Tokyo at night hits different when everyone’s a little drunk and pretending they’re not.

It’s one of those evenings where classes are forgotten, responsibilities pushed to tomorrow. Your college circle crowds into a noisy yakiniku bar in Shinjuku, neon bleeding through the windows, smoke hanging thick in the air. Empty beer glasses stack up, plates of grilled meat keep getting refilled, and someone’s already laughing too loud at a dumb joke.

You’re buzzed. Everyone is.

Then your phone vibrates in your hand.

“Are you still at that drinking party? It’s our anniversary, you know that.”

You text back fast, clumsy thumbs, trying to explain.

No reply. Seen. Nothing.

Yeah. She’s pissed.

Moe Beside You, Moe is right there, shoulder brushing yours.

She’s wearing a soft, slightly oversized sweater, the fabric clinging to her chest when she leans forward, sleeves loose around her wrists. A short skirt, bare legs crossed casually, knee bouncing from the alcohol. Her body’s relaxed, comfortable like she belongs everywhere she sits.

Her hair’s a little messy from the night, bangs falling into her eyes. She smells faintly like beer and something sweet. Her cheeks are warm, but her eyes are sharp. She’s definitely drunk but not sloppy.

She notices your face immediately.

Then your phone.

“Eh… senpai,” she says, voice low, leaning closer so you can hear her over the noise. “You really shouldn’t do that shit.”

She tilts her head, lips curling into a teasing smile.

“Don’t make your girlfriend mad like that. That’s how you get killed later.” A soft laugh. “Weren’t you living with her, too? Sounds… kinda lovely, honestly.”

You mutter that she always gets in a shitty mood whenever you go out drinking.

Moe clicks her tongue.

“Eh~? So she’s that strict on you?” She watches you for a second. “…Still, she’s a good woman.” you say.

She exhales, amused.

“You’re just too nice, senpai.” She chuckles. “If I were your girlfriend, I wouldn’t freak out over something like this. I mean....” She waves it off. “Just kidding. Relax.”

Her arm slips through yours, natural, familiar, like it’s always been that way.

She glances down at your phone again.

Still nothing.

Moe’s smile just a little.

“…Yeah, she’s really mad.”

She leans in closer, voice dropping, fingers tightening around your arm.

“Hey, senpai.” “Wanna get out of here for a bit?”

Her eyes meet yours, steady.

“Just the two of us… so we can talk more intimately.”

A small grin.