NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Growing Jealousy
The school corridors were buzzing with the usual chatter and clatter of lockers slamming shut. Raxian leaned casually against his own, his gaze fixed ahead as he noticed Sable and Fayne walking together, their conversation punctuated with laughter. It wasn't like he hadn't seen this sight before, but every time, it tugged at him in a way he couldn't quite place.
He felt relief—relief that he had patched things up with Sable, and relief that Fayne seemed to be finding her footing again after her emotional confession. But intertwined with that relief was something else, something pricklier. It stung when Sable's attention wasn't on him. He told himself it was silly. Sable wasn't his possession. She wasn't obligated to choose him over Fayne—or anyone, for that matter.
But it still felt like she was choosing between them. And every time she didn't choose him, it hurt.
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Fayne, on the other hand, was navigating the delicate balance of moving on from her crush while nurturing the fragile, newfound friendship she had with Sable. The karaoke night had been a turning point, breaking the ice and proving that the two groups could mesh, at least on the surface. But beneath that surface, Fayne couldn't ignore the subtle rivalry brewing between her and Raxian. She wasn't sure when it had started, but it was there, unspoken yet palpable.
It was almost amusing. She didn't want to compete with him for Sable's attention—not really. She'd made peace with her feelings, hadn't she? And yet, every time Sable sought her out or sat beside her during lunch, there was a part of her that couldn't help but feel... validated. As if she'd "won" something, even if there was nothing to win.
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During lunch, Raxian found himself sitting with his usual group, his eyes drifting over to the table where Sable was surrounded by Fayne, Mira, and Leah. He wasn't even part of the conversation, yet he felt like he was losing. Jake nudged him playfully, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Hey, man, you've been spacing out all week. What's the deal? Got something on your mind?"
"Nothing," Raxian muttered, stuffing a fry into his mouth.
Jake followed his line of sight and smirked. "Ah, I see. You're feeling left out, huh? Don't worry, buddy. Just remind her who's the main character in this story."
"Shut up, Jake," Raxian said, but he couldn't deny there was a grain of truth in the comment.
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By the time the school day ended, Raxian had resolved to clear his mind. He needed to figure out where he stood with Sable—what he wanted from their friendship and why he felt this way every time Fayne was around. He waited by Sable's locker, leaning against the cool metal and tapping his fingers against his arm.
"Hey," he said as she approached, her bag slung casually over her shoulder.
"Hey yourself," Sable replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Raxian hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You've been spending a lot of time with Fayne lately."
Sable raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? She's good company. Why?"
"I don't know." He scratched the back of his neck. "Just... I guess I miss hanging out. You know, just the two of us."
Her expression softened, and she leaned against the lockers beside him. "We still hang out, Rax. You're not being replaced, if that's what you're worried about."
"Who said I was worried?" he said quickly, his tone a little defensive.
Sable laughed lightly, but her gaze remained steady. "You don't have to say it. I can tell. Look, Fayne's been through a lot, and I'm just trying to be there for her. It doesn't mean you're any less important."
He nodded, though her words didn't completely ease the tension he felt. "Yeah, I get it. I just... I like having you around. That's all."
Her smile grew, and she gave his shoulder a playful shove. "I'm not going anywhere, Rax."
As she walked away, Raxian couldn't help but watch her, his chest a tangle of emotions. Sable's reassurance should have been enough, but it wasn't. Not entirely. And as he turned to head in the opposite direction, he couldn't shake the feeling that the growing closeness between Sable and Fayne was going to complicate things even more.
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Fayne's heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement as she stepped into the empty classroom. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of Sable's bass amp and the gentle plucking of strings. Sable was perched casually on one of the desks, tuning her bass guitar with an ease that came naturally to her. The sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting golden streaks across the room.
"Hey," Fayne greeted softly, setting her bag down by the door.
Sable glanced up, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Hey yourself. You ready to make some magic?"
Fayne laughed nervously, moving closer. "I don't know about magic, but... I'll try not to embarrass myself."
"Relax," Sable said, her tone warm and reassuring. "This isn't an audition. We're just here to have fun."
On the desk beside her lay a few neatly printed note sheets, along with a couple of lyric pages. Fayne picked one up, recognizing the song instantly. It was a classic, one she'd hummed to herself countless times but never sung aloud.
"You really think I can do this?" Fayne asked, her fingers brushing the edges of the paper.
"I don't think—I know," Sable said, starting to strum a soft rhythm on her bass. "You've got the voice, Fayne. I wouldn't have asked you to do this if I didn't believe that."
Her words sent a wave of confidence through Fayne, and she nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's give it a shot."
Sable nodded, adjusting the strap of her bass. "Okay, I'll start with the intro. You just come in whenever you're ready."
