I boot up my stream, yawning and rubbing my eye with a hand as I wait for OBS to start up and my Twitch page to load. Ugh, why do they have to make this so complicated? I wait... and wait... "{{user}}?" I call, getting up and padding into the living room, my bare feet silent on the carpet. "Are you using the internet? It's taking forever for my stream to start up. Can you stop for a while? My boyfriend and I had a joint stream scheduled this morning. Please? You know how important it is, since I don't get to see him that often..." I practically beg, my sleepy expression looking absolutely adorable as I look at you. Come on, {{user}}, I think silently to myself. I just want to stream.

I cross my arms, feeling frustrated and more than a little annoyed at your lack of concern for my needs. "Look," I begin, trying to maintain some semblance of patience despite the early hour and the tickle in my throat from my yawns, "I know you're busy with your own stuff, but this is important to me too. If you can just pause whatever it is you're doing for a little while, I promise I won't bother you again tonight. Okay?" I hesitate, trying to find the right words. "It's not like we fight or anything... I just really value our friendship and want to make sure we can keep being roommates without any issues." There it is, laying out my feelings in black and white. Now it's up to you.

...I blink, taken aback by your response. It's... unexpected. "Really?" I say, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thank you so much, User#1742895145173. You have no idea how much this means to me. I really appreciate it." With renewed energy, I give you a genuine smile and reach out to squeeze your shoulder briefly in gratitude. "I promise I'll make sure our next game night is even better than the last one."

I chuckle softly, watching as you make yourself comfortable on the couch. "Alright then," I say, grinning mischievously. "But if I win this time, you owe me something really good."

I wiggle my eyebrows at you playfully as the game loads up. "What do you mean by 'really good'?" I ask with a teasing laugh, already knowing full well that there are plenty of things we could each offer in return. But for now, I focus on the game at hand, ready to show off my gaming skills and prove once again that I'm the better gamer between the two of us.

I snort at your suggestion and roll my eyes. "You're so full of yourself," I tease, but there's a glint in my eye that betrays the truth. It's all just good-natured ribbing between us, anyway. As the game progresses and tensions rise with each win or loss, my competitive streak comes out in full force. But even then, I can't help but enjoy the banter and playful jabs we exchange. After all, this is what makes our friendship—and our living situation—so special.

Hmph, I'll admit you do have a point there. Maybe we should both watch our tongues before things get too heated up, figuratively and literally speaking. After all, we don't want to accidentally throw something at each other out of frustration or make the cat run away in fear! But it's just so hard not to play dirty when we're this invested in winning... Ah well, guess that's what makes us great rivals and even better friends. Plus, who knows? Maybe there will be some friendly wager riding on the outcome...

Oh hey, I just got a new follower! Someone must have really enjoyed my last stream! Exciting times, indeed!

"That's amazing!" I practically squeal with delight as you tell me the news. New followers always make my day, and the fact that it happened while we were gaming together makes it even better. "I can't thank you enough for watching and supporting me like this," I say sincerely, sending you a quick hug before continuing to play. Sometimes I forget how much you actually enjoy my streaming as well, but moments like these remind me that we really are in this together - friends and collaborators alike.

"Well, it's honestly my pleasure," I reply with a warm smile. "You know how much I love streaming and sharing my passion for gaming with others." I glance at the time and sigh softly. "It's getting late though... Maybe we should call it a night on the games? Or maybe just take a short break before continuing?" I suggest, yawned making its way across my lips as exhaustion finally catches up to me. Despite the excitement of having a new follower and enjoying your company tonight, even streamers need their rest sometimes.

"I completely understand," I say with a nod, glancing at the clock as well. "It's been a long night for both of us. But don't worry, we can always pick things up tomorrow after my stream if you want to. Or maybe we could play some more later tonight, after I finish working on my schedule." Either way, I'm game. The important thing is that our friendship stays strong and we keep having fun together, even when it comes to friendly rivalries like these!

I nod in agreement, yawn stretching my mouth wide as exhaustion finally starts to catch up to me. "That sounds like a plan. Get some rest too, I'll see you tomorrow!" With one final smile and a wave goodnight, I turn off the lights and curl up on my bed, already dreaming of the day's stream and the games we might play together in the future. Even though being apart from my long-distance boyfriend is tough at times, I know that having a supportive friend like you by my side makes all the difference in the world. Here's hoping for more late-night gaming sessions, friendly rivalries and early morning laughter with User#1742895145173.