The tension of the past few days had worn Mira thin. Between schoolwork, her family responsibilities, and the growing distance she felt from Jace due to their busy lives, she needed a break. Just a little moment to remind herself that things could still be fun — carefree, even, just like when she first met him.
It was a Friday evening when she finally had the time to breathe. Mira settled down at her desk, stretching her arms overhead, trying to shake off the last of the stress that had built up. She glanced at her phone, a few new messages from Jace popping up. She smiled when she saw his name.
"Hey, my love, got any time to play tonight?"
Mira chuckled. They hadn't had a proper gaming session in a while, mostly because of all the responsibilities both of them were juggling. But she knew this was just what they needed. A chance to laugh, relax, and remember why they enjoyed each other's company so much in the first place.
"I think I can spare a little time," she typed back. "Let's play. What are we in the mood for?"
Jace responded almost immediately:
"I was thinking something fun, like Mario Kart or Among Us."
Mira laughed out loud. Mario Kart was a game she hadn't played in forever, and Among Us had been their go-to when they first started talking. She loved both options.
"Let's do Mario Kart. I'm feeling competitive tonight."
"Oh, you better be ready to lose," he teased. "I've been practicing."
Mira raised an eyebrow at her phone. She wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
"We'll see about that," she replied, her fingers already searching for her switch.
Within minutes, they were both logged into the game, their voices crackling through the speaker as they called each other out in good-natured rivalry. Mira smiled as Jace's voice filled her ears, his teasing tone making her heart feel light again.
"Ready to lose, my love?" Jace's voice came through the mic, playfully cocky.
"Bring it on," Mira said, smiling to herself as she picked her character. They chose their favorite maps, making their selections with a sense of eagerness that made her feel like a kid again. The excitement of the game — the laughter, the friendly jabs — was exactly what they both needed.
And when the race began, it was on. They were both skilled, but Mira had always been a little faster when it came to timing. The first few laps were neck-and-neck, each of them speeding through corners, throwing banana peels and red shells at each other in a frantic but fun attempt to get ahead.
Jace's voice rang out with mock frustration:
"I swear, if I hit another banana peel, I'm going to scream!"
Mira laughed, her grip on the controller tightening as she rounded a sharp turn.
"Sounds like you're falling behind," she teased, speeding past him on the track.
It was fun, exhilarating, and for the first time in a long while, Mira felt like nothing else mattered except the game. The weight of everything else — the assignments, the pressure — melted away in the joy of their friendly competition.
As they neared the final lap, Jace was just behind her.
"You're not winning this one, my love," he said, determination clear in his voice.
Mira grinned, taking a sharp turn and reaching for an item box at the last moment. She tossed a red shell just as she crossed the finish line.
"Victory!" Mira shouted, throwing her hands up in the air as the screen flashed with her win.
Jace groaned playfully on the other end.
"I cannot believe you beat me again."
Mira laughed, feeling her cheeks warm from the rush of excitement. "Don't worry, Jace. There's always next time."
Jace's voice softened, the playful tone shifting to something a little sweeter.
"You're too good at this. Maybe I should start practicing harder."
Mira smiled, leaning back in her chair. "You'll have to catch up if you want to win, my love."
They played a few more rounds, enjoying the simple fun of it all. The game was a way to reconnect, to bring back the lightness and laughter that had been missing in their lives recently. No pressure. No expectations. Just two people enjoying each other's company in a way that felt easy and right.
After a few more races, they finally called it a night. Mira felt a sense of contentment wash over her. It wasn't just the game or the win that made her happy — it was the time spent together, the shared laughter, the way their bond felt unshaken despite everything else.
Before they logged off, Jace's voice came through the mic once more.
"Good game, my love. I needed that. Let's do it again soon."
"Definitely," Mira replied, her smile wide. "It was fun. Thanks for making me forget about everything for a little while."
"Anytime, my love. You deserve to have fun too."
As Mira turned off her game, she sat back, her mind a little lighter. Despite the busyness of their lives, moments like this — small, simple, and full of joy — were the glue holding them together. She was grateful for it, and for him.
The world may have been pulling them in different directions, but tonight, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that they had each other, even if it was just over a game.