Zane had always been a disappointment.
At least, that's what his father never let him forget.
While other kids his age were off at college, chasing degrees and dreams, Zane was holed up in his room—headset on, controller in hand, yelling at a screen like his life depended on it.
His father, a well-respected lawyer, had tried everything. First, he offered to pay for any university Zane wanted. When that didn't work, he pushed—suggesting schools abroad. And when all else failed, he begged.
But Zane never listened. Why should he?
They were rich. Comfortable. He never had to work for anything.
What was the point?
From the doorway, his father stood watching him. Jaw tight, fist clenched, disappointment written all over his face. Zane didn't need to look to feel the weight of his stare.
Not that he cared.
He never did.
With a heavy sigh, his father turned away, crumpling a college brochure in one hand, rubbing his temple with the other like Zane was a migraine he couldn't cure. Under his breath, he muttered something.
Something Zane barely caught.
"You'll regret this one day."
Zane snorted.
Yeah, right.
Few days Later, Zane leaned back in his chair, yelling into his mix even though it was almost midnight.
"No way, dude. Get your head in the fucking game! Don't make that turn!"
GGReaper, one of his teammates, was about to screw up. Again.
He didn't listen.
Seconds later—BOOM.
Explosion. Their characters blown to hell.
GAME OVER.
The screen went black. Chat lit up.
GGReaper: bruhhhh what was that?
RogueApe: we got nuked in the dumbest way possible lol
VoidDancer: I TOLD YOU NOT TO PUSH MID. GGReaper sold us out
GGReaper: OKAY DAMN my bad
DeadlyNoodle: gg trash team
Nightfall (Zane): I literally called it. I said it.
GGReaper: "We know, we know, 'don't make that turn.' We get it, dude."
Before Zane could type a comeback, a notification popped up.
[ShadowFang has joined the party.]
Everything went still.
RogueApe: oh shit
VoidDancer: ohhhhh here we go
GGReaper: Fang, did you see that embarrassing shit?
"You guys are sloppy," came a soft female voice.
Zane's heart skipped.
ShadowFang.
She was their best player. The type who didn't talk unless it was to point out a mistake or drop a strategy. Quiet. Sharp. Deadly.
She didn't need to be loud. Her game spoke for her.
Zane had never seen her face. But still… huge crush.
If someone played that good, she had to be some kind of goddess in real life, right?
GGReaper: we were just warming up
DeadlyNoodle: sure bro
VoidDancer: lemme grab popcorn for this match
"You joining or just here to judge?" Zane asked, trying to sound chill.
A pause.
"Both."
GGReaper howled. "God, I love you, Fang."
Zane bit back a smirk.
Yeah. Same.
He was already queuing up another match when his phone buzzed.
[Limited Edition Release – Phantom Rift: Hell Mode Unlocked! First come, first serve.]
His eyes widened.
Shit. That was today?
It was almost midnight. The limited edition release was only up for 24 hours. He still had time—maybe.
"Alright, I'm out," Zane said, grabbing his hoodie.
GGReaper: tf? you just got here
VoidDancer: bruh you dipping already??
RogueApe: he prob gotta touch grass
DeadlyNoodle: rare Nightfall sighting IRL
Zane rolled his eyes. "Something came up."
GGReaper: bet it's a game store run
ShadowFang: Try not to die out there.
That made him chuckle.
"No promises."
He logged off and stepped out of his room for the first time in weeks, entering the quiet living room—only to find his father passed out on the couch.
"His room is literally right there," Zane muttered, spotting the untouched whiskey glass on the table, ice half-melted.
His dad's suit jacket hung over the couch like he came home and just… gave up.
Zane scoffed but didn't think too much of it. He just had to sneak past, grab the game, and be back before the old man even noticed.
He slipped on his sneakers and headed out.
The cold air slapped him in the face.
Good thing he wore a hoodie.
The city felt quieter than usual—just the soft hum of traffic in the distance.
Hands shoved in his pockets, he walked briskly toward Game Heaven. He thought about taking his dad's car, but that meant hunting down the keys. No time. Bus it was.
He checked the time. 11:50.
It'd take over 15 minutes to get there.
Standing at the bus stop, he shivered.
Was it gonna rain?
Please no.
The bus arrived. He rushed in, paid the fare.
Packed. Great.
No seats, but whatever. He clung to the pole, excitement building. Every minute ticked louder than the last.
11:55.
"I'm gonna make it," he whispered. "I know it."
He couldn't wait to show off online. His friends were going to lose their minds. The thought made him chuckle—earning a weird look from an old lady.
He ignored her.
Up front, the tired bus driver flicked on the radio.
[…An unexpected storm is approaching. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are moving in faster than predicted. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel…]
Passengers murmured. The driver groaned and turned it off.
Outside, the sky darkened. Raindrops tapped the window.
Zane sighed. "Just great."
Then—
JOLT.
The bus slammed to a stop.
People shifted, grumbling.
"What's going on?"
The driver honked. "Some car's blocking the damn road."
Time passed. No movement.
Groans.
"I can't believe I'm stuck here."
"I have a flight!"
Zane clenched his jaw. He needed to get there. Now.
He pulled out his phone.
11:59.
He looked out the window.
Bright light. Above the sky.
"What the…"
00:00
BOOM.