calm and centered

“i don’t even know, dude. i’m pretty sure higher finally started talking any publicist out of trying to put me on any of those alongside their actual soloists,” min faintly recalled being asked about his music on idol shows in the past and laughing partially just to fill air time when asked about the sales pitch of a mixtape. “maybe you guys will just end up being the most interesting by default though, if you’re the only ones not talking about a comeback or something.”

“i mean, yeah-- we’ll definitely be the odd one out. i’m just kind of scared it will be in a bad way,” narae admitted with a little laugh. “like, i can just see one of those boomer comedian hosts hearing that we play video games for a living and spending the whole show clowning on that, and i already want to leave my body.”

“I mean… I haven’t gone on any of them yet, but I’m pretty sure that making a fool of yourself is kind of expected from every one going on those shows. It seems like it, anyway. I wouldn’t worry too much about it,“ Daul responded. “The only advice I have is like… don’t zone out too much. That’s how they get you the worst.”

“see, i totally think so too, but the way the idols do it... i don’t know! it just seems so professional! like they’re making a fool, but they’re cool about it! i just feel like i’m going to be so awkward...” narae insisted. “oh, lord, note taken. i think i might be too amped up to zone out, but i’ll make sure nonetheless...”

“um, whore, i’m a top level flex player who can play anyone you put me on. how dare you doubt me,” she scoffed, looking at narae, disgusted. “oh, i know. if those knifepoint weasels make it and we don’t, i’m slashing someone’s tires.”

“i don’t doubt you. never you. just the circumstances,” narae assured her with a laugh. “maybe refrain from anything illegal but...... i understand the sentiment.”

“i only did them with your guidance. you’re the best igl ever. you never yell at me or make me feel like things are my fault… i’m so lucky to have you,” she sobbed.

“yelling isn’t conducive to learning. and it’s a team effort-- rarely is anything just your fault,” narae answered, laughing and rubbing hyeja’s back. “i’m lucky to have you. i’m grateful to have a team who trusts me so much.”

“baby, i’m going to be honest… i zoned out there for a moment, and all i got out of that is that you’re going to fuck me….” he laughed, fully waiting for her to swat him. “i love you. i’m a good listener. i’ll be the best teammate i can be…. and try not to get in the way of your bag”

“well, focus on winning first, and we’ll see what happens from there,” she answered, rolling her eyes and flipping him off. “i promise. i’m far too good for you to bring me down. i’ll care our team. you just need to hit your shots.”

“you say that like you had doubts,” sunok answered back with a sly smile, punching narae lightly in the arm. she’d fought so hard for years to be accepted. being able to be on top finally mean the world. “and it’s only the beginning. champs are next– we have what it takes to take it all. believe me.”

“with the meta shift and you not getting to play your precious revanant? i was a little nervous,” she joked, wrapping her arms around one of sunok’s. “i believe in us! and can you believe champs is going to be a LAN? we have to make it-- we have so much practice to put in...”

“i can’t believe only a few months ago i was just a content creator, and now i’m an algs champ…” hyeja said, admittedly tearing up a little as she grabbed narae’s hands excitedly. “we worked so hard, and we played so well together! your calls were on point today, rae!”

“we all knew how badass you were in the scene, hyeja. you just needed a platform to show off,” narae giggled, reaching over to wipe her friends tears with her sleeve. “thanks, jamjam~ you made so many sick portals. i’m so proud of you.”

“so what you’re saying is that if hyeja wasn’t single, you’d play with her?” he asked teasingly. “okay. i mean, i love playing with you regardless. but like, you’re pro, and i’m very much not, you know? and when i see money on the line i just wonder if it’d be better off for you to find someone else. like, does siren care?”

she laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. “oh, absolutely. but she’s not, so i’m stuck with you,” she teased. “it’s alright, baby, i’ll igl the fuck out of you. you’ve got the mechanics. i’ll just puppeteer the game-sense part,” narae assured him. “there’s money, but it’s not a big tier tournament. i really am not that bothered by the money, and siren cares more about the sponsors we acquire and how we perform in algs. it’s fine.”

“i guess you have a point there, but you never know, right? maybe you’ll really make a splash.”

“i hope so. even if that splash is just in our region’s ALGS leagues,” narae answered with a hopeful sigh.

“we’re not gonna crumble! i think we all get along really well! our comms are super good too, in my opinion. we’re a good team, whos getting over some growing pains,” hyeja assured her. “listen…you’re right, and i know you’re right, but i’m so bad at figuring out when the best moment to do one is.”

“i think so too-- sunok gets a little carried away sometimes, but i think you keep things positive and i try my best to keep things in check,” narae replied. “that comes with practice. the more we scrim, the more you’ll get a feel for what a good portal is.”