The cinema doors opened, flooding the dimly lit corridor with the sounds of dispersing moviegoers. Miku and Ren joined the crowd.
"That was an amazing movie, wasn't it, Ren-kun? The plot was so deep, and Ichika's acting… she was perfect as the heroine. I noticed everyone in the theater was glued to the screen, not a single person dared to make a sound. They were all captivated."
Miku beamed with pride over her sister's flourishing career.
Ren nodded, offering a small smile. "Indeed, Ichika-san is very talented."
"It's playing everywhere. Sometimes I still can't believe that's my own sister."
"Her ability is above average. It's not just talent, but also the result of hard work."
Ren matched his pace with Miku's. He observed her enthusiasm, more focused on her than on discussing Ichika's brilliant career.
As they exited the theater, the night air hit them immediately. The sun had long set, replaced by the dazzling neon lights of Shinjuku, painting the night sky with artificial colors.
The crowd on the streets was more diverse than during the day; there were unfamiliar faces, from tourists with cameras slung around their necks to immigrant workers hurrying home.
"Ugh…"
Miku still carrying the unpleasant memory of being harassed by the three Indian men earlier, instinctively quickened her steps. Her shoulder nearly brushed against Ren's arm.
"I feel like Tokyo nights aren't as safe as they used to be. I've noticed there are more foreigners around lately. A lot of them… act recklessly, like they don't respect our culture in Japan." She whispered softly. "Shouldn't people respect and adapt to the customs, norms, and culture of the place they're in? They come here, but act however they want."
Just as Miku brought up the topic of foreigners causing trouble in Japan, a commotion involving one broke out nearby.
Ren and Miku's attention was drawn to the disturbance. A police officer was speaking to a tall Indian man.
"Excuse me, sir. Smoking is prohibited in this area. Please put out your cigarette." The officer said politely but firmly.
Instead of apologizing, the man responded arrogantly, exhaling a puff of smoke into the air.
"What's the problem? It's just a cigarette. In my country, it's no issue."
"There are rules here. Please respect our regulations." The officer pressed, trying to remain calm.
The man stepped closer, his large frame almost challenging.
"Your rules? Who are you? I'm here legally!" His voice grew louder, drawing the attention of passersby.
"…"
"Let's get out of here, Ren. Don't get involved. I just want to go home. Tokyo nights aren't what they used to be. It's not safe with so many foreigners like this."
Miku grabbed Ren's arm. With the police present, she didn't want her brother-in-law getting mixed up in someone else's problem.
Ren saw the fear in Miku's eyes. He gently placed his hand over hers, which was gripping his arm.
"Calm down. Don't worry."
He cast one final glance at the Indian man still arguing with the officer before guiding Miku away from the commotion, stepping deeper into the increasingly crowded yet unfamiliar Tokyo night.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After witnessing the tense exchange between the police and the Indian man, Miku's discomfort lingered in her steps. Her grip on Ren's arm remained tight, as if afraid of being swept away by the stream of unfamiliar faces passing by.
Ren glanced at her. The neon lights reflected in Miku's eyes, which still held a trace of anxiety.
His original plan to make the night more intimate was still on his mind, but he knew pushing things now would be counterproductive. Miku needed to feel safe and comfortable first.
Miku's gaze fixed on a glass display showcasing various uniquely designed, colorful board game boxes—a board game store.
"Board games."
Her steps slowed. Her eyes betrayed an unmistakable spark of interest.
Ren noticed and gave a faint smile, amused by Miku's innocent expression.
"Miku-san, it's still too early to head home, right? The night's not over yet. How about we have some fun? I'll treat you to a game. It'll help shake off the bad vibes from earlier."
Miku turned, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Really, Ren? But…"
"No buts. Come on!"
Without waiting for a reply, Ren pulled Miku into the warm, lively store.
As they pushed open the glass door, a small bell chimed.
The atmosphere inside contrasted with the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku outside. The sound of flipping cards, rolling dice, and casual chatter filled the cozy space.
Several tables were occupied by groups of friends deeply engaged in complex strategy games or couples like them enjoying two-player games.
Though Miku preferred modern games like video or mobile games, she didn't dislike traditional ones. In fact, she found a unique charm in board games due to their direct interaction and tangible strategy.
An employee approached them.
"Welcome! Can I help you, sir? Miss?"
"We'd like to rent a table and play for a bit. Any recommendations for a two-player game?" Ren asked.
"Of course. Are you looking for strategy, something light, or co-op?"
Miku glanced at the display shelves. Her eyes caught a box with a retro design. It read: Monopoly: Love Life Edition.
"I want that one!" Miku said, pointing at the box. "It sounds interesting. I'm curious what 'love life' looks like as a Monopoly game."
The employee smiled. "Great choice, miss. It's one of our favorites. Perfect for couples wanting to explore the sweet and bitter sides of a relationship."
After paying the table and game rental fee, Ren and Miku sat at an empty table.
Ren opened the box and began setting up the components.
