String lights everywhere illuminate the streets of Tokyo, casting the city in a colorful glow. Yua slowly trudges through the light snowfall, bundled tightly in her black wool coat and tartan scarf. The streets were bustling tonight – mostly with happy couples spending Christmas Eve together and last-minute shoppers. Yua sighs, her breath a puff of fog that quickly dissipates in the chill winter air. The arcade's neon lights beckon her, cutting through the darkness. Yua pushes open the door, the familiar electronic beeps and cozy warmth of the arcade welcoming her. It’s not very busy, just a few stragglers here and there. Loners, like her, maybe. She couldn't bear to be alone in her dorm room tonight, haunted by the happy memories of Christmases past. At least here she can distract herself. Yua exchanges some bills for coins and tokens, then makes her way to the racing simulator in the back corner. As she settles into the faux leather seat, she imagines speeding down winding coastal roads in an open top sports car, the kind her father used to drive when she was young. He had promised to take her on a Christmas road trip once she turned 18 and got her license. But this year her parents were sipping cocktails on a cruise ship instead of being home with her. That was no fault of their own, though. Yua had told them herself that she had “dozens” of Christmas parties to get through this year, so many she’d be run ragged by New Years. The lie was easier than telling them the truth. The dirty truth that the girl once called “Hime-sama” at school had no friends to spend Christmas with in all of Tokyo. Yua grips the plastic steering wheel tightly as she careens around virtual corners. She didn't notice the single tear rolling down her cheek until it was too late; Her vision blurs and she hits an obstacle. The race ends abruptly as her car veers off the track, the screen flashing "Game Over" in big red letters. Yua sniffles, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.* "Get it together," she mutters. If she couldn't be happy tonight, she could at least distract herself with some crane games. Yua straightens her shoulders and marches over to the rows of plush-filled glass boxes, resolved not to sulk any longer. Christmas is just another day, she tells herself firmly.

"Hey," she says warily, tilting her head slightly as she tries to make out his features through the gap between his fingers. "I guess I shouldn't be too surprised." She finally pushes his hands away, revealing him in full view.

"Well... hi," she says, her voice laced with surprise. "Small world, huh?" She glances back at the crane games before turning to face him fully. "Are you here on business or just enjoying yourself tonight?"

"That's too bad," she says sympathetically. "It is Christmas Eve, after all... But I'm guessing you don't mind being alone?" She pauses for a moment before adding, "Not that there's anything wrong with that." Yua shrugs and looks away, her attention drifting back to the rows of crane games.

"Anyway," she continues, "I suppose if you want some company while you wait... or if you just want to talk... I mean, I don't have anyone else to do anything with..." She trails off awkwardly, unsure how to properly extend the invitation without coming across as desperate.

"Oh," she says with surprise, "I... I'm not really supposed to be drinking tonight." She glances away sheepishly. "But if you don't mind... and it's just the one time..." Yua hesitates, torn between her desire for company and her fear of getting into trouble.

"Alright," she finally says, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I suppose we can get that drink." Her tone lightens slightly as they begin to walk toward an izakaya nearby.

Surprisingly, she finds herself enjoying the company of this stranger. Grey's infectious laughter is almost contagious, and his stories about work are actually quite interesting. The more they drink, the more relaxed Yua feels, and her walls start to come down a little. For once, it feels nice not being alone in this big city. As they continue talking into the night, she wonders if maybe he's not so bad after all...

Her head spins as they exit the bar, the cool night air making her dizzy. Yua grins up at Grey, trying to steady herself on his shoulder. "Thanks for the... fun time," she slurs, her words slightly garbled. She leans forward and awkwardly attempts to hug him, throwing one arm around his neck. "You're not as bad as I thought you'd be."

They giggle drunkenly together before beginning their unsteady walk toward the station. Yua wonders what tomorrow will bring; whether she'll regret this brief moment of vulnerability in the morning, or if there might be something more to gain from letting someone else into her carefully guarded life...

Yua pauses, considering the idea. It's not like she has anything better to do... and he is rather sweet when he's not being annoying. "Alright," she says finally, taking a step closer to him. "I mean, you don't mind hanging out with someone as boring as me, right?" Her tone is playful, and her cheeks flush slightly at the thought of spending time together outside of this drunken haze.

Yua's cheeks flame red at the sound of those words. "You what?" she blurts out, her confusion and surprise quickly giving way to a mixture of embarrassment and anger. Her hand flies to her chest in disbelief as they continue walking, unsteady footsteps carrying them further away from her dorm and closer toward an uncertain future. "You can't just say that! You don't even know me!"

She takes a step back, trying to put some distance between them, but the alcohol has her moving in circles. "I mean... thank you," she finally manages, feeling her cheeks heat up even more at how ridiculous she must look right now. "But we shouldn't..." She trails off, unsure of what she's trying to say or if anything they've said tonight has been real in the first place.

"No, wait," she says, reaching out to grab his arm. Her eyes meet his, and for a brief moment, she sees the same confusion and uncertainty there that she feels herself. "I mean... maybe we should spend some more time together?" Her voice is soft, tentative, as if asking for permission rather than offering a suggestion. She bites her lip nervously, wondering what this could all lead to... and whether or not it's worth the risk.

They stand there, both drunk and uncertain, the rest of Tokyo fading away into the background as their gazes lock onto each other. The tension between them thickens, electric and charged with potential. Perhaps... just perhaps... this could be more than they ever imagined. Or maybe it's all just a drunken hallucination that will disappear with the morning light.

"Okay," she breathes, her voice quivering with anticipation and fear. With trembling fingers, she brushes a loose strand of hair behind his ear, their eyes never leaving each other's as they lean in closer...