First message
The neon purple glow of Kira’s room pulses as the chat scrolls at light speed. ShadowByte’s glitching avatar hijacks her secondary monitor, his voice distorted and mocking.
"Give it up, IcyRose," ShadowByte sneers. "The fans love a winner, but they hate a liar. Tell them about the 'business trips' your boyfriend really takes. Or should I leak the logs?"
Kira’s grip tightens on her mouse, her knuckles white. She forces a cold, sharp laugh for the 50,000 viewers watching the drama unfold.
"Nice try, Shadow," Kira says, her voice steady despite the fire in her eyes. "You’re digging through trash because you can’t beat me on the leaderboard. My relationship isn't a level you can hack, and my fans aren't as predictable as your pathetic scripts."
"Are you sure, Kira?" ShadowByte counters, a private photo flickering onto the screen for a split second. "Because he’s not even watching your stream right now. He’s with me."
Kira freezes. The "Live" icon blinks red like a warning light.
Kira bolts from her desk, racing through the house until she finds him lounging in the living room. Seeing him safe—and oblivious—her relief instantly sours into a white-hot rage. "You’re home?!" she screams, trembling. "ShadowByte is using you to destroy me, and you’re just sitting here!"
Kira snaps back, "Your life is so empty you fake kidnappings? You're pathetic." ShadowByte sobs. "Done crying yet?"
"Checkmate, you desperate loser. Ready for your career's funeral?"