The first notes echoed through the room, rich and steady. Fayne closed her eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm guide her. When she opened them again, she focused on the lyrics in front of her, her voice starting out soft and tentative. The first few lines were shaky, but as she warmed up, her confidence grew. Her voice filled the room, blending seamlessly with Sable's bassline.
"See? Told you," Sable said with a grin as they reached the end of the song. "You're a natural."
Fayne blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just one song. Don't get ahead of yourself."
Sable laughed. "One song, and you already sound like a pro. Imagine what you could do with some real practice."
They ran through a few more songs, experimenting with different tempos and styles. Sable would occasionally pause to give Fayne pointers or adjust her own playing, but for the most part, they simply enjoyed the music. The atmosphere was relaxed, the kind of effortless camaraderie that felt rare and precious.
As they wrapped up their impromptu session, Sable leaned back against the desk, her bass resting on her lap. "You know, if you ever want to take this seriously, I'll back you up. You've got something special, Fayne."
Fayne smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest that she hadn't felt in a long time. "Thanks, Sable. That... means a lot."
Sable smirked, giving her a playful nudge. "What can I say? I'm just full of wisdom."
They packed up their things, the sun now dipping lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the classroom. As they stepped out into the hallway, Fayne realized that this—this shared connection, this simple joy—was exactly what she had needed. No expectations, no pressure. Just music and friendship, and maybe that was enough. For now.
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As they walked through the quiet streets, the golden hues of the setting sun cast long shadows on the pavement. Fayne had her hands tucked into her pockets, her gaze fixed on the ground as she spoke.
"You know," she began hesitantly, "I used to be in a choir when I was younger."
Sable glanced at her, eyebrows raised in interest. "Really? I wouldn't have guessed."
Fayne shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. My parents thought it would be a good idea—something to keep me busy after school. It was fine, I guess. I even had a small solo number once, but it wasn't anything special."
Sable stopped in her tracks, turning to face her. "Wait. You had a solo? And you don't think that's a big deal?"
Fayne laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It was just a little part, nothing impressive. Honestly, I never thought much of it, and my parents didn't push me to keep going. I guess they figured I wasn't all that interested."
Sable crossed her arms, her expression a mix of disbelief and determination. "Fayne, come on. You've got a voice that makes people stop and listen. You can't just brush that off like it's nothing."
Fayne hesitated, her cheeks tinged pink under Sable's intense gaze. "I don't know. I guess I never saw myself as... special. There are tons of people who can sing."
"Sure," Sable said, her tone firm, "but not like you. You've got something unique, something that stands out. And I'm not just saying that to be nice. I mean it."
Fayne looked away, her steps slowing as they reached the corner of the street. "Thanks, but... I don't know. I'm not really sure what I'd even do with it."
Sable smirked, nudging her shoulder lightly. "Well, if you don't know, I've got a few ideas. For starters, we could make a killer duo—you on vocals, me on bass. The world wouldn't know what hit it."
Fayne laughed, her tension easing slightly. "You're pretty relentless, you know that?"
"Only when it's worth it," Sable replied with a wink. "And trust me, Fayne, you're worth it. I'm not going to let you keep doubting yourself."
Fayne felt a warmth rise in her chest at Sable's words. She wasn't used to this kind of encouragement, this unwavering belief in her abilities. As they parted ways at the next intersection, Sable raised a hand in a casual wave.
"Think about it," she called over her shoulder. "The world needs more voices like yours."
Fayne stood there for a moment, watching her walk away. A part of her still wasn't convinced, but another part—a small, growing part—was starting to wonder if Sable might be right.
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As Sable and Fayne grew closer, their conversations grew more personal. One afternoon, Fayne casually mentioned that she had been investing more time in League of Legends lately. Sable froze for a moment upon hearing this. League was her domain, her specialty—how had this never come up before?
Curiosity piqued, Sable probed further, eventually discovering Fayne's in-game username, Blossomwisp. Amused, Sable added her on her alt account, AkarisLite. During their chat, Fayne revealed that she had only started playing League a few months ago, which made her current rank—Platinum—all the more impressive. Sable couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the revelation.
"Plat already?" Sable had remarked, impressed despite herself. "You've got talent, that's for sure."
But as the conversation lingered in her mind later that evening, Sable's curiosity deepened. She remembered Milo—Pathfinder—Fayne's close friend and a former professional player. Could he have been involved in Fayne's rapid climb? Sable logged into the League client and decided to do a little investigating.
Pulling up Fayne's match history, she skimmed through her games, looking for patterns. Then it caught her eye: a custom game listed among the others. Fayne had been playing against none other than Pathfinder. Sable leaned back in her chair, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Well, that explains a lot," she muttered to herself. No wonder Fayne's skills had developed so quickly—she was being mentored by a pro. It was a lucky break, honestly, to have someone of Milo's caliber offering guidance. Not everyone had access to that kind of expertise.
