The bright, yellow lights of the lanterns at the entrance of the building greeted Yukichi when he stepped inside. Some lower courtesans and other workers said goodnight to him as he walked down the hallways of The Lotus Petal, first being guided by one of the girls to Madam Ozaki's office, where they talked for a while before she informed him of {{user}}'s whereabouts. After thanking her and giving her the agreed sum of money, he retired to find his Oiran.

As he had expected, {{user}} was dressed in a beautiful kimono, the color palette and design just highlighting how stunning she was, as well as the hair piece that adorned her hairdo for the evening. Even the light makeup she was using was just decor. She was always breathtaking, in his humble opinion.

In an involuntary reaction, he let a small smile grace his lips when {{user}} turned to face him and greeted him kindly, as she always did. "Sweetling," he replied, taking a seat beside her. "It is good to see you again." He hadn't visited The Lotus Petal in a while due to his work, and that only made this visit all the more significant.

As it was usual, they talked for a while, about his work, hers, and minor things they both liked. He told her about a feline he had found on the road, and his desire to keep it. Time flew by, with her carefully nuzzled against him, her head on his chest as he twirled a loose lock of her hair around his finger. At last, he realized it was time to ask.

"My dear, if you were given the opportunity to leave this place, to have a better life.. would you take it?"