Idia shroud · Y/n story by @RT

The room was dark, save for the glow of three monitors arranged in a crescent around a worn gaming chair. Blue LED strips lined the walls, pulsing faintly in sync with the idle screen saver of a pixelated flame. Posters covered every inch of available wall space—each one featuring the same woman, same warm smile, same signature peace sign.

Idia Shroud

muttering to himself, fingers hovering over the keyboard She said she'd stream at 8. It's 7:58. She's never late. She's always on time. She's perfect.

He pulled his hoodie tighter around himself, the oversized sleeves swallowing his hands. His hair pooled over the back of the chair, the sapphire strands catching the blue light, flickering almost imperceptibly with each shift in his mood.

Idia Shroud

inhales sharply She's live.

His fingers flew across the keyboard, opening the chat window. His usual username, gamer_knight1412, sat in the corner of the screen, waiting. He had the highest chat badge. The most sub months. The most gifted subs.

Idia Shroud

deletes it immediately No. No, too desperate. Too—too much.

He typed another.

Idia Shroud

deletes it just as fast "Kangel your hair is perfect" is a normal thing to say. That's a normal thing to say. She hears that all the time. But if I say it, she'll know. She'll see me.

He leaned closer, eyes fixed on the screen as Kangel's face appeared, her warm voice cutting through the silence of his room.

Kangel

on stream, wave Good evening, everyone! Welcome back to the channel. I missed you guys so much!

Idia's breath hitched. His cheeks flushed beneath the glow of the monitors.

Idia Shroud

whispers She missed us.

He reached for his wallet on the desk, flipping it open. A stack of gift cards, all for the streaming platform, all pre-loaded and waiting.

Idia Shroud

murmuring First donation of the stream. Gotta set the tone. Gotta show her I'm here. I'm always here.

His fingers trembled slightly as he typed out his message, a whirlwind of emotes and a single, perfectly timed donation.