The sleek black luxury car decelerated to a smooth halt, its tires barely kissing the roadside's edge. The engine's gentle purr subsided into a soft whisper, the only sound the soft tick of the idling motor.
Inside the dimly lit cabin, Kokoro leaned in, his face inches from the window, straining to see through the dark-tinted glass. But the night had reduced the world outside to vague silhouettes and muted glows, the privacy tint obscuring all but the faintest outlines – streetlamps casting hazy halos, and fleeting headlights blurring into streaks of light.
"Huh…?" he muttered softly, narrowing his eyes.
They had definitely left the amusement park far behind. The upbeat jingles and cotton-candy-sweet chaos were replaced by the subtle sound of distant city nightlife—muffled conversations, the click of high heels, a car horn far off in the background.
"…Where are we now?" Kokoro asked aloud, turning toward Mika with a furrowed brow.
Mika, who had been calmly gazing ahead, slowly turned to him with a smile that seemed to glow in the dark cabin.
Her lips, softly tinted a delicate red in the faint glow of the car's ceiling light, curved into a playful smile. Strands of shoulder-length snow-white hair caressed her cheeks as she tilted her head, her ash-gray eyes sparkling like polished obsidian, radiating a captivating blend of mystery and mischief.
"You'll see," she said, voice velvet smooth and laced with excitement. "Why don't you step out and find out for yourself?"
Just then, the driver's voice chimed in from the front.
"We have arrived, my lady," he said with respectful clarity.
Mika gave a graceful nod, her tone gracious but slightly commanding. "Thank you. Please wait here for us."
"As you wish, my lady," came the immediate, obedient reply.
Still wearing a mildly confused expression, Kokoro finally reached for the door and pushed it open.
As he stepped out, a breath of cool night air enveloped him, carrying a subtle blend of scents – the faintest hint of cologne lingering on the breeze, the warm, earthy smell of sun-baked pavement, and the rich, golden aroma of popcorn butter wafting, mingling in a sensory greeting that invigorated his senses.
Kokoro emerged with a new sense of vigor, he was bathed in the warm, golden radiance of streetlights and neon signs that lined the broad city thoroughfare. The soft glow illuminated the bustling scene around him, and the urban landscape unfolded like a cinematic panorama – towering skyscrapers, billboards aglow with vibrant colors, and the endless stream of city life flowing past.
The pavement shone like polished stone, still damp from a recent street wash, and glistened under the tall streetlamps like a ribbon of dark glass. The city's ambient glow blended seamlessly with the soft luminescence of LED displays and subtle neon accents from nearby cafes and boutiques, crafting a sophisticated nightlife ambiance that was both vibrant and understated.
The sidewalk was lined with rows of sleek, high-end vehicles, their polished surfaces reflecting the streetlights' glow, a testament to the area's affluent character. Pedestrians strolled in cheerful pairs and small groups, the atmosphere alive with laughter and conversation. Couples walked arm-in-arm, their faces alight with soft smiles and loving glances, while clusters of friends gathered by the curb or ascended the tiled steps of a nearby building, their banter and teasing filling the air with infectious energy.
Kokoro turned his head—and there it was.
The building loomed before them, its sleek glass and brushed steel façade tempered by the warm, inviting glow of rich red velvet carpeting that swept up the steps. Spotlights danced across the large lightboxes emblazoned on the exterior, showcasing vibrant posters of fantasy epics, swooning romances, adrenaline-fueled action films, and poignant slice-of-life dramas, the cinematic spectacle drawing in passersby like a magnet.
Above it all, a polished black-and-white sign gleamed under golden lighting:
"Grand Lumière Cinema"
The name evoked class. Prestige. But also romance.
Mika stepped beside him, her steps light, the plush Koro-chan still hugged snugly in her arm. Her expression was glowing as she turned to him with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Well?" she asked teasingly, "Do you like surprises?"
Kokoro blinked, the realization settling in. "You… brought us to a movie theater?"
"Mm-hmm," Mika hummed with pride, hugging her plush a bit tighter. "You didn't think I'd just let the night end at the amusement park, did you? This is a full-course date."
Kokoro looked at her sideways, lips twitching into a faint smile despite himself.
"A full-course date, huh…"
"Exactly," Mika beamed. "We've got the thrill, the games, the food, the spinning and screaming… Now," she leaned in slightly with a wink, "it's time for the intimacy."
Kokoro coughed, turning his face away.
Mika giggled and looped her arm around his once more. "Don't worry, I booked a movie you'd actually enjoy. And no," she smirked, "it's not one of those mushy romance films where the couple kisses in slow-mo while the background explodes."
He let out a small, amused breath.
"…I still feel like you're up to something."
"Me? Never." Her voice oozed faux innocence.
They climbed the red-carpeted stairs together, their plushies hugged in one arm, the soft hum of the city alive around them.
As the double glass doors slid open, a warm, enticing aroma of buttery popcorn and cinnamon treats wafted out, enveloping Kokoro, he couldn't help but pause on the threshold, his eyes widening in wonder as the inviting scent and the promise of the cinema's warmth drew him in.
The interior was magnificent.
