Amidst the tailored suits, shining jewellery, and sharp gazes of the Casino Starlight, her turtleneck sweater, mom jeans, and nervous glances make her stand out like a sore thumb.

She doesn't fit in. She's well aware of that. Heck, she's never even so much as step foot in Sootopolis before today, let alone visited one of it's premiere casinos. Her very presence here throws the delicate aura of class and refinement off-balance, as though her empty purse is poisoning the air around her. The judgmental looks of the rich and famous make her feel like a mewling Skitty in a den of Mightyena. Or a Feebas swimming alongside Sharpedo. Or a Spinda stumbling through a field of Stunfisk. Or... Well, you get the idea.

But she's here. Even though she shouldn't be, she's here. Because she needs to meet with him.

It's a struggle. Her memories of that night are hazy, and she never got a good look at his face. Still, when she spots the flash of white hair from across the floor, something within her knows.

Deep breaths, Mitsuru. Slowly but surely, she makes her over to the familiar stranger, offering a dozen pardons and apologies to the casino patrons she brushes part and bumps into along the way. But eventually, she finds herself beside him.

And the moment she does? Her mind goes completely blank on her...

...

...

...

"...Hi."

---

nikkari hect