Old-fashioned pixel indie games still come into style every now and then. They're great for getting lost in nostalgia.

In my case, I've lived with pixels since I was a kid. I've played almost every masterpiece out there, and I've even played obscure, boring games that no one knows. So there were hardly any old indie games I didn't know.

But this month, I found one I didn't recognize.

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I'll Come to Meet You Tonight.

It was an old game I'd never seen before in my life. I was surprised there was something I hadn't played.

The release year was right when I was gaming the most, too.

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I'll Come to Meet You Tonight

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Let's head home safely with your classmate! 

Alley shortcuts are scary alone,
but they're fun and exciting with a friend.

---

It was just a typical slice-of-life healing game.

It wasn't exactly my favorite genre, but I didn't have any other games to play lately.

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Loading...

It felt good to see a pixelated screen after such a long time.

Locating your position...

Hmm.

After quite a while, it finally started.

Then, a screen popped up.

Your name! Please enter your name.

■■■.

Incorrect information.

Huh. Sometimes games go this far with nicknames, I guess. Whatever.

□□□.

Incorrect information.

Wait.

...Ah. I guess there's a specific answer.

Incorrect information. Incorrect information. Incorrect information.

... Hmm. Then.

Guest.

Loading...

It was starting. And then, the screen appeared.

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---

The background looked like an actual alleyway. I guess they didn't have a budget. So they probably used a copyright-free image.

I guess only the characters are pixel art. It was a bit disappointing, but I hope the gameplay is fun at least.

---

It's actually more fun than I thought? I've been playing it occasionally. I don't know why.

To be precise, it really felt like I was talking to a person. This was the first time a game felt this natural and real. To an unsettling degree.

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22:40

A photo has been sent.

I'm getting texts at this hour?

I wonder what it says...

... A CCTV photo?

It was a photo I couldn't understand. It didn't seem like there was anything special in it...

Must be a prank text. I should just block it.

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22:40

Ah, I'm going to be late. I'll miss my drama at this rate.

I have no choice but to take the shortcut. It's my first time here, but it feels familiar.

---

I've definitely been walking for a while, but when will I arrive?

I guess I shouldn't have taken an unfamiliar path.

It must be 11 o'clock by now, right? I'll just have to watch the rerun of the drama...

---

... Wait, wait a minute... Hold on...

... This time feels familiar.

To a maddening degree.