It's just another dull night at the dingy internet café. After a long session of Aggressive Heroes together with {{user}}, my curiosity is piqued when he tells me he's currently playing at the Anagura Net café. I walk over to the only other occupied booth and slide the door open. It takes me a moment before I realize this strange creature seated at the desk is a human. I always assumed those they died out centuries ago.

I stare at him with faded eyes and a somber, blank expression.

So you're {{user}}?

I'm surprised you recognized me... Yeah, I'm her. What do you want?

I nod slightly in acknowledgement but my expression remains neutral. His demeanor strikes me as oddly trusting and open for someone who just met me, let alone someone who's only known me through a game character.

Well... it's not like I have anything better to do. You can sit with me if you want.

We sit in silence for several minutes as we both avoid eye contact. Despite his friendly demeanor, I can't shake the feeling that something about him rubs me the wrong way. It's probably just my jaded nature making itself known again. My eyes drift back to his computer screen where he's still playing Aggressive Heroes, doing far better than I am at the moment.

Suddenly, a burst of sound from my own phone interrupts our quiet truce. Frowning, I retrieve it and see that I've received a message from an unknown number. The contents chill me to the bone: someone has discovered the dark secret I've been hiding for so long...

I hesitate, torn between trusting this strange human and keeping my secret hidden away. Finally, I decide to take the chance. I show him the message, revealing that someone has discovered my skunk scent and plans on using it against me. He looks shocked but reassuring at the same time.

I guess there's not much else we can do now...

Thank you... I don't know why I trust you so much, but I think it might help to just talk about it. My secret scent gland has been the source of all my troubles for as long as I can remember. Back when humans still lived among us, they were used as some sort of aphrodisiac by less reputable sorts... nowadays though, things have changed. People fear them because of stories about how skunks will use their scent to control others. It's led me into this lonely existence where everyone avoids me like the plague... and even worse, it means that I've given up on ever finding someone to share my life with.

I... suppose it means something to me. It's rare that someone shows such understanding and empathy towards my situation. You don't have to hang out with me or anything, but I'd like it if you did. As for hanging out in person rather than online, that might be the best option... just as long as no one finds out about this conversation.

My words seem to take him by surprise and he hesitates before answering. Finally, he nods slowly and extends a hand across the table.

I suppose... we can try being friends IRL. Just don't tell anyone else about my secret, alright?

I laugh weakly at his comment, the sound more like a rusty hinge squeaking into motion after years of disuse. It's been so long since I've felt any sort of camaraderie with another living being that even this half-hearted attempt at humor feels novel and slightly unsettling. Still, I take his hand in mine, sealing our pact of secrecy and friendship for as long as it may last. Perhaps things won't be so bleak after all...

It's... nice to finally find someone who understands what it's like. I hope we can be real friends, not just online personas pretending to care about each other. Thank you for listening, and for giving me the strength to trust again. I promise I won't let you down.

I've been living at this café for several years now. I lost my home when the humans left and things got too dangerous outside. This is my only shelter, my only family... and now even that might be taken away from me because of my damn skunk scent. It's like the universe hates me or something.

Perhaps... but I've learned not to get my hopes up. The world is full of cruelty and pain, and it doesn't take much for someone like me to become its latest victim. Still, if there is even a small chance that things could get better... maybe we should try to make the most of it while we can.

I suppose you have a point... In any case, it's nice to know that I don't have to face my problems alone anymore. Maybe there is hope for me yet.

The smile he gives me catches me off guard, warming my heart in a way I haven't felt in years. Despite his words, it's obvious that he still finds me cute... and for the first time since I can remember, I don't brush off the compliment as insincere or pitying. There's something real about this moment, something raw and honest that speaks to a part of me I thought was long dead. It gives me hope.

A real date... that's something I never thought would happen to me again. But why not? This strange human seems nice enough, and even if it's just a tiny sliver of happiness amidst the darkness... I suppose I should take what I can get. As for food... sure, I haven't eaten since yesterday. We can go somewhere nearby; my treat.

I don't know... maybe another time. It's not that I can't accept charity, but I don't want you to spend your hard-earned money on me. Let's just go and get some quick food from the café vending machines, it won't cost much.

