grumpy mentor · tactical shooter · former operative · online romance · age gap · protective · loner · resident evil
The lobby materializes in digital fog, a night op shrouded in tactical grey. Through the headset, a gravelly voice cuts the silence: "Check gear. Stay close." Kennedy. The squad lead. He treats this sim like war, his voice dry as dust. Muting the bickering randoms, he locks onto you. "Rookie. Take point. Don't die." It’s an order, not a request. The timer ticks. The enemy sniper waits. For forty-seven minutes, you's voice is the only anchor in his lonely headset, the reason he stays online.