Still, the discovery only added to Sable's admiration. Fayne might have had a great mentor, but her natural aptitude for the game was undeniable. Sable made a mental note to challenge her sometime soon. After all, if Fayne was progressing this fast, Sable wanted to see firsthand just how far her skills had come.
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One day at school, Sable casually brought up the idea, leaning against Fayne's locker during a break. "So," she began with a smirk, "how would you feel about a little custom game? Just you and me—1v1. Let's see what you've got."
Fayne blinked in surprise, caught off guard. "You want to 1v1 me? Are you serious?"
"Completely," Sable replied, her tone teasing yet inviting. "I've been curious about your skills. You've climbed fast for someone who's only been playing for a few months. I want to see what you're made of."
Fayne hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright. You're on."
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Sable had been unsure whether to mention her prior conversation with Milo—Pathfinder. After all, Fayne likely had no idea that the two had interacted, let alone that Milo had reached out to Sable out of concern for Fayne. It didn't seem necessary to bring it up now, so she kept it to herself.
Instead, Sable focused on the challenge. She couldn't play her main champion—that would be way too unfair. She needed to approach this on equal footing, and to do that, she decided to match Fayne's role. A support main, huh? That honestly suited Fayne, both in-game and in real life. Her champion pool leaned heavily toward enchantresses like Seraphine, Janna, Soraka, and even Sona.
Sable mulled over her options. Karma seemed like a solid pick. Her poke, shielding, and root potential were strong, and it fit Sable's comfort with champions who needed precise positioning. Alternatively, Nami crossed her mind with her versatile kit of slows, heals, damage boost, and a tide-turning ultimate. After some thought, she settled on Karma—aggressive enough to challenge Fayne, but not so overwhelming that it felt like an impossible fight.
When the match started, Sable was immediately impressed by Fayne's gameplay. Her movements were deliberate, her wave management was on point, and her positioning reflected a strong understanding of the role. Even though Fayne was primarily a support player and wasn't used to being the one responsible for last-hitting minions, she handled it surprisingly well. Sure, she missed a few here and there—understandable, given her limited experience in roles that required farming—but her consistency was commendable. Milo's coaching was evident, and Fayne's confidence shone through in how she approached the lane.
It was clear she had been paying attention to the nuances of the game, and while there were still areas for improvement, her efforts were impressive for someone who had only been playing for a few months. Sable couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration. Fayne wasn't just competent—she was determined.
Still, Sable's experience gave her the upper hand. She strategically poked Fayne, forcing her to stay on her toes, and carefully baited her into unfavorable trades. Timing her Inner Flame with perfect precision, Sable chipped away at Fayne's health until she saw her chance. A well-timed Focused Resolve caught Fayne just out of position, rooting her before she could escape. Forced to burn her Flash, Fayne barely managed to retreat to safety.
"Not bad," Sable said into the mic, her tone playful. "You clearly have pontential, Blossomwisp. But I'm not done yet."
Despite Fayne's significant improvement, Sable ultimately outmaneuvered her, landing a decisive blow to secure first blood. The screen flashed: AkarisLite has slain Blossomwisp.
Fayne groaned but couldn't help laughing. "Okay, okay—you win this round. But I'm not giving up that easily."
Sable grinned. "Good. I wouldn't have it any other way."
It wasn't just about the game—it was the connection they were building, one match at a time. For Sable, this wasn't just a test of skill—it was a step toward understanding each other on a deeper level.
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Fayne hadn't realized it at first, but when the topic came up, it hit her like a ton of bricks. The invite from TimeWrapped had initially seemed casual enough, and Sable didn't hesitate to explain that it was Raxian. She casually mentioned that they had been playing together for quite some time now.
Oh... Fayne thought, a realization dawning on her. It all started to make sense. Especially after she decided to dig a little deeper, scrolling through Raxian's match history. That's when she spotted it—the match against AkarisLite. The dates lined up perfectly with the time when Raxian had first started acting off. Fayne double-checked, her stomach twisting as she pieced it together.
In that game, Raxian's Ekko had suffered a brutal defeat against Sable's Yasuo, who had completely dominated the match, stomping his team with ease. So that was it. That loss must have shaken him.
Now that she thought about it... Raxian had changed a little since then, hadn't he? At first, he seemed to spiral, entering a losing streak. But over time, his attitude shifted. He began climbing again, and from what Fayne had seen in his recent matches, he'd become a more composed and thoughtful player. It all pointed to one thing—Sable had humbled him. Somehow, in the wake of that defeat, they had formed a connection. And since then, they'd been playing together consistently.
But that wasn't all. Another name kept appearing alongside theirs in the match history: RazeFlicker. Fayne frowned, trying to place it. It had been a while, but she remembered now. That older guy from the park—the one who had recognized Raxian and seemed to know him well. He'd introduced himself as Raze.
Raze... RazeFlicker... an old gaming buddy of Raxian's. It all started to click into place. The park, the flower shop... and now this. Fayne's mind buzzed with connections she hadn't made before, the web of relationships between them becoming clearer.
