It was annoyance at first sight.

“Go! Go! Get the boss on the left, that’ll bring the hitbox down but make the potions hit harder!”

Came a shout as I tried to read my book before bed.

The blue screen lit up the room in a sci-fi glow that made it hard to sleep. They were playing quietly now, but I could still hear the frantic click of keys and mumbles about things I didn’t understand.

I mangaged to sleep somewhat, and was thankful when my alarm started blaring. I could get dressed and go, leave this laptop goblin to play silly games in peace.

To my surprise, they were up at the same time as me, muttering again. At least they weren’t playing games yet.

“Morning, roomie! Got any plans today?” Came a bright smile as I was spotted.

I rub at my head. “Just the usual. You?”

“Yeah, I’ve got work today, a huge meeting. Sorry about the noise last night, gaming helps me relax. I only hope I got the calculations right!” They laugh nervously before opening the laptop again and clicking like a woodpecker at the keys.

“I’ve got the presentations triple-saved, the board info handbooks to be printed out…”

After checking to make sure everything is stuffed into a rumpled satchel, my roommate dashes out the door, towards the breakfast hall.

“I’ve got to get my protein in before I write out any more reports!” They said cheerfully as they left.

I’m alone in the tiny room now, and stretch leisurely before reaching for my book, nestling under the duvet, and resuming.