There was a heart-shaped game board filled with colorful spaces, two heart-shaped tokens in pink and blue, a pair of dice, and two stacks of cards: one labeled Sweet Moments and the other Real-Life Challenges.
"The rules are simple. We roll the dice and move according to the number. If you land on a Sweet Moment space, you draw from that pile and do what it says. If you land on a Real-Life Challenge, you draw a challenge card and read it. The goal is to collect as many 'Happiness' points as possible before someone reaches the Happily Ever After space."
Miku nodded eagerly, listening to Ren's explanation from the rulebook.
"I'll take the pink token!"
"Then I'll take the blue one."
The game began.
Miku went first. The dice rolled, and her token landed on a bright yellow Sweet Moment space.
"Okay, draw a card!"
Without needing Ren's prompt, Miku grabbed a card from the corresponding pile and read it aloud.
[Sincere Compliment]: "Give your partner a sincere compliment about one thing you like about them today."
Blushing shyly, Miku avoided Ren's gaze.
"Erm… I like how you listened to me talk about Ichika earlier. You didn't seem bored."
Ren smiled, pleased by Miku's innocent reaction.
"Thanks, Miku-san. I like your enthusiasm when you talk."
The game continued.
Ren's turn. He landed on another Sweet Moment space.
His card read [Sweet Memory]: "Share your most memorable moment with your partner."
Ren looked at Miku. This was a golden opportunity.
"My most memorable moment… Miku-san panicking while picking up groceries scattered on the ground because your plastic bag tore. You looked so cute."
Miku gasped, her eyes widening. "You… you remember that?"
"Of course. How could I forget such a cute moment?"
"You're bullying me, Ren! Guilty. Seppuku!"
Miku puffed out her cheeks like a squirrel.
The game went on.
They laughed when Miku landed on a Real-Life Challenge space and drew [Silly Argument]: "You and your partner argue over something trivial: sitting toilet vs. Squatting toilet? Have a lively debate for 1 minute!"
Miku, getting into character, suddenly turned serious.
"Sitting toilets are more hygienic and modern!"
Ren countered with an exaggerated expression, "No! Squatting toilets are more natural and better for digestion!"
"But your legs get tired!"
"But it's tradition!"
Their silly debate had them both laughing hysterically, momentarily forgetting the earlier awkwardness.
However, the game was called Real-Life Challenges for a reason. A few rounds later, Ren landed on a gray challenge space.
His card read [Test of Trust]: "An ex-partner suddenly contacts you wanting to reconcile. How do you respond?"
"…"
The atmosphere grew silent. It was a sensitive topic.
"It depends on the situation. If the relationship ended amicably, I might respond politely. But I'd set clear boundaries. I'd say I'm in a serious, happy relationship now and don't want the past interfering."
"The most important thing is transparency. I'd tell you about it, Miku-san. No secrets."
Those were hypocritical words. Ren lied without blinking, convincing Miku it was all true.
Soon, it was Miku's turn to face a challenge.
Her card read [Family Conflict]: "Your family disapproves of your partner. What do you do?"
Miku frowned, her expression turning serious. This hit a deeply personal nerve.
After all, the man before her wasn't just any single high schooler but her brother-in-law, involved in a taboo relationship with her sister, Nakano Itsuki, and had gotten her pregnant!
Clearly, if Miku wanted a serious relationship, her family would strongly oppose it. Plus, she felt guilty toward her younger sister.
"This… is tough. But… if I'm sure of my choice, I'd stand up for my partner. I'd try to convince my family, explain my reasons, and show how happy I am with him."
Miku stared at the game board, as if speaking to herself.
"Love is worth fighting for, right? You can't give up just because of initial rejection."
The game continued, becoming an unwitting simulation of a relationship.
They went through Sweet Moment cards like:
—[Spontaneous Date]: "Plan a surprise date for your partner!" which led Ren to promise to take Miku to a new matcha café.
—[Compromise]: "You want a mountain vacation, your partner wants the beach. Find a middle ground!" They agreed on a lake with mountain and water views.
Each card, each dice roll, peeled back new layers of their personalities.
After nearly an hour and a half, the game neared its end. The board was almost full of their tokens. Miku's Happiness points were slightly ahead.
"My final turn."
Miku rolled the dice. Her pink token moved slowly, passing the Big Argument space, the Romantic Vacation space, and landed right on the Happily Ever After space, depicted with a castle and rainbow.
"I win!" she exclaimed joyfully, raising her small clenched fists.
Ren chuckled. "Looks like fate decided Miku-san gets her happy ending."
Miku smiled, thrilled not just by the win but by the experience.
"This game… was deeper than I thought."
"Mm. I agree. It's like practice for a real relationship, wrapped in a fun package."
Nodding, Ren packed the game components back into the box.
The atmosphere between them had completely shifted. Miku's earlier tension and fear had melted away, replaced by warmth and familiarity. They laughed and chatted easily, discussing the silly cards from the game.
Tokyo's night might still be bustling and full of foreigners, but in Miku's heart, a new sense of safety bloomed. Not just because Ren was escorting her, but because through this simple game, she felt she knew the man beside her a little better.