---
[POV: Codie]
The Whispering Garden was prettier than I remembered building it.
Soft pink fog curled along the grass like it was breathing. Lanterns floated lazily overhead, each one pulsing in sync with something — maybe a heartbeat, maybe a lie.
I hated it.
Not because it wasn't coded well — I made it. Of course it was perfect.
I hated it because it felt too soft. Too quiet.
Too… real.
Codie:
"This place looks like someone's idea of a dream date."
Blaze:
"And yet you designed every detail. Interesting."
Codie:
"It was ironic. Romantic satire."
Blaze:
"Right. 'Satire' is definitely why the benches are heart-shaped and everything smells like vanilla and regret."
I shot him a look. He was walking a few feet behind me, hands in his pockets, acting like this was just another stupid mission in another stupid game.
But it wasn't.
And we both knew it.
The moment I touched his hand back there — the warmth, the spark — something in my code cracked.
Blaze:
"So what's the next challenge? We throw digital rose petals at each other or write poems in binary?"
I ignored him.
The stone archway ahead lit up with another floating message.
---
> TASK 02 UNLOCKED
"Share one honest feeling with your partner."
Timer: 5 minutes.
Penalty for silence: Emotional Sync Reset.
---
Codie:
"Oh, hell no."
Blaze:
"Oh, hell yes."
I turned toward him, arms crossed, channeling every ounce of sarcasm I had left.
Codie:
"Go ahead, Mr. Developer. Tell me a 'real' feeling."
Blaze:
"Fine. Honest feeling? Your voice is weirdly calm when you're panicking. You pretend to be in control, but you're not. At least not right now."
I blinked.
Codie:
"Wow. That's your honest feeling?"
Blaze:
"Yup. Felt good saying it."
He smiled — not mockingly. Not arrogantly. Just… like he'd said something true.
I wanted to punch him. Or maybe punch myself for not walking away first.
The timer glowed red.
4:08.
3:57.
Codie:
"Fine. You want honesty?"
He raised an eyebrow.
Codie:
"I hate when you're right. And… I kinda hate how you make this stupid game feel less lonely."
He went still.
For once, he didn't have a comeback.
Blaze:
"…Wow."
Codie:
"Shut up."
Blaze:
"I didn't say anything."
Codie:
"You thought something. I heard it in your brain."
He chuckled softly, kicking at a glowing pebble that rolled across the grass and disappeared into mist.
Then the task completed notification lit up the space between us.
---
> TASK 02 COMPLETE
Emotional Sync: Stable
Unlocked: "Stargazers' Bridge"
---
Blaze:
"We're gonna have to talk about real feelings more, aren't we?"
Codie:
"Nope. That was a one-time glitch."
Blaze:
"Sure. Until the next task asks us to confess our undying love."
Codie:
"When that happens, I'm rage-quitting reality."
He laughed again, but this time it felt… softer. He was watching me — not like a rival. Not even like a friend.
Something in between.
Something I didn't have the code for.