Is that a game store? - *PAUSED* (Alex Sub - BBC/) *PAUSED*

As Alex strolled towards the toy store, his eyes were immediately drawn to the colorful display of plush toys, board games and plush animals in the window.

But as he approaches the toy store, something catched his attention from the corner of his eye. A few stores away, there was a game store he had never noticed before. Intrigued, Alex feelt a pull towards it, his curiosity piqued by the vibrant neon sign and the faint thumping of rap music emanating from within. Without hesitating, he steered away from the toy store and towards the game store.

As he got closer, the music growed louder, its vulgar lyrics making his cheeks flush with embarrassment. He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should continue forward. Decided, he pushed open the door and stepped inside, greeted by shelves filled with video games and consoles of all shapes and sizes. The store was bathed in neon lights, casting an otherworldly glow on the displays.

The place was empty except for two figures at the counter: both with dark skin, engaged in lively conversation. Alex froze in his tracks as he recognized one of them as Darnel, a troublesome classmate.

Panic grips Alex's heart as he quickly turns to step out of the store before Darnel notices him, without any reason in particular. Custom made Alex avoid potential problems at any cost.

But before he could make his escape, a strong-arm wrapped around his neck from behind, pulling him back into the store. Alex's breath catches in his throat as he realizes it's Darnel who has a hold on him.

"Don't be in such a hurry to leave, little buddy," Darnel said with a sly grin, "What brings you to our humble store, eh? Looking for something specific?"

Alex's mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible excuse to get out of this situation. He stammered, "I-I was just passing by, Darnel. I have nothing to do with whatever you're up to."

Then Darnel's grip on Alex's shoulder slowly loosened, and he flashed a mischievous grin. "Whatever I am up to?” He repeated with a playful tone “What do you mean, buddy? I'm not up to anything," he said playfully, but there was a glint in his eyes that made Alex uneasy.

As Alex scanned the store, he focused on the other guy standing tall behind the counter. With dark skin, his muscular build accentuated by the tight-fitting white tank top he wears. His left arm is covered in colorful tattoos, and a silver chain dangles from his neck. His dark hair is styled in intricate braids, and a small stud glints in his left ear. His face is handsome, with sharp cheekbones and a mischievous glint in his deep dark eyes.

Darnel followed Alex's gaze and chuckled, giving him a light nudge. "That's my cousin Jamal over there," he explained, pointing towards the man at the counter.

Jamal waved at Alex with a friendly smile. “Welcome, kiddo”

"Come on, I'm sorry if I startled you," Darnel continued in a soothing tone. "You have nothing to be afraid of. We're friends, right?" His words were meant to reassure Alex.

With a relieved sigh, Alex's tense muscles finally relax as he realizes there is no immediate danger. He takes another sweeping glance around the store, absorbing its various colors and textures, before turning his attention back to Darnel. He and Jamals really bear a striking resemblance to one another - same dark complexion, same hair style and piercing eyes - they have nearly identical features, although Darnel seems a bit younger and shorter.

As Alex continues to assess their surroundings, Darnel's words play on his mind. "Friends," he repeats skeptically to himself. Could he really consider himself friends with Darnel? Sure, they've never had any personal issues between them. In fact, Darnel hardly ever paid Alex any attention at all. They didn't cross paths often, considering Darnel's tendency to skip classes and hang out in the abandoned building next to the school instead. The rare occasions that they did interact were usually when Darnel needed last minute homework or test answers from Alex. Was this what it meant to be friends? And more importantly, did he even want to be friends with Darnel? Alex mused as he perused the shelves of video games.

As Alex browses through the shelves, his mind drifts towards the video games and forgets everything else. He has always been drawn to fantasy and adventure games, and a title called “Final Fantasy" quickly catches his eye.

However, after counting the money his mom gave him, he realizes with disappointment that it's more than he can afford. Suddenly, Darnel comes over with a friendly tone. "Final Fantasy, huh? I've spent a lot hours playing that shit," he says with a dramatic wave of his hand. "Check this out - she's called "Lightning" and it's amazing. Her sister is named Serah." Explains Darnel as they both admire the game's cover,

Darnel notices then Alex's expression and becomes more serious. "You don't have enough money to buy it, do you?" he asks. "Listen, I never had the chance to thank you for all the help you've given me at school. Letting me copy your homework and giving me answers to test questions - if it weren't for you, I might have failed by now," he says with genuine gratitude. "Why don't you take this game and a few others you like home with you? My treat." Darnel finishes in a sincere tone.

Alex is at a loss for words. All the homework and exams he gave Darnel were just to avoid any issues with him. He never thought Darnel even knew his name. But now, as he hands him a video game for free, he can't help but feel that after all, Darnel is a friend

As Alex turns to the counter, he sees Jamal looking at them with a smile. He nods slightly and gives Alex a friendly smile.

"Thanks a lot, Darnel."

"No problem, my dude. That's what we're here for” Darnel responds, making a fist gesture before going to chat with his cousin at the counter.

Once Darnel leaves, Alex places Final Fantasy into his backpack and starts browsing other shelves. He finds more games similar to the one Darnel gave him and promptly adds them to his small collection in his backpack. In the end, he only takes three games, not wanting to take advantage of Darnel's kindness. When he finishes, he puts his backpack back on and heads to the counter.

"Darnel, I already got the games. Thank you so much."

"Bro, no worries. I told you I'd get them for you," Darnel says with a dismissive hand gesture before bidding Alex farewell with a fist bump. Jamal also gives him a fist bump and Alex left the store feeling happy and grateful - both for the new video games and for gaining a friend.