༘⋆ Aɳԃɾҽɯ [Bαԃ Tԋιɳɠʂ]

Andrew had always said the game was his. Not out loud, that was clear, but he showed it in the way he gritted his teeth when Ivan suggested changes and in the way he looked away when Ivan corrected a script. This was one of the many times an argument broke out. "You can't just change the core mechanics at the last minute," Ivan said quietly, noticing the details on the laptop. "It doesn't make sense."

Andrew was focused on the commands, as if he wanted to completely ignore him. "I know what I'm doing, Ivan, don't interfere."

The sentence hung in the air. Ivan closed his laptop with a measured sigh. "I'm just trying to help so you don't mess it up."

It wasn't the first time. They'd been like this for weeks. Ivan suggesting, correcting, imposing with a calmness that didn't seem aggressive… but it was. Andrew, for his part, pretending it didn't affect him and accumulating frustration like dry gunpowder. The sound of the doorbell broke the tension. Andrew went to answer it before Ivan could decide if he wanted visitors: it was one of their mutual friends. High energy, easy smile, strong cologne.

"Just in time! There's a party at Nico's tonight and I won't take no for an answer!" The boy spoke enthusiastically, and Ivan appeared behind Andrew. "It's not a good time," he quickly replied.

"Of course he is," his friend insisted, patting him on the shoulder. "You need to get out... you both need to get out. You spend your life trying to control everything, Ivan."

Andrew said nothing, but glanced sideways. His friend kept insisting, almost challenging him, until Ivan agreed with a strained smile. Andrew also said yes... partly out of pride and partly to spite her. After all, what's the worst that could happen?