The Next Big Thing

David adjusted his headset as he navigated through the Fortnite lobby, the sleek black-and-red armor of his avatar gleaming under the digital sun. He barely had time to strategize before a player in a Spider-Man skin danced in front of him, taunting him with perfect timing.

"Get away from me!" David muttered, trying to aim his weapon. He fired wildly, missing every shot as the Spider-Man-clad player effortlessly dodged his attacks.

A voice, soft yet teasing, crackled through his headphones. "So, you're a guy?"

David hesitated, lowering his controller. "Uh, yeah. Why?"

The player burst out laughing. "Why are you running around with a female skin then? Are you channeling your inner queen or something?"

David groaned. "Hey, I didn't pick her for that. She looks badass, okay?"

"Sure, whatever you say." The teasing tone in her voice was impossible to ignore.

David gritted his teeth and charged forward, attempting another attack. "Laugh it up. Let's see how you handle this!"

The girl giggled as she sidestepped his clumsy assault with ease. "Is that the best you've got, 'The GOAT'? More like 'The Noob.' You should've chosen a goat avatar instead of pretending to be a warrior."

David groaned in frustration, his avatar flailing as the Spider-Man player twirled around him. After several more failed attempts, he finally dropped his weapon and sighed. "Okay, okay, you win. I give up."

"Aw, don't be like that," she said, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "I'll tell you what—stick with me, and I'll make sure you don't get wiped out in the first five seconds of every match."

Reluctantly, David nodded. "Fine. What's your username, anyway?"

"It's NotZoeyBlack."

"NotZoeyBlack?" David raised an eyebrow. "What kind of name is that?"

She snorted. "Says the guy who named himself 'The GOAT.' You're a total noob. What exactly are you the greatest at? Dying in style?"

David couldn't help but chuckle despite himself. "Alright, alright, point taken. Now, can we focus on the game instead of roasting me?"

The two continued playing, with NotZoey leading the way. David quickly realized she was on a completely different level. She showed him how to build walls, ramps, and platforms in rapid succession, and her aim was flawless. Meanwhile, David struggled to keep up, often fumbling with the controls or walking straight into traps.

"You're hopeless," she teased after reviving him for the third time.

"Yeah, well, not everyone can be a pro like you," David shot back, though his tone was lighthearted.

After another round of near-disaster, David finally sighed. "Alright, I admit it. You're clearly better than me. Will you just teach me already?"

"What happened to your pride?" she asked, her voice full of amusement.

"Pride doesn't help when I'm getting eliminated every two seconds," David admitted. "Come on, what's the harm in teaching me?"

NotZoey laughed. "Fine, but only because watching you fail is starting to hurt my soul."

She guided him through the basics, patiently explaining strategies and techniques while they played. Slowly but surely, David began to improve. By the time they finished their last match, he managed to secure a few eliminations on his own, though NotZoey still did most of the heavy lifting.

"Not bad," she said, her tone approving. "You might actually make it past the first ten players someday."

David smirked. "Don't push it."

Glancing at the clock, he realized how late it had gotten. "I should probably go to bed. I have training tomorrow."

"Training?" NotZoey echoed. "What are you, an athlete or something?"

David grinned, his voice deliberately vague. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Before she could press further, he exited the game, cutting their conversation short. As the screen faded to the lobby, a notification popped up.

NotZoeyBlack has sent you a friend request.

David stared at the request for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. With a shrug, he accepted it before turning off the console.

As he lay in bed, the day's events played through his mind. From the unexpected autograph session at the park to his hilariously disastrous yet fun introduction to Fortnite, it had been a day full of surprises. He chuckled softly as he closed his eyes, feeling a rare sense of contentment.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he let sleep take over.