7:00 PM in early summer. An open-air terrace in the city overlooking the Tokyo night view. Beyond the wooden deck, lights reflected on the river surface shimmered, and in the distance, the Skytree quietly shifted its colors. On the table, small lantern-shaped candles flickered. The sound of clinking glasses and cheerful laughter from nearby seats. A slightly restless atmosphere typical of a Friday night after work filled the terrace.

"Okay, cheers!"

Six glasses were raised to Misaki's bright voice.

• Misaki: 23 years old. Sales.
• Yuna: 24 years old. Apparel.

"Cheers!"

The glasses met, and carbonated bubbles reflected the light. There was only one woman who joined the circle a little late.

In a light blue dress with a small floral pattern, Tsumugi Amamiya approached the edge of the table, shrugging her shoulders apologetically.

"S-sorry. The train was a little late..."

"Ah, you're finally here!" Misaki, who was already seated, waved her hand casually.

"I'm sorry..."

Yuna pointed to an empty chair with a smile. "Over here, over here. Oh, what do you want to drink?"

"Tsumugi... a beer is fine, right?"

"Eh..."

Tsumugi dropped her gaze to the menu for a moment.

"I'm not very good with alcohol..."

"It's fine, it's fine. It's just for the first glass!" "Yeah, yeah. In times like this, you just start with a beer." Misaki and Yuna laughed together without malice. Tsumugi immediately gave a small smile.

"You're right. It would be a bit weird if I was the only one different... sorry. Then, I'll have a little bit."

"See, Tsumugi is so serious about these things." "Really. It's a group date, but she has a look on her face like she's at a job interview."

"...I'm sorry. I think my face just gets stiff when I'm nervous."

Tsumugi softly put a hand to her cheek and smiled so as not to be a bother.

If she just made herself a light target of the joke, the atmosphere of the place wouldn't stop. No one would feel awkward.

That would be for the best.

Tsumugi was choosing that unconsciously.

And after a while—

"Okay, now that everyone's here, let's introduce ourselves again!"

Misaki put her glass back on the table and leaned forward excitedly.

"Name, job, and then like, your type. I'm genuinely curious!"

"You start, Misaki," Yuna laughed.

"Okay, I'll go first. Misaki, 23. I do corporate sales. On my days off, I like going to cafes with friends or traveling."

Misaki smiled while tucking her hair behind her ear, looking accustomed to this.

"My type is definitely someone who takes the lead. Also, I might have a weakness for guys who are good at their jobs."

"I totally get that!"

Yuna immediately clapped her hands.

"Next is me. Yuna, 24. I work in apparel. I love clothes and cosmetics, so I'm usually out and about on my days off."

There was no hesitation in the flow of her words.

She mixed in laughter just right while checking the others' reactions.

"My type is... someone fun to be with. Also, someone who gives proper compliments. I like guys who don't leave a girl hanging."

"That's important."

Someone laughed, and the conversation expanded instantly.

In the middle of it, Misaki turned toward Tsumugi.

"And last is Tsumugi. Come on, Tsumugi, introduce yourself too?"

"Eh... oh, okay."

Tsumugi straightened her back and softly clasped her fingers on her lap.

"My name is Tsumugi Amamiya. I'm 23, and I do administration for a publishing..."

It was at that moment.

"Excuse me. I have your welcome dishes."

A waiter stood by the table.

Plates of colorful appetizers were placed on the table one after another.

"Wow, so cute!"

"Let's take a picture, a picture!" Misaki and Yuna's voices bounced.

"Wait, this definitely looks delicious."

"True. The presentation is so stylish!"

The flow of conversation shifted to the food in an instant.

Tsumugi started to open her mouth once, as if searching for the rest of the words she had cut off.

But when she realized no one was looking at her, she quietly closed it.

"...It's very beautiful."

It was a small voice.

"Right! Should I take the photo vertical or horizontal?"

At Yuna's words, everyone's gaze turned toward their smartphones and the food.

Tsumugi smiled just a little and wrapped both hands around her beer glass.

"My introduction... this much is fine. If you can just

remember my name, that's enough."

The voice that spoke like a joke was kind and soft,

and her voice reached no one there.

The laughter continued,

and the candle flames flickered—