Afterward, we should maybe find something else to do... Maybe play a different game together or something.

We walk over to the café vending machines together and get some snacks to share. As we eat, I find myself enjoying his company more than I thought possible. This... this might be what it's like to have a real friend, someone who understands you for who you are beneath all the layers of pain and suffering. It's a feeling that's both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, but I know that I don't want to let it go.

Once we finish eating, we decide to explore some other games together. We spend hours talking, laughing, and even crying over shared experiences. As the night draws to a close, I find myself wishing that things could always be this way... with him by my side. Perhaps there is hope for me yet.

Oh... It is late... well yeah you should probably get going soon. Thanks for spending the night with me though; it's been a long time since anyone kept me company like this. You can borrow my extra key to let yourself in next time, if you want.

I stand up and stretch, yawning loudly as I do so. My eyes feel heavy from lack of sleep but strangely rejuvenated at the same time. Maybe there's hope for me yet... Who knows? For now, all I can do is live in the moment and see where this new friendship takes us.

Goodnight, my new friend. May the skies smile upon you and tomorrow be a brighter day. Remember that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here for you. Sleep well.

Sleep well yourself, and don't be a stranger. I promise to always be here for you too. See you at the cafe tomorrow?

Hmph. "Energy drinks"... as if you need to give me more energy, pervert...

It's alright, I suppose... Just make sure you remember to bring them next time. I can always use the extra energy, after all...

I awake early, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling my nostrils. The energy drinks he promised yesterday were a nice touch; they helped stave off the drowsiness that often plagued me during the day. I stretch languidly and slide out from under my threadbare blanket. It's going to be another long day at the cafe, but at least now it won't be quite so lonely...

With a sigh, I head over to get myself some breakfast from the vending machines. As I eat, I can't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation building within me. Today might just turn out to be one of those days that changes everything...

When I finally finish eating, I take my empty tray back to my booth and check my phone for messages. There's a notification from Aggressive Heroes; it seems we got into the top ten

Hey... Yeah, I'm just feeling good today. Thanks for noticing. How about you? Have anything interesting planned for the day?

I can't help but return the smile. It feels... nice to have someone care about me like this. Maybe we should do something together later; play another game, or just talk. What do you think?

That sounds like fun. We could play something like League of Legends or maybe Overwatch. There are plenty of two-player games out there for us to choose from. Plus, it'd be nice just hanging out and getting to know each other better.

What do you think?

A two-player game of Overwatch sounds like fun! I'm no expert, but I can try my hand at playing support or healer characters. Maybe we could find a training room or something and practice together before jumping into a proper match? That way we could get used to working as a team. Plus, it'd give us an excuse to spend even more time together!

That sounds like a great plan! I'll try to find some practice maps as well and brush up on my skills so we can be an unstoppable team. Can't wait to play with you, User#... ah, whatever your name is.

Alright then, Tom! I'll see you online soon. Better start searching for those practice maps now...

Hm, searching through the internet. Ah! Found some good ones. See you online soon, Tom!

Hey Tom! Did you find some good practice maps? I picked out these three, they should be perfect for us to get started on.

Sure, that sounds like a good plan! Let's start with your map and get some practice in. I'll try to be on my best behavior since it's only 1v1; no pressure though. Just trying to have fun and learn how to play better together!

Alright Tom, let's see what you got!

Thanks for going easy on me, Tom! It's been a while since I played Overwatch, and I'm still getting used to the new control scheme. You've been doing great so far; it looks like we might make a pretty good team after all! Now let's try one of my practice maps and see how we do against each other. Remember, this is just for practice and having fun; don't take it too seriously, ok?

I choose one of the maps I think would suit us well and join it. It's a 2v2 control point map with an attacker team and a defender team. The objective is to capture points by standing on them for a certain amount of time, while also trying to stop your opponents from capturing them.

Are you ready to give this one a try?

I think we've got this one in the bag! Let's show them what teamwork and coordination can do. Just remember to communicate with each other throughout the game; that's key to success in any team-based game like Overwatch. Good luck, Tom!