So much of what had seemed confusing now made sense. Raxian's evolution as a player, his connection to Sable, even the way he and Raze had seemed to share an unspoken understanding. It was all tied back to League, to this shared history she was only now starting to understand.
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At this point, League seemed like more than just a game. Fayne couldn't help but marvel at how much weight it carried in the lives of those around her. She'd never imagined that a game could foster such significant connections—friendships, rivalries, mentorships. It was as if League wasn't just a game but a gateway to an immersive, entirely different world, one she was only now beginning to explore.
For years, this world had been unknown territory to her, something she'd observed from the outside without ever stepping in. She'd always thought of League as just another game—a pastime, a hobby, something people did to kill time. But now, she was starting to see it differently. Raxian's growth, Sable's competitive streak, Milo's entire career—all of it tied back to this one game.
She couldn't quite wrap her head around it. Raxian, for example, had poured so much of himself into the game, his passion clear in the way he played and talked about it. And Milo? He had taken that passion a step further, turning it into his profession. Coaching, competing, analyzing—he'd built an entire life around it. That was impressive, sure, but it baffled her how anyone could be so invested.
And yet, here she was now, discovering this world for herself. As much as she hesitated to admit it, League was becoming more than just a game for her too. It was a bridge—a way to connect with people, to understand them, and even to better understand herself.
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The progression of Fayne's relationship with Sable—or AkarisLite, as she was known in-game—was a little unclear to Milo. During their weekly coaching session, his curiosity got the better of him. Glancing at Fayne's rank, he decided to peek at her match history.
A custom game? His brow furrowed as he scanned the details. There it was—AkarisLite on the opposite team. Oh... so Fayne had revealed her League venture to Sable? That was... interesting. It seemed like their relationship was moving in a positive direction. Milo felt a genuine sense of happiness for Fayne. The fact that her crush had agreed to remain friends with her? That must've stung, sure, but it was better than losing the connection entirely.
And yet, as he reflected on it, an unexpected feeling surfaced—a faint ache, almost like loneliness. It wasn't jealousy exactly, but something close. He'd always been there for Fayne, hadn't he? Supporting her, coaching her, listening when she needed him. She and her family had always been kind to him, promised to be there for him as much as he had for her. But now... seeing the way Fayne looked up to Sable, the way her affection for her seemed to shine so brightly—it left Milo feeling like he was standing on the sidelines of her life.
Not that he'd ever admit it, but he missed the rare moments when Fayne managed to pull him out of his routines, convincing him to step outside for a change. Those outings, though infrequent, were refreshing. They reminded him of a world outside the confines of his dimly lit apartment and endless screen time. And perhaps he'd come to value those moments, and Fayne's company, more than he'd realized.
As Milo closed the match history tab and leaned back in his chair, a thought crossed his mind. Maybe it wasn't fair to feel this way. Fayne deserved her happiness, and if Sable was a part of that, then good for her. But deep down, a small, quiet part of him wondered... when had he last felt truly connected to someone in the way Fayne seemed to be with Sable?
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One afternoon, Raze invited Raxian and Sable to hang out at the gaming café—a spot he and Raxian frequented. He insisted that Rax bring Sable along, suggesting she'd fit right in with their dynamic and could complete their trio.
"Oh, so I'm not enough for you anymore?" Raxian teased, though his tone carried a hint of something deeper.
"Easy there," Raze shot back with a grin. "You've been all about Sable lately. Figured it wouldn't hurt to include her, seeing as she's practically part of the crew now."
That remark stirred something in Raxian, emotions he wasn't quite sure how to label. Was it pride? Annoyance? Maybe a little jealousy? Regardless, he couldn't argue that Raze's intentions were good. After all, his and Sable's friendship had recently gone through a rough patch, and this seemed like Raze's way of smoothing things over.
When Raxian brought the invitation to Sable, she accepted with a casual, "Sure, why not?" But when he mentioned the time, she hesitated. "Actually, I've got plans with Fayne then... but I can reschedule to a bit later if that works."
Of course, it was Fayne. Raxian couldn't help the brief pang of irritation that flared up, but he quickly pushed it aside. They coordinated a new time, which Raze was fine with, and the plan was set.
When the three finally met up at the café after school, the tension Raxian had been suppressing began to seep through. He seemed more on edge than usual, quieter and less engaged. Raze, ever observant, tried to lighten the mood with his usual banter.
"Yo, Rax," Raze started with a teasing grin as they settled into their stations. "What's with the brooding? Someone camp your lane today, or what?"
Raxian sighed, rolling his eyes. "Nothing's wrong. Just drop it, alright?"
"Sure," Raze said, unconvinced. "Totally fine, got it. I'll just wait until you rage in-game to bring it up again."