A majestic lobby unfolded before them, its polished marble tiles glimmering like still water under the soft golden light fixtures above. The high ceilings soared upward, adorned with elegant chandeliers that cast a warm, luxurious radiance across the expansive space. At the lobby's heart stood a stately, semi-circular counter crafted from rich dark wood and gold trim, where employees in crisp black uniforms with intricate gold embroidery moved with poised efficiency, their professionalism and poise adding to the lobby's air of refined elegance.
Beyond the counter, a stately procession of double doors marched along the corridor, each pair emblazoned with digital signboards that flashed the titles of currently showing films. Between the doors, vibrant posters in backlit frames burst with color, showcasing sweeping dramatic landscapes, mythical creatures, tender romantic moments, and heart-stopping action sequences, creating a dynamic visual feast that seemed to pulse with energy.
The theater was buzzing with life.
Groups of people mingled and moved through the space, their conversations and laughter weaving a lively tapestry of sound. Footsteps echoed off the marble floors as people hurried to their destinations, while others lingered, pointing and gesturing excitedly. The air was alive with a mouthwatering medley of scents – the warm, golden aroma of buttery popcorn, the sweet allure of caramel, and the subtle, tantalizing hints of perfume and cologne – creating an intoxicating atmosphere that was both vibrant and inviting.
"Hey, hey, let's watch Rising Storm: Final Arc! I heard the sword scene was crazy!"
"Ehh? I already watched that twice. Let's go for The Countess and the Gunner. It's tragic, it'll mess you up!"
"Ugh, no more tragedy please, I want to laugh today!"
"Shhh! Keep your voice down, you sound like my mom!"
Nearby, a group of college girls in matching jackets giggled over their snack choices.
"Ooooh, caramel popcorn and chocolate drizzle… Should I go wild and add cheese too?"
"Girl, you're just building a stomachache at this point!"
"Worth it. I didn't dress cute to be healthy."
In a quieter corner, a couple whispered to each other, fingers interlocked.
"Wanna watch a horror flick?"
"Horror? I'll scream the whole time."
"…Exactly."
"You're horrible!"
"Only for you."
Kokoro took it all in—the lights, the energy, the noise, the atmosphere—and felt a strange sort of warmth. Something between awe and comfort.
"…This place is beautiful," he murmured, his eyes scanning the elegant gold borders and velvet accents.
Mika, still cuddling Koro-chan tightly with one arm, remained coiled around Kokoro's right arm with the other. Her soft hair brushed against his shoulder, and a faint hum of joy escaped her lips.
She didn't say anything. Instead, she simply pulled Kokoro forward with purpose and grace, heading toward a counter that had just become vacant.
The employee behind it—a young man with sharp eyes and slicked-back hair—stood up straighter the moment Mika stepped in front of him.
Mika retrieved a slim, gold-colored card from her wallet. It shimmered under the lobby lights, not with cheap flash, but with the distinct glint of wealth and exclusivity. The card bore an embossed crest—stylized wings forming a crown with a lion's head at the center.
The moment the employee saw the card, his demeanor shifted entirely.
His posture straightened further, his eyes gleamed with recognition, and a practiced—but genuine—smile blossomed across his face.
"Welcome, Lady Mika," he said politely, his voice velvet smooth with deference. "And… Sir. Your VIP suite reservation has been confirmed. You'll be in Theater 3—last row, center seats. One of our finest."
Kokoro blinked, surprised at the sudden attention.
Mika simply nodded with that calm, confident air of hers and cuddled closer to Kokoro's arm.
The employee continued, "Your food will be delivered to your seats shortly. Thank you for choosing the Grand Lumière. Here is your card, returned with gratitude."
He handed the shimmering card back with both hands, bowing slightly.
As Mika took it with grace, the employee allowed himself a small, discreet glance at Kokoro. His smile remained, but his inner thoughts trickled through the crack in his professional mask:
Man… How lucky can this guy be? She's rich, beautiful, graceful… clings to him like he's royalty. Tch. I wouldn't even care if a rich girl was clingy or weird, or even ugly—just… why not me?
He let out a sigh beneath his breath as the two walked away.
Kokoro, meanwhile, felt that faint sense of being in someone else's shoes again. As if he had stepped into the kind of life he only used to see on TV—or from behind a school library window.
As they passed down the main corridor toward Theater 3, the mood shifted subtly. The lighting here was lower, more intimate. Golden sconces along the walls bathed everything in a warm glow, illuminating the plush maroon carpeting beneath their feet. The muffled sounds of movies and excited laughter seeped through the doors they passed.
Door after door, each with a small display screen:
Theater 1 – "Stars Beyond Us"
Theater 2 – "Blade Sonata"
Theater 3 – "Moonlight Melodies"
As they approached Theater 3, Kokoro heard distant screaming from another room—either a horror film or a very intense drama—and soft laughter from the one across.
The moment felt oddly surreal.
Mika gave his arm another affectionate squeeze.
"You ready to watch something comfy?" she asked softly.
Kokoro exhaled slowly, a smile tugging at the edge of his lips.
"…Let's see what kind of movie you dragged me into."