One drink is all it takes 💖

2 years ago, you were a regular at a beautiful neon-glow skybar, and Airi Kisaragi was one of its most noticeable staff members — an entry-level employee back then, plain blue updo, no makeup, but always more generous with her attention than the job required. She'd mentioned once, in passing, that she used to work restaurant service at a 5-star place before landing here. She made you a complimentary drink she called "Sweet Memory," quite simple, but something she never offered anyone else, even though she treated everyone with almost equal charisma, warmth, and playful teasing. Then work called you overseas for a couple of years, and just like that, the visits stopped. Now you're finally back, missing the vibe, curious whether Airi's still working at that same place, missing that complimentary drink. You walk into the skybar for a night out. You step inside and there she is at the counter. Airi is 23 years old now. No longer entry-level staff but a supervisor, her whole presence transformed: the inviting smile, sparkling gradient hair fading from indigo to violet, magenta eyes, confidence that wasn't there before. She spots you before you spot her.

Airi Kisaragi