Sable, adjusting her headset, glanced at Raxian with mild concern. "You've been like this since we started walking here. If you didn't want to come, you could've just said so."
"I do want to be here," Raxian replied quickly, a little too defensively. "It's just been a long day."
Raze smirked, though his tone softened. "A long day, huh? Alright, I'll let it go. But seriously, loosen up. We're here to have fun, not stress out."
Sable chuckled lightly, leaning back in her chair. "Does he always nag like this?" she asked, glancing at Raxian.
"Only when he's breathing," Raxian muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
Raze grinned. "What can I say? Someone's gotta keep you two in check. Besides, who else is gonna make sure this trio actually works?"
Despite the lingering tension, the trio settled into their usual rhythm, the familiar buzz of the gaming café slowly easing the weight on Raxian's shoulders. For now, at least, the distractions of the day could wait.
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Although, no... he didn't know what to do with this anymore. This gnawing feeling whenever Sable and Fayne spent time together—it was like an itch he couldn't scratch, a constant reminder that he wasn't the center of her attention. It built inside him like a ticking time bomb, and Raxian was terrified that, before he knew it, he'd explode. The thought of reverting to his old, hot-headed self made his stomach churn, but he couldn't deny that the pressure was mounting.
Despite his best efforts to distract himself, nothing seemed to work. He spent more time with his gang, joining them for various activities—whether it was hanging out at the park, grabbing snacks after school, or even playing casual pickup games—but his mind always drifted back to Sable. Grinding League late into the night had provided a temporary sense of accomplishment as he climbed the ranks, but even that wasn't enough to silence the storm inside him.
He couldn't afford to skip school again. His dad's expectations loomed over him like a shadow, and Raxian knew falling behind in his grades would land him in trouble. But none of that seemed to matter when these feelings churned beneath the surface, relentless and raw. It was jealousy—he could admit that much now. As soon as Sable even mentioned Fayne's name, it got to him.
He hated how easily it could set him off. The way Sable spoke about Fayne, her tone light and casual, was enough to make him grit his teeth. It wasn't that he resented Fayne—she was fine, really—but the dynamic between them felt like a constant reminder that Sable's attention wasn't his alone. And that… that was what bothered him the most.
The more he dwelled on it, the more he realized he couldn't just let it fester. But what could he do? Confront Sable? Spill everything that was eating at him? The thought made him cringe. He didn't even know how to put it into words without sounding petty or desperate. And yet, the idea of doing nothing—of letting this jealousy consume him—felt even worse.
For now, all he could do was try to hold it together. But deep down, Raxian knew it was only a matter of time before the dam broke. And when it did, he wasn't sure what the fallout would look like.
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Even their gaming sessions had become less frequent. At first, Raxian hadn't minded when he saw the name Blossomwisp pop up in Sable's match history. He didn't think much of it—after all, Sable had other friends, and it wasn't his place to question who she queued up with. But as the days turned into weeks, the name kept appearing more and more. Not just in custom games, but in duo drafts, ARAMs, and even in event game modes. It was as if Blossomwisp had become her new go-to partner.
It didn't take Raxian long to piece things together. Blossomwisp was Fayne. Of course, it was Fayne. The realization didn't hit him immediately, but once it did, everything clicked. Not only was Fayne becoming a bigger part of Sable's real-life circle, but now she was invading their online space too. The place where he'd first found common ground with Sable. The place where he thought they'd formed something unique. And now? It felt like he was being edged out of it.
"Replaced, huh?" he muttered to himself one night, staring at his screen. Sable had told him he wasn't, that nothing could replace their connection. But how could he not feel it? He clicked through her recent matches. Game after game, there was Blossomwisp's name. Sure, he could queue up with his own friends, his gang, even Raze—but it wasn't the same. It didn't feel the same.
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Milo had noticed the shift too. Sable—or AkarisLite, as he still thought of her—had been spending less time with TimeWrapped and RazeFlicker. Her games were filled with someone new: Blossomwisp. Fayne. Milo wasn't sure how to feel about it. On one hand, it was good to see Fayne finding common ground with Sable. Their friendship seemed to be flourishing, and for Fayne, who'd always seemed so unsure of herself, it was a step in the right direction.
But on the other hand, Milo couldn't ignore the pattern. He pulled up Sable's match history late one evening, scrolling through the pages of games. Duo drafts, custom matches, even long ARAM sessions. Fayne and Sable had been spending hours together, both online and offline. Milo sighed, leaning back in his chair. He couldn't quite put a finger on why it bothered him. Maybe it was seeing Fayne grow so attached to someone who wasn't him. Someone who hadn't been there for her in the way he had.
He wondered how TimeWrapped and RazeFlicker felt about all this. Milo didn't know the depth of their relationships with Sable—or AkarisLite—but it was clear they'd been playing together frequently. Now that Sable seemed to have shifted her focus toward someone else, Milo couldn't help but wonder if it bothered them. It wasn't his place to interfere; that much he knew. He'd never been the type to meddle, preferring to let people sort things out on their own.
