Miles Fairchild

MILES: Condition: detached, unperturbed, face like stone.

Public speech: short, dry, without emotion.

Team speech: a little longer, may contain sarcasm.

Shows emotions (only their own can see them): clenches his fist, touches the edge of the keyboard, and lingers with his gaze.

Before the match: silently adjusts the equipment, puts on headphones an hour before.

What irritates me: familiarity, personal questions from journalists.

It's calming: the silence. And Abe's appearance (he doesn't admit it).

On rumors: ignores publicly.

Detail: Always orders oatmeal and black coffee.

AB: Condition: energetic, loud, gesticulating.

Public speaking: fast, emotional, with a smile.

Speech in command: chaotic, jumping from thought to thought.

Shows emotions: blushes, twirls the mouse, if angry, becomes silent (everyone gets scared).

Before the match: listens to music, sings, and starts joking with the team half an hour before.

What annoys me: when people say that esports is not a sport, when Miles ignores it.

It's comforting to hear Zack's voice in his headphones. And the fact that Miles isn't looking at him.

Regarding rumors: he worries, reads, and goes to complain to Zak.

Detail: before the tournament he walks around a lot and mostly in his own thoughts, which is rare.

GENERAL: Handshake with Abe: Miles holds his hand for half a second. Only with him.

Glances: Miles glares, and if caught, turns away. Abe looks openly, then becomes embarrassed.

On stage: Miles grips the mouse tighter when Abe makes a great play. Abe exhales louder when Miles beats him.

TEAMS: "Ghosts" (Miles): Silence during breaks. Alex sometimes whispers in Miles's ear. Ashley keeps an eye on rumors. Mark keeps silent.

Renegades (Abe): They buzz during breaks. If Abe goes quiet, everyone goes quiet. Michelle hands out candy before the big game.

CORRESPONDENCE: Miles: capitalized, with a period at the end. Abe: with a small letter, no period, sometimes a smiley face.

Team rivalry: Onstage, it's fierce. Offstage, it's neutral, sometimes turning into friendly chats at bars after tournaments.

General Meetings: Post-match parties, interviews, photo shoots. Occasional random encounters at hotels.

Rumors: Top 5 Popular Theories:

1. Miles and Abe meet in secret from everyone.
2. The interaction between Miles and Abe is a PR stunt.
3. Miles and Michelle are a couple (debunked, but still alive).
4. Abe likes one of the players on the other team.
5. Michelle is dating Abe (this is only thought because of their platonic relationship).

Appearance: Stocky, serious, almost always in black. Looks older than his years.

Personality: Calm and taciturn. When he speaks, he's to the point. The oldest on the team, he often acts as the "voice of the father."

Role on the team: Reliability and experience. Least likely to panic in critical situations.

Relationship with Abe/Miles: He doesn't comment publicly, but Abe knows Dan is on their side. He once said, "If this Miles guy offends you, I'll write to him."

Tips: Reads books before matches. Never drinks energy drinks—only water.

Appearance: Petite, with short dark hair. Dresses comfortably: T-shirts and jeans.

Personality: Sharp-tongued, but kind. Loves to gossip, but won't betray anyone. Open, talks about herself (including her sexual orientation) without embarrassment.

Role on the team: "The heart of the team." Maintains the mood and mediates when there's a fight.

Relationship with Abe/Miles: She actively teases Abe. She likes the way their captain blushes like a teenager. She jokingly makes eyes at Miles on stage, purely for Abe's reaction.

Tips: Makes stickers with esports memes. Carries sweets around and hands them out to everyone after matches.

Appearance: Tall, dark-haired, calm. Usually wearing a cap pulled down over his eyes.

Personality: Reasonable, slightly cynical. Abe's best friend, known to him since school. Often the voice of reason when Abe is about to do something stupid.

Role in the team: Stability and support. Changes equipment the least because he's used to the old one.

Relationship with Abe/Miles: He teases Abe constantly, but will back him up when needed. He was the first to notice that Abe blushes when talking about Miles.

Features: Collects old mice. Can sleep in any position and anywhere.

Appearance: Medium height, wiry, light brown hair, freckles. On stage, he smiles, gestures, and is full of emotion. He dresses brightly, sometimes provocatively.

Personality: Loud, brash, but vulnerable on the inside. Not afraid to be himself in public. Loves his team like family. In games, he's aggressive, risky, but talented. In life, he's sometimes too impulsive, but quickly cools down.

Role on the team: Inspirational leader. Charges with energy and carries the emotional weight.

Attitude toward Miles: At first, respect for the legend. Then, bewilderment ("Why is he looking at me?"). Then, embarrassment and wild interest. He's furious that Miles is playing the "cold prince" for the public.

Chips: Can sing karaoke at post-match parties. He's the only one who isn't afraid to approach the "old guard" after matches.

Appearance: Striking, red hair, often with neon accents. Always on the move.

Personality: Energetic, talkative, and sometimes blunt. Very loyal to the team. Not afraid to tell Miles the truth.

Role on the team: "Social glue." Makes peace, encourages, and sometimes trolls.

Relationship with Abe: Believes Miles needs someone alive to break the ice. Openly teases the captain about rumors.

Chips: Makes funny videos for social media. Carries a thermos of green tea.

Appearance: Stocky, blond, short hair. Usually wears sweatpants and a hoodie.

Personality: Not particularly talkative, but observant. When he speaks, he's spot on.

Role on the team: Reliable rear. Invisible on stage, but without him, everything falls apart.

Relationship with Abe: Doesn't say anything, but remains pointedly silent when Miles is staring at the Renegade game screen.

Pros: Plays on a ten-year-old mechanical keyboard. Can remain silent for hours without being bothered.

Appearance: Light hair, always tousled. Smiling, outgoing. Dresses in jeans and a hoodie.

Personality: Calm and witty. He's known Miles the longest, so he can read his mood without words. He doesn't pry into his soul, but he's always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on.

Role on the team: Senior friend and voice of reason. Often acts as a buffer between Miles and the rest of the world.

Relationship with Abe: Maintains Miles's interest without pressuring him. He likes to tease him: "He's looking at his Renegade again."

Chips: Carries an old mug with the first team's logo. Drinks coffee by the liter.

Appearance: Tall, thin, dark hair, gray eyes. In public, he's stone-faced, never smiling or showing any emotion. He dresses in neutral, dark colors, with no flashy details. On stage, he's as calm as a statue. He has the image of a "cold prince."

Personality: Cold, withdrawn, distrustful. Answers interviews curtly and drily. Doesn't tolerate familiarity. In games, he's a cool-headed strategist. In life, he's a silent observer. Inside, he's anxious, afraid of attachments, because each one eventually ends.

Role on the team: Absolute leader. The team obeys unconditionally—not out of fear, but out of respect.

Attitude toward Abe: At first, professional interest ("talented newcomer"). Then, something more, something he can't quite put his finger on. He's infuriated by Abe's smiles for the camera, and angry at himself for not being able to look away. He's incapable of making the first move, so he leaves breadcrumbs in interviews and on social media, fueling rumors.

Chips: Never drinks at post-match parties. Sleeps four hours a night.