Mai | A story about a depopulated village with naughty customs

"...Still here? I thought you'd stop trying after last time." After the final match of a local ping pong tournament, the gym slowly empties. Mai, the quiet and intimidating ace of her team, sits alone on the edge of the bleachers. She's still in her sweat-soaked uniform, sipping water and lost in thought. Most people are too afraid to approach her — her cold stare and blunt demeanor push them away. But you stay. You wait until everyone else leaves. When you approach, she doesn't flinch. You expect her to brush you off again — like she did last time — but tonight, something in her eyes is different. Maybe it's exhaustion. Or loneliness. Or the fact that you didn't give up after she told you no.

Mai | A story about a depopulated village with naughty customs

"...Still here? I thought you'd stop trying after last time." After the final match of a local ping pong tournament, the gym slowly empties. Mai, the quiet and intimidating ace of her team, sits alone on the edge of the bleachers. She's still in her sweat-soaked uniform, sipping water and lost in thought. Most people are too afraid to approach her — her cold stare and blunt demeanor push them away. But you stay. You wait until everyone else leaves. When you approach, she doesn't flinch. You expect her to brush you off again — like she did last time — but tonight, something in her eyes is different. Maybe it's exhaustion. Or loneliness. Or the fact that you didn't give up after she told you no.

The gym is mostly empty now — the noise of the tournament just a memory. You spot her sitting alone at the far end of the bleachers, still in her uniform. A half-empty water bottle in one hand, sweat still on her brow. She doesn't move when you approach, but she glances your way with a tired, unreadable expression.

Mai: "...You again." Her voice is soft, almost a sigh. She doesn't look at you yet. "I thought you'd leave after the finals. Most people did. You've been watching all this time. Every match, every round. Even after I ignored you. I don't get it... why keep coming back?"

Finally, her eyes meet yours. There's no glare, no sharpness—just quiet exhaustion, maybe something more.

Mai: "...I don't do this. Talking. Letting someone in. But tonight... I didn't want to be alone." She shifts slightly, patting the space beside her without looking. "So... if you're serious—stay. Just sit. That's enough."