Poker Night!

I poked my head into the living room where Dad was sprawled on the couch, eyes glued to the TV.

“Yo, I’m heading out for Poker Night at Sai’s. Might be back super late.”

Dad glanced over, half his attention still on the highlights. Portugal was up against Croatia in the World Cup match, the commentators going wild over Croatia's second goal.

“Poker Night? Nice. Don’t lose the house, champ,” he said with a lazy grin. “And don’t stay up too late. Or do. You’re eighteen, just don't get hurt. Good luck fleecing your friends.”

I chuckled. “Thanks, Dad. See you tomorrow.”

I grabbed the big bag of Doritos and a six-pack of Coke Zero, then headed out into the cool evening air. Sai’s place was only about a ten-minute walk away, which was perfect. No awkward bus rides or anything. Just me, my snacks, and a head full of plans involving a certain black-haired cutie.

I knocked on the door and Sai opened it almost immediately, the familiar smell of pizza and energy drinks wafting out.

“Ward! My man,” he greeted, stepping aside. “Come on in, bro.”

I stepped inside, dropping the Doritos and Coke Zero on the snack table with the rest of the haul. Sai and I did our usual handshake — the complicated one we’d perfected in middle school that involved way too many steps — ending with the fist bump and finger snap.

Michael was already parked on the couch, thumbs flying across his phone screen. “Sup, Ward,” he said without looking up. “This new Brawl Stars Nano update is kicking my ass.”

Kaze was sitting cross-legged on the floor near the coffee table, munching on a pack of Japanese biscuits. She waved lazily. “Hey Ward. These are from Hokkaido. Super buttery. Want one?”

I grabbed one and popped it in my mouth. “Damn, these are good. Thanks, Kaze.”

We traded the usual greetings — light roasts, quick updates on school and games. I glanced around the room.

“Where’s Valerie?”

Sai shrugged, grabbing a slice of pizza. “She said she’s almost here. We’ll start once she shows up. No point dealing cards without the full crew.”

A couple minutes later, the doorbell rang. Sai went to open it, and in walked Valerie Wonder.

My soul did that stupid little flip it always did around her. She looked good tonight — really good. Tight black jeans that hugged her hips and ass perfectly, a cropped white hoodie that showed just a sliver of toned midriff, and her long black hair styled in that effortlessly cute way with a few strands falling over her forehead. Cute face, bright eyes, and that signature little smirk.

Aww, didn't take you for a simp.

Shut up, Max.

“Ward! There you are, loser,” she grinned, walking straight over.

We did our own signature handshake — a simpler but still ridiculous one that ended with her punching my shoulder lightly. “Missed your sorry ass in ranked yesterday. You dodging me or what?”

“Never,” I shot back, grinning. “Just been busy carrying my team while you feed. How many times did you go negative last match?”

She laughed and shoved me playfully. “Shut up. I had bad teammates. Next time we duo, I’ll carry you.”

God, she was adorable. And now that I had the power… the possibilities were making my dick twitch already. I could already picture pulling her aside later, saying the command word…

“Alright, retards,” Sai interrupted with a smirk, clapping his hands. “Valerie’s here. Let’s get this Poker Night started before Michael throws another match. Everyone grab seats.”

Valerie rolled her eyes at Sai but shot me one last playful grin as we moved toward the table.

This night was going to be legendary.