Chapter 40: Happiness

The intensity in the air was palpable as Jamie and Happiness engaged in their silent standoff, each watching the other for the slightest hint of movement. When Happiness finally shifted, Jamie instinctively backed away, maintaining a calculated distance.

"Why play peekaboo?" Happiness questioned, his voice carrying an unsettling lightness.

Jamie's response came with practiced ease. "I'm not. Just not interested in defeating you on a whim and being bored of the outcome. Besides, everyone needs entertainment once in a while."

"You're right!" Happiness's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "I'm also very happy to find a worthwhile opponent like you. My heartbeat is thumping like crazy."