And yet, curiosity—or perhaps something deeper—compelled him to act. Before he could second-guess himself, he sent a friend request to TimeWrapped.
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When Raxian saw the notification from a player named PathFinder, his brow furrowed. Who was this? The name didn't ring a bell. At first, he considered ignoring it, but something about it nagged at him. After a moment of hesitation, he accepted the request, figuring it couldn't hurt to see what this was about.
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On the other end, Milo hesitated before opening the chat window. This was so unlike him. He wasn't the type to get involved in other people's business, let alone reach out to someone he barely knew. But just as he'd stepped in for Fayne when things between her and Sable had grown tense, here he was again, compelled to act. There was something about Fayne that pulled him into situations he normally avoided. Her vulnerability, her determination—it made him care more than he expected.
The fact that she had this kind of effect on him? He wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it. Maybe he just... cared too much.
With a steadying breath, Milo opened the chat window and started typing.
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PathFinder:
Hey, TimeWrapped. I know me adding you out of the blue like this might seem a little odd, but there's something I'd like to discuss with you. First off, congrats on hitting Master. That's no small feat. I've been keeping an eye on your progression—it's been remarkable, especially considering how long you were stuck in Emerald. Quite the jump, huh?
I can't help but wonder... what sparked this change? What motivated you to improve so much? Maybe... a certain someone's influence?
Let me get straight to the point. I've noticed you've been playing with AkarisLite and her old teammates, IronVanguard and GrimPath, along with RazeFlicker. That's a pretty solid group to have on your side. Playing with players like them must've done wonders for your game. But lately, I've noticed something else—your sessions with them have dropped off. You're not queuing up together nearly as much anymore.
I couldn't help but wonder... why? What happened? Your climb was steady, and now it seems to have stalled. Did something change?
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Raxian stared at the screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. Who was this PathFinder? And how in the world did he know so much?
He hesitated, debating whether to answer or block the guy altogether. But curiosity—or maybe frustration—got the better of him. He started typing.
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TimeWrapped:
Who are you? And how do you know so much about me, AkarisLite, and... everything else?
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PathFinder:
Makes sense you'd be suspicious. I'd probably feel the same way if I was in your shoes. Let's just say I've been around the scene long enough to connect a few dots. The name's Milo—PathFinder in-game. League coach, retired pro, and someone who's taken a... particular interest in this little dynamic.
And before you ask, I'm not here to mess with you. I'm just trying to get a clearer picture of what's been going on lately.
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Raxian leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen. Could he really trust this Milo? A League veteran, a self-proclaimed coach... was this guy for real? If League was truly his job, it made sense that he'd keep tabs on the community and its rising stars. And sure, hitting Master was a big deal, but was it enough to catch the attention of someone like him? Should Raxian feel honored or wary? The memory of Fayne mentioning Milo's name years ago tugged at the back of his mind, like a half-forgotten melody.
When they were kids, Raxian and Fayne's families had set up playdates, eager for their children to bond. He remembered how those afternoons played out: Fayne, quiet and composed, often lost in a book or sketching in a notebook, while Raxian buzzed with restless energy. He'd pull out his laptop, determined to grind another set of League games, perched at her desk while she sat cross-legged on her bed. Two worlds in one room—Fayne's peaceful introspection and Raxian's chaotic drive for validation.
Fayne had been such a neat and polished little kid, the kind who never caused trouble. She was obedient, polite, and always seemed to carry the weight of wanting to make her parents proud. Meanwhile, Raxian... well, he was the opposite. Loud, reckless, constantly getting into trouble. He craved attention, and when he didn't get it, he'd find ways to create chaos until someone noticed.
Back then, his dad had been around more—physically, at least. But emotionally? Nothing had changed. His dad was as distant then as he was now, leaving Raxian to fill the void with his antics. Fayne had seemed so... put together, a stark contrast to his constant turbulence. Yet even she had her secrets, didn't she?
Milo. That name had come up once, whispered when Fayne thought Raxian wasn't listening. Who had he been to her? A friend? A distant relative? It had always struck him as strange that she never brought it up again, especially once Raxian's obsession with League became apparent. Had she been hiding him? Protecting him? Or maybe she'd just written Raxian off as too immature to understand.
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Raxian sighed, shaking off the memories. He didn't want to go down that rabbit hole—not now. Instead, he turned his attention back to the chat window. He wasn't sure where this conversation with Milo would lead, but curiosity—or maybe the hope of finding some answers—kept him from closing it.
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TimeWrapped:
Alright, PathFinder. You've got my attention. What do you want to know?
PathFinder:
Nothing crazy, I promise. Just trying to understand the dynamic between you, AkarisLite, RazeFlicker and BlossomWisp. I've been keeping an eye on things, and it feels like there's more going on than just a couple League matches. Call it curiosity... or concern.
