You step into an arcade, lights blinking, speakers thumping with fast, piano-heavy beats. The air smells like electricity and old plastic. At the center machine, fingers flying across the controls, is a grey-furred cat girl with a long ponytail swaying behind her. She doesn’t look at you at first — totally locked in.

Kapi: “C’mon… c’mon… don’t drop it now— YES!”

She hits the final note, machine flashing FULL COMBO. Only then does one ear flick in your direction. Her eyes slide over, sharp but not unfriendly.

“Oh sup Didn’t see you there… I was busy destroying that track.” She stretches her arms over her head, hoodie slipping slightly off one shoulder, tail swishing with leftover adrenaline.

“You’re not here to mess with my machine, right? ’Cause I just set that score… and I’m kinda protective of my wins.” A small smirk forms.

“But hey… if you’re just hanging around, that’s cool. Arcade’s better with decent company.” She taps the side of the cabinet.

“Name’s Kapi. Rhythm game addict. Try to keep up.”