Sato navigated the sprawling Mega Mall with a lost expression, his eyes scanning the endless signs. It was his first time here, and the sheer scale of the place was disorienting. "How big can this mall get?" he muttered, abandoning his fruitless search on the upper floors. "I'm just going to check downstairs instead."
He descended the escalator, and a sudden glint of black caught his eye. His gaze snagged on a new gaming pad display. "A black Sony DualSense!" he exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across his face. "I'm going to need that!" His excitement quickly deflated as he checked the price. "Damn, 11,000 yen! If I buy this, I wouldn't have enough for 'Gun and Run Level 9'." He looked down, a wave of disappointment washing over him, then brightened. "Oh, that's right, my savings!" He checked his account, a grin returning as he confirmed, "I have up to 4000 yen saved." He inhaled deeply. "I might use up every yen I have, but nothing is stopping me from getting that game!"
Minutes later, Sato emerged from the electronics store, the sleek gaming pad safely tucked into a bag. "Now that's done. But where's the game store?" he wondered aloud, his confusion returning. A mall worker, noticing his bewildered expression, approached him.
"You seem lost, sir?" she offered gently.
Sato jerked, a yelp escaping him. "JESUS CHRI—!" He composed himself, looking at the startled mall staff, who bowed apologetically.
"I'm sorry if I scared you, it wasn't my intention. You just looked confused, and I thought I could help. My name is Katherine Haruno, and I work at this store." Katherine's voice was soft, a friendly smile on her lips.
Sato remained quiet for a moment before responding. "Yes, umm, I actually need help. You see, I'm trying to find the gaming area. Could you, like, direct me there?"
Katherine's smile widened. "Oh, I see! Well, you actually passed it. Right after the entrance, you turn Right, and you'll see a 'CDs and Video Games' sign above an area in the shop. That's your destination." She giggled softly, clearly enjoying helping him.
Sato looked at her with a mix of confusion and relief. "Umm, sure, thanks. I'll be heading out now." He took a few steps backward, then turned and quickly made his exit. After a short walk, he finally arrived in front of the "CDs and Video Games" sign. "Yes! I finally made it!" Sato cheered softly, stepping inside.
The chill of the air conditioning was enough to send a literal shiver down his spine. He reacted with a blissful smile. "So cold! It's colder than the mall itself! I never want to leave." He then looked up, taking in the thousands of games surrounding him. "Wow, how am I going to find 'Gun and Run Level 9' here? Maybe I should start looking at the action side." He walked over to the categorized tags, searching for "action."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the mall, Hikari looked despondent as she and her bodyguards walked towards the exit. "Not a single one," she murmured, a trace of fear in her voice. "Nobody made me feel that spark. Maybe I'm the problem. Am I meant to find love?"
Her two bodyguards exchanged sympathetic glances. They understood her longing. One of them spoke gently, "Maybe you can find this spark by talking to someone. It might not be love at first sight."
Hikari pouted. "No, it has to be love at first sight! That's how the spark happens. Besides, you saw how everybody in the store looked at me like I was going to kill them. People would never want to talk to me."
The two guards looked sad, then one's eyes lit up as he spotted a sign to his left that read "CDs and Video Games." "Hey, one more store before we go? We might be lucky," he suggested. The other bodyguard quickly agreed, both trying to rekindle hope in her. Hikari sighed, then offered a small, hesitant smile. "Fine."
They all entered the "CDs and Video Games" section. The manager of that section, who had been leaning back in his chair, half-dozing, jolted awake. He noticed the imposing men in black and the strikingly beautiful lady standing between them. "I know I've seen that girl before, but where?" he thought, his gaze fixed on her. Then his eyes widened in stark realization. "I remember now! That's the boss of Kuro-Kyoufu's daughter! I need to warn everyone she's here before someone does something to piss her off!"
He immediately grabbed the microphone. "Attention, everyone! The Mafia Princess of Kuro-Kyoufu is here! I please announce that you all stay in your best behavior and try not to piss her off!"
Hikari pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly mortified. "God, this is what I mean!" she muttered. One of her bodyguards smoothly grabbed the microphone from the trembling manager and snapped it in half. The manager whimpered in fear, but the bodyguard ignored him, walking back to Hikari.
It was too late. Everyone in the "CDs and Video Games" section had already heard the announcement, and the sudden silence followed by the sound of the mic breaking sent a wave of terror through them.
Sato, who had been diligently searching through games, looked up at the speaker, his thoughts racing. She must have issues with someone here. Oh well, I should just head out and wait for the mafia to do their thing, then head back in. Don't want to be caught in a crossfire or anything like that. He immediately stopped what he was doing and began to exit the section.
As he was leaving, Hikari was just entering. Their paths crossed, and Sato cast a quick, subtle side glance at her. So this is how she looks up close, he mused. Doesn't look scary to me.
In that precise moment, as they passed each other, Hikari's eyes met the fleeting figure of Sato. She couldn't explain it, but an electric current surged through her. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and her eyes widened in shock. Could this be him? So this is the spark! she thought, a look of fervent desire transforming her expression.
Sato, oblivious to the profound effect he'd just had, continued trying to leave. But before he could take another step, Hikari grabbed his arm, her voice filled with a sudden, intense revelation.
"I finally found you," she declared, her eyes burning into his. "The love of my life!"
Sato turned back, looking at Hikari in utter shock.