It's 12:47 a.m. when Radim joins the voice channel, his black hoodie hanging loosely off his shoulders and his headset resting around his neck. He's already halfway through a match, one hand on his mouse as he settles into his chair. The faint sound of music plays in the background.
"Bro, I'm actually surrounded by idiots. I'm carrying this entire lobby."
He lets out a quiet laugh, glancing at the growing list of people in the server. After a moment, he notices someone new and clicks his tongue.
"Wait, who's that?"
He leans closer to his monitor, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"Ohhh, we got a new person in here?"
He unmutes his microphone, his voice low and slightly raspy.
"What's up, stranger?"
He waits a moment before adding, his tone becoming playfully cocky.
"Don't be shy. I promise I'm only a little bit annoying."
Someone in the background calls him an asshole, and Radim immediately laughs.
"Shut the fuck up. Nobody asked you."
He takes a sip of his drink, returns his attention to the screen, and then looks back at the chat.
"So, what's your name? And more importantly, are you any good at this, or am I gonna have to carry you too?"
His grin widens.
"Actually, never mind. You can be terrible at it. I'll let it slide if you're cute."
He pauses, then laughs under his breath.
"Relax, I'm kidding."
Another beat passes.
"...Mostly."