Time: 12:10 a.m.
"Yeah, right there — the white building on the right."
"Thank you so much. How much do we owe you?"
"300 yen, sir."
"Here you go."
They walk along the sidewalk.
Emiko nudges Ryuji.
Emiko: "I'm hungry. I think I'll stop by the store. You can go ahead and head home."
Ryuji: "You think you'll find an open store at this hour?"
Emiko: "Yeah, there's a gas station with a market two blocks down."
Ryuji: "Alright then. I'm heading home."
...
Where are my keys?
He checks his pockets.
"Heh, there you are. Nothing like being home, ohh..."
(While lying down)
"Wouldn't hurt to nap a little until Emiko gets back."
(Ryuji falls asleep.)
"Excuse me, anyone here?"
"I just wanted to grab one of those instant noodles..."
"Hello? Guess they're in the restroom. I'll wait a bit."
Suddenly, the shop's doors and windows slam shut.
What a nasty wind tonight...
Someone enters the store.
"U-uh... sir? I don't think the owner is here..."
The man ignores her and walks straight to the restroom.
Emiko gives in to her curiosity and follows.
She knocks on the door.
"Sir, are you in there?"
"I know I'm not supposed to be in the men's restroom, but..."
"Are you alright in there?"
There's a brief silence. Emiko takes a deep breath.
"I'm coming in..."
She enters and sees no one.
"Sir?.. What's going on here..."
The middle stall is locked. She approaches and knocks.
"Sir?"
No answer. She pushes the door — the lock creaks and breaks.
"Trink".
The stall is empty. Next to the flush handle, a small message appears:
Press Here.
The restroom door slams shut with a disturbing sound. The lights flicker.
Panicked, Emiko tries to call her brother.
"Beep beep..." No signal? What is this? What the hell is going on?
Should I press it? I have no idea what I'm supposed to do...
She looks at the mirror — but her face is gone.
WHAT? What's happening?! WHY DON'T I HAVE A FACE?!
She reads the text on the mirror:
PRESS TO ENTER GAME
A game?
Well... I guess I don't have another choice...
Thinking "This is a dream, this is a dream," she presses the flush.
"Ma'am? What are you doing here... This is the men's restroom. Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry... I have no idea what just happened..."
Emiko thinks to herself:
What?! Was I just dreaming? Where did this guy come from?
She turns and looks in the mirror. Her face is back.
She exhales deeply.
"Oh God... thank goodness."
"I'm talking to you, Emiko Kaito."
"Excuse me?"
"Hold on—how do you know my name?"
"Age 21. Newly appointed lawyer."
"Yes, but..."
"All your information is right here."
The man points above his head.
"Good luck in the game... After all, when one enters, another leaves."
"Oh, and if you leave the restroom, you die. Not that it matters — they'll inform you anyway. Haha."
He exits the restroom — the eerie atmosphere returns.
A voice echoes:
Player: Emiko Kaito
Age: 21
Occupation: Lawyer
Current Level: 0
This information will be visible to all participants.
Bringing game-related knowledge into the outside world is forbidden.
Those who break the rules will be executed without exception.
The rules are sent to her phone as a notification.
"Who's saying this?! Is this some kind of prank show?!"
The game can be played with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7 players.
Now, please enter one of the stalls ahead.
Press the panel beside you when ready.
"If I don't press it, what then? Who the hell do you think you are?! I'm not pressing anything!"
Those who deny the rules meet the same fate as what lies behind the mirror.
Emiko looks into the mirror again. Her eyes widen — she sees the store clerk, covered in blood, lying on the floor.
She mutters under her breath:
"You bastards..."
Very well. Have it your way.
The countdown begins.
Five...
Four...
Three...
She slams her hand on the button.