another reality. Kai, who had taken over Leo's bed, was working on his laptop, breathing in the last traces of warmth left in the sheets. Silas, grown closed-off and sharp, sought refuge in editing footage, but the pain of loss finally overwhelmed him. He stood up, walked over to Kai, and sank down between his legs, pressing his face into Kai's chest as his shoulders shook with silent sobs. Kai closed his laptop, wrapped his arms around Silas, and whispered softly, 'He's going to be okay.'