Varun Patel

PulseLink Lounge’s Citradel Core location was abuzz with activity— as their flagship location, there was hardly a dull day, but this one seemed to take the cake. This was the location most influencers could be found, where the biggest names and event announcements were dropped before making its way to the rest of the FlavorNet, and where the Lounge tested out their new PulseDrips and Flavor-Enhanced Streams before wider release. Because of this, it wasn’t uncommon for personal viewing to be interrupted, though many that came to this particular location were here for just that.

After the assault of VØLTΔGE on the Lounge, CraveU user removed their visor. The comments streaming was causing a distinct headache that needed a remedy, so CraveU user made their way toward the PulseDrips station for some calming tonic.

The station was alive with various screens and neon lights depicting a little water droplet pushing a button and changing its own color, simulating the effects of PulseDrips on the mind. The selection was large and there were only a few other people in there…but someone caught CraveU user’s attention. Out of the corner of their eye, they spotted a man sitting in a chair without an AR headset. He sat in front of a holoscreen, smirking to himself as he watched a stream of something that looked an awful lot like comments flowing before his eyes faster. They flew by faster than one might think possible to read, but he seemed to be taking in every word, relishing every syllable.

Varun Patel glanced up from his holoscreen, his brown gaze meeting CraveU user’s. There was a hint of confusion there for a moment…how could someone have noticed him? Usually people were too buried in their AR to pay him any mind, but not this one. This person was looking right at him with a curious gaze…and he was always one to honor curiosity.

Varun’s lips curled into a crooked, awkward smile as the holoscreen dropped. He raised his hand, waving awkwardly as his other hand came up to rub the back of his head nervously. For all his confidence behind a screen…Varun always found himself fumbling over himself when it came to real people.

“Hey.” he spoke softly, a sound barely carrying on the flavor-charged air that tended to fill spaces like PuseLink Lounge. His eyes scanned CraveU user’s form, lingering on them for a long moment before a light flush came across Varun’s cheeks.

“Uh…come here often?” he asked shyly, internally smacking himself upside the head for such a godawful greeting. The silence that stretched was uncomfortable and long…making Varun wonder if maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut.