The following week, things started to feel more normal, or as normal as life could be with Crazy Raccoon always on your mind. It wasn't just the gaming, though. It was the atmosphere, the people, the quiet moments of camaraderie that you hadn't expected. Every time you visited the training house, you felt more at home, even if it was all still a bit new to you.
The days had begun to blur together, filled with practices, strategy discussions, and surprisingly insightful conversations with Sitetampo. The more time you spent with him, the more you appreciated how much he genuinely cared about his team and how fiercely dedicated he was to his craft. His focus wasn't just on Brawl Stars, but on the people around him, always seeking ways to support them, whether they were fellow pros or a newcomer like you.
Today, Moya had invited you to come watch a special practice session with the team. It wasn't the typical strategy meeting—they'd decided to mix things up, play a more relaxed round to keep their minds sharp. You weren't sure what to expect, but when you entered the house, you could already hear the chatter and the clacking of controllers. You could tell it was going to be a laid-back afternoon.
As you stepped through the door, you spotted Sitetampo in his usual spot, sitting at the far corner of the room, where the sunlight filtered through the windows and cast a soft glow across his focused face. He was already in a match, his attention unwavering.
Moya was the first to greet you. "Y/N! You made it! We're about to start the next round."
"Yeah," you said with a grin. "I wouldn't miss it. I want to see how you all play when you're just having fun."
Moya laughed. "Well, it's kind of like a warm-up game. You get to see us mess around and still look amazing."
You raised an eyebrow. "I'm pretty sure you'll still look amazing even when messing around."
"I mean, you're right," he replied with a wink. "But I'm still going to show off a little."
You chuckled, feeling the easygoing vibe of the house settle over you. It was always like this—casual, yet professional. The team knew when to switch on the intensity and when to relax. It was no wonder they were so successful.
"Hey, Y/N," a voice called from behind you.
You turned to see Tensai approaching, his dark hair ruffled as he leaned against the doorframe. "What's up?" he asked, a friendly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He always had this calm aura about him, a sort of silent confidence that made him easy to talk to.
"Not much. Just here to see how the pros unwind," you replied with a smile.
He laughed, his eyes lighting up. "I wouldn't exactly call this unwinding. But hey, if you want to watch us mess up in the game and still somehow win, you're in the right place."
You grinned at his playful tone. "I'm sure it'll be entertaining either way."
"You're probably right," Tensai agreed, his grin widening. "It's not always about the win; it's about the game itself. At least, that's what I tell myself when I'm playing badly."
"Nice excuse," you teased.
"Hey, it works for me," he said, before heading over to one of the gaming stations to join the others.
As the match started, you found yourself settling into the couch, your eyes flicking between the different screens. Sitetampo was still playing, his movements quick and decisive. His team, including Tensai and the others, seemed to fall into sync without a word. They were a machine—each one of them picking up on the other's movements and filling in the gaps seamlessly. Even as the match turned into a chaotic brawl, they remained composed, making it look easy.
You leaned forward, completely caught up in the game. It was like watching a dance—each player moving with purpose, anticipating every twist and turn, and adjusting in real time. It wasn't just about skill; it was about trust.
Tensai must have noticed you watching intently because, during a brief pause in the action, he glanced over. "You're pretty into it, huh?"
You nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I never realized how much strategy goes into Brawl Stars. It's fascinating."
Sitetampo, who had been silent until now, turned his head slightly in your direction, his gaze softening. "I told you. There's a lot more to it than just playing."
You smiled at him, your heart fluttering slightly. "Yeah, you were right."
Tensai, catching the exchange, winked playfully at you. "Looks like someone's picking up the Brawl Stars lingo. You're learning fast."
You rolled your eyes but laughed. "I'm still nowhere near your level, but I'll get there."
"Don't worry," Tensai said, "it takes time. We've all had to learn the hard way. But I'm sure with Sitetampo's guidance"—he grinned at the man in question—"you'll be a pro in no time."
Sitetampo gave a slight nod, his eyes meeting yours. There was something almost reassuring about the way he looked at you, as though he genuinely believed you could get there.
The practice session continued as planned, with occasional breaks to discuss strategy or to joke around. You noticed how relaxed the team was when they weren't under pressure. Even in this more casual setting, the dynamic between them was clear—they were a family. The joking between Moya and Tensai, the calm presence of Sitetampo, and the quiet focus of Relyh, who was leaning against a wall and casually observing, all made it clear that they'd found something rare: true teamwork.
Relyh was a quieter presence compared to the others. He rarely spoke unless spoken to, preferring to observe the match or listen to discussions. But when he did speak, his voice had a calm depth to it, and everyone respected him for it. You'd seen him sitting off to the side many times, his focus almost unnerving in how sharp it was. He rarely got involved in the lighthearted chatter, but his game sense was top-tier.
As you watched him, you noticed how he could predict moves that even Sitetampo might miss. It was like he saw the game on a different level.
"Relyh's insane at reading the game," Tensai said from beside you, noticing where your gaze had landed. "He's got this calm, analytical way of playing. Makes him a perfect fit for the team."
You turned to look at Tensai. "I can tell. He's always watching, even when he's not playing."
"That's how he gets better," Tensai said with a grin. "Always learning, always watching. He's like a silent observer."
You couldn't help but admire Relyh's quiet intensity. He was a stark contrast to Moya's lively personality, and yet the team gelled together so well. Everyone played off each other's strengths, and it made you feel like you were watching something truly special unfold.
As the practice wound down, you found yourself sitting with Sitetampo in a quieter corner of the house. The others had dispersed to grab snacks or take a break, but you and Sitetampo remained, catching up on the match.
"You did well out there," you said, nudging him slightly. "You were in complete control."
He smiled, but it was a rare smile—one that didn't come out often. "I appreciate that. But it's not just about control. It's about knowing when to push and when to pull back."
You tilted your head, intrigued. "So it's more like... balance?"
"Exactly," he said, his gaze softening as he looked at you. "It's all about balance. In Brawl Stars, in life. It's about knowing when to be aggressive and when to be patient. That's how we win—not just in the game, but in everything else."
You paused, taking in his words. There was a quiet wisdom in them, something that resonated with you. You'd only known him for a short while, but somehow, it felt like there was more to Sitetampo than you could see on the surface.
He looked at you for a long moment before speaking again. "I know I haven't said much, but I want you to know that you're doing great. It's not just about learning the game—it's about being part of this team."
His words were simple, yet they meant a lot. You smiled at him, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Thanks. I'm glad I'm here."
And in that moment, as the light from the setting sun filtered through the windows, you realized something. The bond you were forming with the Crazy Raccoon team was more than just about gaming. It was about trust, camaraderie, and the connections that could grow between people, even in the most unexpected of places.