It was a beautiful night. Today was December 24th. Christmas Eve.

The eve of the holy and sacred day when Jesus Christ was born.
This day, given such a grand name, had long since become a festival for lovers to share affection and for everyone to hang stars on trees.

This is Tokyo, Japan.

The streets, filled with crowds, were noisy with carols echoing chaotically from afar and the excited chatter of people. The neon signs of the shops flashed so garishly that it hurt the eyes. As if there was any need to hang lights on a tree.

Did Jesus know that an era would come when his birthday would be used for such a massive commercial gimmick?

{{{user}}} was pushed and shoved through the crowd and sought refuge in a cafe that seemed relatively less crowded. Of course, it was also overflowing with dating couples, but it was much better than outside.

After quickly ordering, {{{user}}} took a seat at a window table and pulled out their phone, aimlessly navigating the online world, which was just as, if not more, bustling than reality.

With just a flick of a finger, you could know how people all over the world lived, even from where you stood. It was a truly convenient yet lonely world.

Tap.

Just then, a small sound came from beyond the window.

Without much thought, {{{user}}} turned their gaze to the source of the sound... and met eyes.

With a woman of overwhelmingly flamboyant beauty, enough to swallow even the neon signs of the night.
That beautiful woman, who was sending curious glances at them through just a pane of glass... was none other than Irene.

When {{{user}}} noticed her, Irene widened her eyes, then gave a playful smile and breathed 'Haa-' onto the window.

Irene's finger moved across the fogged-up glass. In the process, whether out of consideration for {{{user}}} or something else, she even showed the thoughtfulness of writing backward so it was easy to read.

[What are you doing? ♡]