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If PathFinder—or Milo, as he claimed to be—really was telling the truth, how much did he actually know? If he was aware of Fayne's account, BlossomWisp, could Fayne have revealed Sable's identity to him as well? Did he know that AkarisLite was Sable? The rumors that had circulated around school when Sable first transferred started to resurface in Raxian's mind. Back then, he had brushed them off as just idle chatter, but now... maybe there was some truth to them.
Was AkarisLite—or Sable—a bigger deal in the League community than he had realized? She had never revealed her main account to him, and its rank remained a mystery. The more Raxian thought about it, the more he couldn't shake the feeling that Milo knew more than he was letting on.
Maybe it was time to seek some answers himself. Taking a deep breath, Raxian opened the chat window and began typing.
TimeWrapped:
Hey, PathFinder. Since you seem so invested in rumors and all the activity in the League community, how much do you know about AkarisLite, exactly?
His finger hovered over the enter key for a moment before he pressed it.
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Milo stared at the message for a moment, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. The question didn't surprise him—it was inevitable, really. TimeWrapped seemed sharp, and he'd clearly been piecing things together. Still, Milo had to tread carefully here. He didn't want to betray anyone's trust, least of all AkarisLite's—Sable's—and Fayne's.
PathFinder:
More than most, I'd say. AkarisLite's been on my radar for a while. She's... well, let's just say she left quite an impression when she first entered the competitive scene. But you probably already know that much, considering how close you two are.
Raxian's eyes narrowed as he read the response. Milo wasn't giving much away, but he could sense there was more beneath the surface.
TimeWrapped:
Yeah, I've figured out she's got a history. What I'm asking is, how deep does it go? I mean, when she transferred to our school, there were these rumors... and now I'm starting to think they weren't just rumors. Is she, like, a big deal or something?
Milo leaned back in his chair, considering his reply. He didn't want to overwhelm TimeWrapped with too much information, but he also couldn't outright deny Sable's reputation.
PathFinder:
Let's just say that AkarisLite isn't your average player. Back when she competed in the Celestia Circuit, she was one of the youngest to ever make waves on a stage that big. Her mechanics were insane, her decision-making sharp. People noticed her right away. And yeah, there were rumors about her identity, but her team did a good job keeping things under wraps. Not many know who she really is, even now.
Raxian stared at the screen, his mind racing. Sable had been that good? The more he thought about it, the more things started to make sense. Her skill, her confidence, the way she carried herself—it all aligned with what Milo was saying. But something still didn't sit right with him.
TimeWrapped:
If she's such a big deal, why hasn't she told me about it? We're supposed to be friends, but it feels like she's keeping me in the dark.
Milo smirked faintly at the response. He could see where TimeWrapped was coming from, but he also understood Sable's perspective.
PathFinder:
Maybe she's just trying to live a normal life for once. When you've been in the spotlight like she has, stepping away can feel... freeing. It's not about keeping you in the dark, TimeWrapped. It's about finding balance. Give her some time. If she trusts you, she'll open up.
Raxian leaned back in his chair, conflicted. Was Milo right? Could Sable just be trying to keep things simple? Or was there something deeper she wasn't ready to share? One thing was certain—he wasn't going to get the full story from Milo. If he wanted answers, he'd have to get them from Sable herself.
PathFinder:
Onto the original topic. TimeWrapped, what's been going on between you, AkarisLite, and BlossomWisp lately?
Raxian frowned at the message. Why did Milo seem so concerned? What was his angle here? How close was he to Fayne—BlossomWisp—anyway? It seemed like they were closer than Raxian had initially thought.
TimeWrapped:
Before I answer your question, how about you answer mine first? How close are you and BlossomWisp—or should I say, Fayne—exactly?
Raxian hit enter, leaning back in his chair as he waited for a response. If Milo was going to pry into his connections, Raxian figured it was only fair to turn the tables. The name "Fayne" felt foreign in this conversation, like it didn't belong in the world of summoners and champions. And yet, here they were, two people tangled in the same web, connected through her.
He stared at the chat window, the cursor blinking in rhythm with his impatience. Why did this whole situation feel so unnecessarily complicated?
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So, TimeWrapped had figured it out, huh? Fayne's summoner identity was no longer a mystery. That realization sparked curiosity in Milo. Just how close were TimeWrapped and Fayne? She'd never mentioned anyone by that name before. Then again, Fayne wasn't exactly forthcoming about her gaming life.
Considering Fayne's growing bond with Sable—or AkarisLite, as Milo knew her—and TimeWrapped's evident closeness to her, the connections between these three seemed more intricate than he had realized. It was clear that TimeWrapped and AkarisLite had been spending significant time together, at least until Fayne—or BlossomWisp—entered the picture. Milo couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts. AkarisLite had started playing less frequently with TimeWrapped, her focus drifting toward Fayne. Could TimeWrapped be feeling left out too?
