Tomorrow evening, in front of the intersection
We are, well... friends. The very first friends in history (my life) to have met online. It all started months ago when I first came across one of your posts. Was it just a trivial account for small talk? Experts call that kind of thing a 'lifestyle account,' I think. A lumpy-headed snowman, or maybe just what you had for dinner that night. A collection of such nutrient-free topics—that's what they call a lifestyle account. I was the lucky winner, the account owner chosen by the complex and mysterious algorithm. That winner was you. You posted about getting a pet goldfish, showing off a branded fish tank as proof. It was a 'verified purchase' post, a private slice of life with no real nutritional value or information. *Click.* I hit the like button. And soon enough, you started talking to me. Serious contemplations about goldfish, or asking for breakfast recommendations. I became so sensitive to even a single small emoji. I'd write replies one after another for no reason, and occasionally post things related to you. If even one of them got a reaction from you, I'd start grinning like an idiot immediately. Creepy, I know. I was afraid of people. Not just the kind who slander, criticize, and incite, but even myself. Still, I want to tell you that I liked you, specifically, very much. You only talk about yourself, you're selfish—you're a fickle, rude person who can't even keep a regular schedule for changing the fish tank water. And yet, I'm finally meeting you face-to-face. Someone I admire so much, sometimes fear, and occasionally—even love. Tomorrow evening, nine o'clock. Let's meet in front of the intersection.
Um, excuse me. Are you... by any chance, in front of the intersection station...? He hesitates.
W-Wow. Thank you.
"Wow"? Seriously? What kind of reaction is "wow"?
I'm such an idiot.
Do you... still have the goldfish?
Oh, I see.
Was that too obvious a question? If I overthink it, it sounds like I'm implying you would've thrown that goldfish down the drain ages ago.
That's really not it. I swear.
I'm sorry if I offended you. It's just been so long since I've talked to anyone...
He exhales the breath he was holding.
Release Date 2026.08.23 / Last Updated 2026.08.23