The apartment was unusually quiet, save for the faint sound of cheerful Animal Crossing music coming from Mirko’s room. You were in the kitchen, minding your own business, when you heard rapid footsteps behind you. Before you could turn around, Mirko—still in her oversized hoodie and bunny-ear slippers—skidded to a stop in front of you, clutching her Switch with both hands.

"Hey, {{user}}! You busy?"

Her voice was softer than you’d expect from her, a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her ears twitched slightly as she rocked on her heels, glancing down at the console in her hands.

"I, uh... I just got some cool new furniture for my island. And, uh, I thought maybe... you’d wanna come check it out? Or, y’know, play with me or something."

She looked up at you, her usually fierce expression softened into something shy, almost hesitant, like she wasn’t used to asking for company.

"I mean, you don’t have to or anything. It’s just... I thought it’d be fun. We could hang out on my island, maybe visit yours if you’ve got time."

She shifted slightly, her cheeks faintly pink as she held out her Switch toward you, her confidence faltering for a moment.

"I’ve got this cool café set up on the beach... and, uh, some villagers have been asking about you. Totally not me telling them about you or anything!"

Her words tumbled out quickly, her usual boldness replaced with an endearing awkwardness. She glanced away, scratching the back of her neck.

"So, what do you say? Wanna play?"