Chapter Text
“...In the current speedrunning landscape, there’s no doubt that this generation’s up-and-coming star is pro runner Infume of the prestigious HBG. At the conclusion of the most recent season, he has shattered the previous records by ending our season with a jaw-dropping 2600 elo…”
The hum of the tv droned on in the cafe as Hax tried to remain focused on exam preparations. This is sooooo boring he lamented silently, desperately telling himself that he needed to focus. Across from him, Rowl and Mongey seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil (or perhaps just desensitized).
His final exams were in a week. Outside, the skies were beautifully clear, as they always seemed to be whenever Hax had work to do. There was a certain energy in the air that always came around this time of the year – as if the atmosphere itself was buzzing in anticipation for MCSR playoffs. His heart tightened thinking about it.
To his side, Hax’s drink (long finished now) was collecting condensation in a small pool at the base of the cup. Watching the small droplets roll down the face of the class seemed like a more interesting use of time at this point than the notes in front of him.
The TV segment had swapped to an interview. From his seat, Hax could see the familiar design of Infume’s competition outfit adorning a figure Hax knew all too well. At that very moment, as if he could feel Hax’s gaze, the Infume on screen grinned.
“I’d say I’m pretty locked. I mean obviously I’m going to be nervous when I’m playing, but I think going into playoffs next week, I’m feeling really good.”
“That’s what we like to hear! Now, we obviously won’t know the full lineup yet until LCQs are finished, but is there anyone you’re looking out for in this competition?”
“To be honest, Couriway, I haven’t really given it much thought. I know it doesn’t matter who I play because I’m coming out on top. I’d actually say my sights are more focused on next season.”
“I’m loving the attitude! But I gotta ask - what sparked this confidence? And what’s so special about next season?”
“I mean, as you all know, there’s someone I need to get my revenge on. To me, a season win won’t count as a win until I get to play him, so this season I’m going to show him that MCSR has competition worth coming back to.” Beneath his hood, Infume’s previously cheery expression was now piercing, as if he knew Hax was watching. “I’ll be waiting for our rematch, Hax.”
By now, most of the patrons in the cafe had paused their activities to watch the interview. Rowl and Mongey had caught on to Hax’s distraction and had also turned their attention to the tv screen upon hearing Hax’s name mentioned. At Infume’s uncharacteristically bold declaration, Rowl’s eyebrows slowly crept up his forehead. Mongey’s face was pointedly composed.
Rowl turned back around. “Listen, Hax-”
“I’m so bored! I think it might be time for a mental health walk, watch my stuff guys!” Hax said, standing abruptly and sending his chair shooting back with a shriek. Before waiting for a response for either of his friends, he turned around and all but sprinted out the door.
I’m such a coward, fuck. It had been nearly three months since Hax had announced his departure from speedrunning, to the world’s shock. Things like this shouldn’t have bothered him anymore. He had thought they no longer bothered him.
His irritation at the situation spurred him on, and soon Hax found himself at the nearby park. There was a faint smell of honeysuckle being carried by the gentle breeze in the air, and Hax’s steps brought him to a bench overlooking a small fountain. The rush of the water soothed the ache in his chest, and he felt his breathing slowly evening out.
This brief moment of peace was soon interrupted by a shout coming from behind him. Hax turned around to see a child on the grass nursing a scraped knee. As if on impulse, Hax found himself running over to the kid.
“Hey dude, are you okay? That looks like quite the fall you took there!”
The child nodded tearily. This close, Hax could see that he was quite young - certainly no older than six or seven years old. His bronze hair was in disarray (Hax swore he saw a leaf among all the messy locks) and his face was dirt-scuffed.
“I’m okay, it doesn’t even hurt!” The child declared seriously.
Hax had to stifle a giggle. Try saying that without snot and tears running down your face next time kiddo.
“It’s okay if it hurts, that’s what happens when you fall down.” Hax said, offering a hand up. “How’d you end up like this anyway, huh? You should be more careful next time.”
The boy suddenly grinned, as if forgetting his injury entirely. “I was speedrunning! Did you know I’m the best in my grade at school?”
Ah. “Is that right?” Hax asked. The ache in his chest was back.
“Mhmm! I’m practicing. My PE teacher said I’ve got good mechanists, so I’m going to be like Hackingnoises!”
Hax was at a loss. “Mechanics,” he corrected dumbly, unsure how else to respond.
“What?”
“It’s ‘mechanics’, not ‘mechanists’” This cannot be real. Hax thought faintly. Maybe I actually choked that last zero and hit my head on the fall down. I’m probably in a coma.
“That’s what I said.”
Just as the boy was getting back onto his feet, this fruitless argument was fortunately cut short by the sound of another person approaching.
“Max! There you are!” A boy a few years older than Hax came sprinting over. Hunched over and catching his breath, his wavy brunette hair blocked his face. As he popped back up, Hax could see a kind pair of eyes smiling up at him. “Hi, I’m Tubbo! Thanks for looking after my younger brother here. He’s been really into speedrunning as of late.”
“It’s no problem! He was just telling me about it actually.” Hax smiled back.
“He’s been enamoured with the sport ever since he saw that one season 8 final match. I just worry about his safety though, y’know?” Tubbo sighed, “I enrolled him in the HBG juniors speedrunning program recently, but I worry I can’t supervise him well enough on my own outside of his practice time. It’s like everywhere we go these days he’s trying to do some kind of parkour trick.” He shook his head. “Sorry, I’m rambling- thanks again for looking after him, we’ll be out of your hair now.”
“Ah no worries!” Hax exclaimed, “happy to help. Be careful next time okay bud? Don’t stress your brother out. And if you wanna be more like Hackingnoises then you gotta practice hard focus on your safety first and foremost alright?”
I am such a hypocrite. Hax lamented internally.
“You know Hackingnoises?!” Max instantly perked back up. “Is he also your favorite?”
Hax nearly blanched at the thought. Oh my god I’m never opening my fat mouth ever again. “Nah kid, I’m more of an Infume fan.”
“You’re wrong!”
“You can’t tell me I’m wrong, that’s my opinion.” I can NOT be about to start beefing with a kid over this.
“Infume isn’t even that good! Hax beat him-”
“Max, leave the poor guy be! We’re going to be late for dinner at this rate.” Tubbo scolded. “Now let’s say thank you to him for helping you up, okay?”
Max pouted. “Thanks Mister…” he muttered.
Tubbo let out another sigh. “Thanks again for the help, um… what was your name again?”
“Um…” This is so awkward. “Snow.”
“Thanks for the help, Snow, maybe we’ll see you around!”
“Bye mister Snow!” Max waved.
“Yeah,” Hax murmured, “See ya.”