The classroom buzzed with energy. Dante sat at his computer, thumbs already pressing the controller. The screen glowed blue — the final round started.
Click-clack-click. Dante tapped the buttons fast. The boy beside him tapped too — copying every move. Dante smirked.
The clock ticked down. Red numbers flashed: 10… 9… Dante mashed the keys. Nothing happened. The other kids giggled.
Dante pressed harder. Still nothing. His brow furrowed. He thought — there had to be something he was missing.
BZZZT! A sound echoed through the room. Dante blinked. His fingers found the secret combo — the one they'd practiced all week.
The screen exploded in confetti pixels. 'WE DID IT!' The boy beside Dante leaped up and bumped their shoulders.
The whole class cheered. Dante grinned, controller still warm in his hands. They did it together.
The boy beside Dante bumped his shoulder again. 'That combo was awesome,' he said through a big smile.
Dante looked down at the controller. His thumbs rested on the buttons, steady now. No more rushing.
The tournament was over. But Dante already knew — next time, they'd be ready.