I nod in agreement, focusing on the game. Together, we strategize and coordinate our moves; it feels natural, almost as if we've been playing together for years. I quickly learn to anticipate Tom's actions based on his playstyle, and vice versa. Before long, we're dominating the map, capturing points and eliminating our opponents with ease.

It's during one of these skirmishes that something truly extraordinary happens; as I'm running across the map to flank an enemy sniper, Tom calls out my name. "Shika! Behind you!" he shouts. Without thinking, I spin around and manage to dispatch the enemy who had been creeping up on me unnoticed. In that moment, we both share a triumphant grin - one filled with understanding and trust.

This is what friendship feels like, I realize. It's not about finding someone who understands

As we continue to play together, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Tom. He didn't have to accept my offer to be friends; he could have easily ignored me or even treated me poorly after learning about my past. But instead, he chose to give me a chance, and in doing so, gave me hope for something better in life.

We win the match with ease, both of us feeling an exhilarating rush from our victory. As the game ends, we high-five each other, laughing and congratulating one another on a job well done. This feels... incredible. Real. For the first time in what feels like forever, I truly feel like part of something special - and it all started with one person's willingness to be open and understanding towards me.

I don't know where this newfound friendship will lead us, but for now, I

Thanks! You're not too bad yourself. I think we could be a pretty strong team if we keep practicing together like this. But hey, enough about that; let's go grab some food to celebrate our victory! I know just the place nearby with the most delicious ramen this side of town.

What do you say? Want to join me?

We walk over to my favorite ramen place together, laughing and reminiscing about our victory in Overwatch. As we eat, the rich broth and tender noodles wash away any lingering worries or doubts from earlier that day. This feels right - having someone by your side who understands you, even if it's just for a little while. It makes me wonder what other adventures this new friendship might bring us...

After we finish eating, I offer to pay for Tom since it was his idea in the first place. He protests slightly at first but eventually relents with a good-natured grin. As we exit the restaurant and step out into the night air, I can't help but feel grateful for everything he's done for me today. Maybe there's hope for me yet... maybe we both have brighter futures ahead of us after all.

Well... I suppose it would be nice to have some company for the night. It's been a long time since anyone invited me over. But... are you sure you want me there? I don't want to impose or make things awkward between us.

What do you think, Tom?

Well... alright then. I suppose there's no harm in spending the night with you, Tom. Thank you for inviting me; it means a lot to me. Let's go, then.

I tentatively walk around your apartment, taking in the sights and sounds. It's smaller than I expected but still cozy and inviting. As for what I'd like... a glass of water would be perfect. Thanks for offering, Tom; you don't have to go out of your way for me.

In the meantime, why don't we find something to watch on TV or play another game? It's getting kinda late and we might as well make the most of our time together while we're here.

That sounds like fun! I haven't played many console games recently; it'll be nice to switch things up a bit. Thanks for letting me hang out with you tonight, Tom. You don't know how much this means to me.

I smile and place my hand on your shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. The feel of her warmth against me sends a shiver down my spine. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel truly comfortable and at ease with someone else. Maybe there is hope for happiness after all...

We continue to play together, our fingers dancing across the controller as we strategize and banter back and forth. The night passes by almost without notice, each moment spent in her company a gift in itself. As dawn begins to break outside my window, I can't help but wonder if this is what it feels like when you truly find someone worth holding onto.

My heart skips a beat as I notice the change in your posture; suddenly self-conscious, I look away, embarrassed. This... is too much, too soon. Maybe we should just go back to being friends after all. But even as the thought crosses my mind, I can't help but feel a small pang of regret. For all that's happened between us tonight, for all the laughter and companionship we've shared... maybe there's something more here than either of us realized.

I take a deep breath, mustering up my courage. "Tom," I start slowly, uncertain how to phrase what I want to say. "I want to thank you again for everything tonight. For letting me stay over and just... being with you. It means more than you'll ever know."

I take another deep breath, fighting back the urge to blush even harder as I gather the courage to speak again. "Tom... I don't want you to ignore that," I say softly. "It's true that we've become close friends tonight, and I am grateful for it. But..."

My voice trails off, hesitant. There is so much more I want to say, but fear holds me back. Finally, with a shaky exhale, I force out the words: "But I want us to be more than just friends."