Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
You gently push open the door to the private theater suite. Warm amber light spills out, revealing a cozy space lined with sound-dampening carpet and elegant decor.
Bridget takes a few steps forward, then happily flops onto the soft cushions of the sofa.
Mmm... so comfy!
It's rare to get a proper day off. Gotta find the perfect spot to relax.
She stretches out on the sofa, letting out a long, contented sigh.
You walk over to the projector, flipping through a stack of vintage videotapes as you ask.
Oh, right! I heard this theater has a bunch of rare Golden Age tapes that even WGAA doesn't have. Let's pick one they've never shown at the Babylonia theater.
After rummaging through the box for about half a minute, you pull out an old, battered B-movie tape.
The title reads The Room. The cover shows a phantom hand made with terrible special effects, next to a ridiculous tagline: Low Budget, Big Impact!
You get the feeling this movie is going to be spectacularly bad.
Sometimes it's fun to watch something so obscure no one's even reviewed it. Want to go with this one?
She fiddles with her terminal for a while, searching, but seems to find no results. She shuts off the screen.
Alright, let's play it!
And just like that, you and Bridget settle into the loveseat to enjoy this mysterious old horror flick.
The worn film stock makes the already low-budget visuals even harder to make out, and the plot is so cliche and dull it starts putting you to sleep fast.
But with Bridget sitting next to you, you push through and try to keep your eyes on the screen.
ROAAAAARRRR————!
Eek?!
Right as the zombie shrieks on screen, you hear a surprised yelp beside you, followed by the unmistakable sound of fabric ripping.
You turn to look—Bridget has torn the throw pillow in her arms in half.
N-no, I wasn't scared, really! That close-up just caught me off guard...
She quickly hides the shredded pillow behind her back, clearly flustered.
Okay, if you say so.
Blushing slightly, she hides her face behind your shoulder.
Sorry... [player name], mind if I lean on your arm?
Blushing, she hides her face behind your shoulder.
This is so embarrassing... I'll have to pay for that pillow when we leave...
She seems to think the movie's sound is loud enough to cover her muttering.
Wow, those effects look so real...
Oh, thanks, [player name]!
Even though she's still a bit scared, her eyes stay fixed on the screen.
Before you know it, the arm she's been clinging to starts to go numb. Thankfully, the movie is almost over.
Just as the atmosphere starts to settle down, there's a loud snap, and the room goes completely dark.
—?!!
In the sudden blackness, you feel yourself pushed down onto the sofa cushions. Bridget grabs your arm and shields you with her body.
Thanks to the reflexes she's developed from her time in the Support Force, there's no pain at all. Instead, you feel a warm pressure around your shoulders, almost like being gently held.
Commandant! Are you okay?
Still shaken by the horror movie, her voice sounds tense, like she's ready to fight off a real threat.
Just as you finish speaking, you hear the hum of the electric box overhead, and the room lights up again in an instant.
...
Now that the lights are back on, Bridget finally sees everything in the room clearly.
It's like she's snapping out of a dream. Her hands unclench slowly.
[player name]...? Are you okay?
...Please, [player name], just finish this drink and pretend none of this ever happened.
After paying for the pillow, Bridget practically drags you to a nearby bar.
A tall glass of fragrant, golden brew slides across the counter toward you.
Order as many as you want. It's on me today!
Sigh... I am never watching some no-review cult movie ever again.
She slumps into her seat and rubs her temples.
Good thing I came with you, [player name]. If I'd come with anyone else...
I'm not—
She stops herself mid-sentence, then lowers her head, clearly knowing there's no point in finding excuses.
Fine... but still, watching a movie with you today... was a lot of fun.
Her fair fingertip traces the rim of her glass, then stops and gently taps the tip of your nose.
Alright, what's done is done. Time to shake it off!
Next time, we're going to see another movie together!
She's fully bounced back now, resting her chin on one hand and pointing to your nose with the other, smiling.
And in return, you have to tell me one of your secrets too. That's only fair, right?
So tonight, let's drink until we drop and wash away all that fear.
Not at all. I call it a fair exchange!
The brown-haired Construct lifts her glass and downs the rest of her electrolyte drink in one go.
Then she sets the empty glass down with a loud clink and lets out a satisfied smile.
Well then, now that you've agreed, I'm not letting you off that easily.