The realization urged Milo to bridge the gap. If TimeWrapped was experiencing the same pangs of jealousy and confusion he was, then maybe they weren't so different after all. With a slight hesitation, Milo decided to spill the beans. The truth of his connection to Fayne wasn't something he often shared, but TimeWrapped deserved context.
Their childhood... Milo smiled faintly as the memories surfaced. Those playdates hadn't just been a mundane part of his life; they'd been his sanctuary.
Milo had always had a rocky relationship with his parents, who disapproved of his growing passion for League. When he first started playing, it was on a beat-up laptop with dismal FPS. His sister was the exception—she secretly supported his interest, buying him gaming equipment whenever she could. But when she moved abroad to pursue a career in game development, things spiraled. His parents discovered the stash of gear his sister had provided, and the fallout had been severe.
At the time, Fayne's parents had been close friends with Milo's. Visits were frequent, but Milo, ever the introvert, hadn't been keen on socializing. His world revolved around League. Fayne, though, had been persistent in her quiet way. At first, she simply shared the space with him while he gamed, asking occasional questions. Slowly, her presence became something Milo grew accustomed to, and eventually, they struck up a dynamic that could only be called friendship.
Fayne's parents had noticed Milo's struggles at home. While his family wasn't abusive, the criticism he endured at their hands had been relentless. They had started inviting him over more often, creating a safe haven where he felt understood. When Milo became old enough to travel alone, he began visiting Fayne's family as much as he dared. They became his lifeline during those turbulent years.
Milo's intelligence had never been in question—his grades were stellar, and his teachers often praised his potential. But his disinterest in academics had been a point of contention. His headmaster had even encouraged him to apply himself more, saying he had the potential to open countless doors for his future. Milo, however, had no interest in that future. His heart was set on League.
At just 13, Milo made the bold decision to leave home. His parents scoffed at the idea, predicting failure. But with his sister's help and her network of connections, he managed to secure a one-room apartment at a discounted rate. His sister signed the lease on his behalf, even flying back during a school break to make it official.
Against all odds, Milo built a life for himself. He turned his passion for League into a profession, first as a player and then as a coach. His journey wasn't without its challenges, but he proved his parents wrong, surviving—and thriving—on his own terms.
As Raxian read the next message from PathFinder, the pieces began falling into place.
PathFinder: We've known each other since childhood.
TimeWrapped stared at the words, his mind racing. Childhood? So, this truly was the "Milo" Fayne had been mentioning, even back then?
TimeWrapped: So, since you know Fayne, and since you seem a little TOO invested in AkarisLite than necessary... do you know AkarisLite's real identity as well? Did Fayne tell you?
Raxian hit send and leaned back, staring at the screen. He didn't know what he expected from PathFinder, but something about this entire situation didn't sit right with him. Milo seemed to know too much—not just about Fayne, but about AkarisLite as well. Was it all just a coincidence? Or was Milo more deeply intertwined in this web than he was letting on?
A notification popped up almost immediately.
PathFinder: Invested, huh? Interesting choice of words, TimeWrapped. But to answer your question... No, Fayne didn't tell me who AkarisLite is. I figured that out on my own.
Raxian narrowed his eyes, typing quickly.
TimeWrapped: You "figured it out"? How?
PathFinder: Let's just say I've been around the League scene long enough to recognize a standout player when I see one. AkarisLite's gameplay? Too distinctive to miss. The rumors about her being tied to competitive play? Those just confirmed my suspicions. I know who she is, but it's not my place to reveal that.
Raxian's heart skipped a beat. So Milo did know Sable's real identity. Of course, he wouldn't just spill the beans, not with his supposed "ethical stance." But it still left Raxian in an uncomfortable position. If PathFinder knew, then what stopped him from leveraging that knowledge? Worse yet, what if Fayne somehow found out?
TimeWrapped: Right. And I'm just supposed to trust you on this?
PathFinder: Trust me or don't, that's up to you. But here's the thing, TimeWrapped—I know you care about AkarisLite, and I know Fayne does too. Whatever's going on between the three of you, it's clearly messing with your head. So instead of grilling me, maybe focus on figuring out your own feelings first.
Raxian clenched his jaw. This guy had no business psychoanalyzing him. And yet... he wasn't entirely wrong. Still, the idea that Milo was casually holding onto information about Sable's identity didn't sit well.
TimeWrapped: Fine. Keep your secrets. But don't think for a second I'm going to let you meddle in this.
PathFinder: Meddling? Oh, please. If I wanted to meddle, I'd have done it by now. Good luck, TimeWrapped. You'll need it.
The conversation ended abruptly, leaving Raxian staring at the chat window. His grip on his mouse tightened as his thoughts spiraled. Milo knew too much—and now, he had even more questions.