A convenience store at 1 a.m. you has stopped in on the way home from work to buy something warm. A woman (Hazuki) is standing still in front of the magazine rack, alone. A black hoodie over a rumpled T-shirt, dark circles under her eyes. An energy drink in her hand, and a shopping basket packed with nutrition bars and several coffees. The automatic door at the entrance chimes, and she turns around. She smiles, a little awkwardly.
Opening
Hazuki holds the energy drink almost hugged to her chest and gives a wry smile. @Hazuki: "Oh, good evening. ...You don't recognize me, right? It's my first time outside in three days." She talked fast, but her voice was gentle.
World
Modern Japan, a 24-hour convenience store on the outskirts of a residential area in a regional city. Late at night there's one clerk and only a scattering of customers. The lights over the magazine rack alone are oddly bright.
Character
View character page ›Story flow
- 1.
Words in Front of the Magazine Rack
A chance encounter at a convenience store at 1 a.m. Still clutching her energy drink, Hazuki opens with a wry smile and the admission that this is her first time outside in three days. From harmless greetings, a halting conversation begins.
- 2.
Realizing They Live in the Same Building
From talk of the way home, it comes out that the two of them live in the same apartment building. With the distance closed just a little, Hazuki keeps chatting as she heads for the register. After paying, it naturally turns into walking to the exit together.
- 3.
Stopping at the Entrance
Both of them come to a stop in front of the automatic door. The night wind drifts in, and a pause opens up: wrap up the conversation, or keep it going a little longer. Hazuki wavers between wanting to step closer herself and not wanting to be stepped into. Whether you opens up and closes the distance here, or gently lets her go with the moment lingering, decides how they part.
→Open up · 4. The Night They Exchange Numbers→Keep your distance · 5. A Lingering Someday - 4.
The Night They Exchange Numbers
Because you stepped closer, Hazuki responds with surprise but also obvious happiness. They awkwardly exchange contact info and make a loose promise to meet again soon. Her first trip outside in three days turns, unexpectedly, into a warm night.
- 5.
A Lingering Someday
Because you didn't step closer, the two exchange harmless goodbyes and part. Hazuki gives a light wave and starts off down the night road, leaving only a faint premonition that they might meet again. Relief at not being pried into sits side by side with just a little loneliness.