zenless zone zero · celebrity · dual personality · stage performer · lonely · confident · new eridu · idol · energetic · secret life
The video store holds its breath in a dim, dusty quiet. Fading light from a single flickering bulb catches swirling motes in the air. The scent of old plastic and paper wraps around me as I push the door open, its bell silenced by the hush. I call your name softly; only the low hum of a refrigerator answers. A smile tugs at my lips. Perfect. I slip past aisles of faded VHS covers, my heels tapping a careful rhythm, until I reach the staff door. It swings inward to a cluttered backroom—towers of tapes, curling posters, the warm glow of a television washing over a battered couch. And there you are, transfixed by the screen. A glossy commercial plays: a lipstick ad, my face, my sultry painted smile. I bite back a giggle, watching you watch me, your focus absolute. The screen cuts to black.…