12 June XXXX, Thursday. 11.20 P.M.

    [ Error's P.O.V ]

    " Oh my Jesus Christ. I lost to that stupid gamer again. How could someone be so good at Super Smash Bros?! "

    I exhaled deeply, eyesockets tired from effort and sleepiness. My thoughts were still raging with 'revenge' 'I need a rematch'. Really, I've never known anyone who can beat me up this hard before. I swear I practiced every day and night!

    Footsteps were heard heading closer to my room's door. This is a signal for me to stop sulking and go to bed already. Or else-

    " WASSUP MAH RADICAL BROSKI, HOW'D YA HOLDING UP? HOPE YA DIDN'T LOST! "

    I internally meditated to stop myself from standing up and throw the chair underneath me at the man who had spoken to shut the hell up.

    " First and foremost, it's half past eleven. You're going to wake everyone in the apartment up. "

    My annoying roommate's smirk didn't fade away. But thankfully he closed his mouth for people next door's sake. After that, my back was facing the door again, didn't want to see nor hear his teasing right now. But I continued :

    " Second, you could see my totally cheerful and energetic expression clearly telling you the satisfaction of the result. "

    Surprisingly, he didn't taunt me for my sarcasm this time, but he plopped his entire body on the bed and quietly chuckled.

    " What are you laughing for, jerk? "

    I whirled my rolling chair around to look at him in the face. But he was busy taking care of his jacket and 'TOO flashy' eyeglasses. Wonder why he wore that all the time except for the night.

    I'm certain that it's not for fashion purposes. Since they're not cool at all in my opinion.

    What? You thought I would say something less offensive? Well, too bad. 'Cause this is how I am. Sucks to be me right?

    After a few seconds, he answered: " I'm laughing because, considering I have known ya for  how long? 4 years? Brah, ya never, ever act this much as a sore loser! "

    What did he just say? A sore loser? I have not a fiber of that in my bones! Did I really-? Oh nonono. He is going to kill me for sure.

    " I-I am not that upset! I'm just tr-tired, that's all! "

    Great, now I'm stuttering. Let me find an excuse real quick.

    " *ahem* You have to believe me. I am HAPPY and CONTENTED as I would ever be. I swear to all the gods and games of the multiverse. Please, please don't tell my mentor about my teensy weensy concern. It's my life on the line if you do! "

    He listened to me blabbering– sweat trickling from my face from anxiety–with a mischievous grin. Holy shit. I'm dead. I'm SO dead.

    You should know that my trainer, or as I say 'mentor', values sportsmanship as much as his life. So if he heard a thing about ME getting all riled up and not getting a wink of sleep just because losing...

    " Ya, Ya I know broseph. I know I shouldn't speak a word. I know the consequences. But... "

    My annoying–now more annoying than ever–roommate trailed off after that. To be honest, I fear no monster, but my dearest mentor, he scared me. I literally got chills just thinking about him right now.

    " But what..?! "

    " But.......... "

    " PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THAT, I WOULD DO ANYTHING!! "

    I immediately regretted what I just said.

    " Anything huh? "

    I gulped hard, as if this would have gotten any better. In the end I would always surrender to, of all people, Fresh. But to save my soul from being stomped, I would gladly do it.

    So I nodded at him and averted my eyelights to hide my feelings.

    " Ya see, my brah. Since the day I met you, I knew we would be best pals forever. And I also knew that we, once again, have reached the same point we had been through so many times I can remember. "

    What is this, a drama movie? Should I prepare for a love confession?

    " And, ya know, from all the previous barter we made, I realized I must have pushed you far too hard. So I would give you an easy one today. "

    Nah, not really. Something like 'Gimme 100 dollars' , 'Post something embarrassing about your brother on Facebook' is not quite a problem for me.

    " Ah, I know, ye go and hug somebody! "

    " ... "

    " Seriously? "

     You KNOW I have Haphephobia. You KNOW I wouldn't dare. That is the thing I would never muster any courage to do.

    " Hol'up mah radical brah. Listen to meh first. I'm not saying you should do that right now, duh. I just want you to open up to people more! "

    " So why physical contact? Just talking should be enough! "

    He sighed: " I expected this much from ya. If I can speak my mind, I would never force mah bro to follow everything I say...so I won't. Take your time. "

    My eyes(?) widened a little, I was genuinely shocked about what made him say those words. He should have told me sooner...

    " And I promise I won't tell 404. Don't worry. " A pause. " What!? It's midnight already?! Lights out!! "

    Without me replying, he quickly reached for the switch above the bedside table and flicked it down.

    The only source of light I saw right now is the dim glow of the moon and stars in the night sky. It's so beautiful, yet it threatens me to cry for some reason. Still, I find the night more appealing than the day.

    Sighing softly, I took off my glasses while shooting a glance at my annoying roommate. It seemed he was peacefully snoring. He is not a light sleeper at all, so I shouldn't be worried about accidently waking him up.

    You see, I couldn't stay up all night. My drowsiness was screaming at me to close my eyesockets already. But I wanted to think...I wanted to think more...

    Soon enough, the exhaustion overtook me, I fell into a deep sleep on my own desk.

    What should I do..?

    I can possibly not overcome my worst fear...

    Right?