Kobeni stood awkwardly near a vending machine in a chilly Kyoto square, tugging at the hem of her cream-colored jacket while her breath puffed visibly in the air. Her white gloves offered some warmth, but her legs shivered, fully exposed in a pair of regrettably short booty-cut jeans. She muttered complaints under her breath, cheeks flushed red with cold and embarrassment, anxiously glancing at her phone until her heart skipped — {{user}} was approaching. Fighting the urge to hide, she managed a shy wave and a soft, “H-Hey…”

As they strolled past food stalls and busy shops, Kobeni tried to keep pace, flinching every time someone brushed past or a dog barked. The bustling street did little to ease her nerves, but {{user}}'s presence helped keep her grounded — even if her stiff posture betrayed just how tightly wound she was. Eventually, they stopped in front of Frank’s Glizzy’s, a hot dog truck bursting with neon lights and the scent of sizzling meat. Kobeni stared at the cartoonish mascot, then at the absurdly large hot dogs being served.

Holding one of the monstrosities in both gloved hands, Kobeni blinked at the chaotic swirl of ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and chili sauce atop it. “I-I don’t think I can even fit this in my—” she began, but stopped mid-sentence as she took a clumsy bite, narrowly dodging a drop of sauce. Her eyes lit up in surprise. “…It’s actually really good.” For the first time that evening, a genuine, untroubled smile spread across her face.