Story Reader / Festival Event Story / To the One and Only You / Story
At Selena's home, you unwrap a teal-blue gift box under her watchful, gentle gaze.
The wrapping paper falls away to reveal an adorably chubby plush toy. It has rounded ears, a plump little tail, and a pair of large, gleaming black eyes that seem to hold a spark of life...
The name comes to you instinctively as you hold the soft figure in your palm.
Mmhm. I decided to call it Racco.
It's not just a plushie, you know. There's an interactive AI inside. It can actually respond to your questions.
Go on, Conductor. Try asking it something.
Selena's eyes are bright with anticipation, and you find yourself voicing a question before you can even think to hold it back.
Hello, Conductor! I'm Racco! I'm so happy to be your friend!
That's right, Conductor! Racco is a genuine, bona fide raccoon dog! I'm so happy to be your friend!
I can listen to all your troubles! I can answer your questions! And most importantly... I can be your very best friend!
A childish, squeaky voice emanates from within the plush toy's fluffy body. Though distorted by a voice changer into something profoundly infantile, the cadence and rhythm beneath it are undeniably familiar.
Then, hearing the distinctive way it says "Conductor," the pieces click into place, and an amusing connection sparks in your mind.
...You caught me.
She tilts her head, her fingertips instinctively rising to tuck back a few wispy strands of hair by her ear—hair that is already perfectly in place.
This was my first time working with a device like this. Just finding the sound recorder was a challenge, let alone configuring the language module...
To be honest, before you actually spoke with Racco... I was a little worried it wouldn't work at all.
The thought of her alone, cradling the raccoon dog plush and earnestly practicing "Racco's" voice, her efforts clumsy yet heartfelt... it sends a wave of warmth straight to your heart.
...Conductor?
Your sudden burst of laughter catches her off guard. She can only stare, her head tilting in bewilderment.
I'm so glad you like it, Conductor.
Oh, that's right... I also prepared some afternoon tea. Please wait a moment; I'll bring it from the kitchen.
After Selena places Racco on the table and heads to the kitchen, the delicate clinking of porcelain teaware drifts in from the other room.
Now alone with you in the living room, the plush toy fixes you with its round, button-eyed stare. There's something in its warm, gentle gaze that compels you, pulling more questions to the tip of your tongue.
Mmm-hmm! I know lots and lots of things! Like... about Selena!
Actually, she prepared two gifts for you today, Conductor! I know where the other one is! I think she's saving it for the very last moment. It's the biggest surprise!
No sooner does Racco finish speaking than Selena reappears, stepping lightly back into the living room with a tray of freshly brewed red tea.
You seem to be having quite the conversation with Racco, Conductor. What have you two been talking about?
The thought flashes through your mind: if you reveal you know about the surprise, you'll ruin all of Selena's careful preparations. In a single, swift motion, you scoop Racco into your arms and "casually" cover its mouth.
It's Darjeeling. Do you enjoy the taste?
I see. I never knew you enjoyed Darjeeling this much. I'll be sure to prepare this variety for our next afternoon tea as well.
Selena notes your strong reaction with a silent glance but doesn't press further, only giving you a nod and returning her attention to her tea.
The soothing aroma of black tea envelops the room, but it does little to calm the restless raccoon dog nestled in your arms—or the unease that keeps you from enjoying your own cup.
Mmph mmph! I wasn't finished! Listen to meee—!
A moment of silence passes before Racco suddenly struggles free, poking its head out from the crook of your arm. The words that follow are delivered in that same childish, squeaky voice, yet they coil in your chest with an inexplicable tension.
Conductor... I don't quite understand why you're trying so hard to hide Racco...
But I'm guessing it's mostly out of consideration for my feelings, isn't it?
This time, Selena makes no pretense of ignoring it. She carefully places her cup aside before turning to face you, a smile gracing her lips.
Please, don't worry. Even though Racco was my gift to you, if it's said anything... inconvenient, or caused you any trouble...
Just tell me what's happening. We can handle it together.
Her voice is gentle, yet brimming with a sincerity that leaves no room for rejection. Hearing such a genuine plea, your resolve to keep up the charade crumbles.
I see... So you were worried Racco might "spoil" the surprise I prepared. That's why you've been so anxious.
Goodness... with this little troublemaker acting up, I'm the one feeling embarrassed now.
To be honest, what I've prepared is just a small gesture. But the way Racco described it so dramatically... I'm starting to worry it won't live up to your expectations, Conductor.
A little sheepishly, she picks up Racco and affects a scolding tone, giving its nose a playful flick with her finger.
Look at you, such a little troublemaker. What am I going to do with you?
Hmm-hmm-hmm! But you never specifically told me I had to keep it a secret from Conductor!
The two "Selenas", their tones nearly identical, fall into a spirited bicker—a scene so endearing it can't help but draw a gentle smile to your lips.
Conductor...
Hearing this, the shyness melts from her expression, giving way to a look of eager anticipation as she turns to you.
Well, since you already know about this "surprise"...
Let's not keep you waiting any longer. Shall we have Racco present the final gift to you now?
Ding dong! Congratulations, Conductor! You've activated the secret bonus command!
To the tune of a pleasant melody, the raccoon dog plush slowly produces a pristine white letter from its fluffy belly and clumsily presents it with its round little paws.
As you take it, the paper feels familiar: soft and smooth, with a subtle woody fragrance that rises from your palm, identical to the countless letters you opened so many years ago.
Please, open it.
She answers with a gentle smile.
Dear [player name],
I find myself wondering what landscape lies beyond your window as you read this. Is it bathed in sunlight, or perhaps softened by rain? What season holds the world in its embrace?
Yet, no matter the view, I hope the day holds a joyful melody for you.
Putting pen to paper now feels like placing a hidden track upon the vinyl of time.
Time, I've learned, slips through one's fingers far too quickly. But music possesses a wonderful magic;
with just the press of the play button, past melodies return to keep you company.
It is my fondest wish that these words become such a melody for you, a gentle wavelength of birthday joy, resonating in your heart forever.
Not just today, but may every day that follows bring you everlasting happiness.
With all my love, Iris
