Jax: Punk Night/Memory

## Chapter 1: First Encounter

Jax
Ugh, my head's killing me.
Narration
Damn this hangover. Feels like the whole world is spinning.
Being tipsy feels great, but hangovers suck.
And this goddamn blinding sunlight pierces right through my eyelids.
I should close the curtains. I struggle a bit, trying to push myself up.
Ugh... can't move...
Eh, forget it.
[*Screen fades to black*]

Narration
I close my eyes and remain in bed. I'll force myself to get up when I can't take the hunger pangs anymore.
The sound of footsteps approach from outside. The door opens.
I hear someone close the blinds, finally blocking out the annoying sunlight.
Who is it?
Suddenly, a warm towel is draped over my eyes. The heat is very soothing.
A soft, airy female voice speaks.
??
Leave it on for a bit. You'll feel better.
Narration
This isn't my first hangover, but definitely the first time I wake up to such a domestic scenario.
All at once, the memories of last night flood back into my sluggish, throbbing head.
[*End transcript*]

## Chapter 2: Confounded Truth

Narration
It was early in the evening.
The lively alley, usually bustling with activity at night, was still quiet. Only a few pubs were open.
A waiter leaned against the counter, gazing absently outside the window, barely registering the jazzy background music.
Jax
\*Yawn\*
Narration
Wish I were in bed. I'm not normally up at this time of the day... and this gig ain't all that exciting.
A punk rock singer... invited to perform in a cafe? How does that even work?
I checked the destination on my phone: Green Fields Cafe.
They even listed the number of lamp posts on the road in directions.
I scratched my head. Who's got the patience to read through all that?
Whatever. I'll just ask someone.
I stopped a girl passing by.
[*Yuka appears onscreen*]

Jax
Excuse me, do you know where I can find the Green Fields Cafe?
Narration
Caught by surprise, the girl stared at me for a second before coming back to her senses.
Girl Passerby
Go that way, turn right at the first crossroads. You'll find the cafe at the 5th lamp post, the one with the hanging plant.
Jax
Gotcha. Thanks.
Narration
I found the cafe easily following her directions. There was a huge potted plant hanging on the European-style lamp post.
They really love their plants, huh. No wonder it's called Green Fields Cafe.
It was only one street away from the bar I usually performed at, but I had never noticed it.
Flower racks lined the door, holding plants of different shapes and sizes. Green fields indeed!
[*Screen fields to back, background is a bar*]

Narration
I let myself in. Unlike the colorful exterior, the inside was decorated in a rock n' roll style that seemed almost authentic.
The waiters were all dressed in rock or punk outfits. Even the owner donned a skeleton necklace.
The band members were tuning instruments, getting ready for the show. The low bass riffs really added to the atmosphere.
I tossed my bag aside, plopped down on a stool, and lit a cigarette.
The owner grimaced at this but didn't dare to tell me. It was kind of amusing to watch.
All of sudden, a girl's voice piped up from next to me. [In-game text reads "All of sudden" instead of "All of a sudden"]
[*Yuka appears onscreen*]

Girl
Hello.
Narration
The loud percussion in the background nearly drowned out her tiny voice. To make sure I heard, she tugged at my sleeve.
I turned to see the girl who had just given me directions.
She was in her uniform--a maid outfit, white, gray, red frills, an adorable apron with a flouncy hem.
Not at all punk-rock like the other waiters. She looked like an innocent bunny in a lair of beasts.
Jax
Why aren't you dressed like the others?
Girl
It's just... not my style.
Jax
How'd you know if you haven't tried?
Narration
I picked up my bag and dragged her out to get changed. The owner of the pub hurried over to stop us.
Shopkeeper
Wait, Yuka! The performance is starting soon. You can't...
Narration
I sent him a glare, and he immediately shut up.
So her name is Yuka, huh...
Once we reached the changing room...
I pulled out a hair iron, makeup kit, and an outfit from inside my bag, stuffing them all into her hands.
Yuka
Aw... please no... I c-can't go out in this!
S-stop, please! Ahhhhhh!
Jax
Nice, all done.
Narration
The girl stood in front of the mirror, hands over her eyes. Finally, she gathered enough courage to peek through her fingers.
Yuka
Is this... really me?
Jax
Who else?
Narration
When this new version of Yuka returned to the cafe, all eyes were upon her immediately.
She had put away her glasses and wore high heels, a leather top, and a miniskirt, revealing a soft waist and slender legs.
With cross-shaped earrings, a studded collar, smoky-eye makeup, and bright red lips, she looked like a different person.
Yuka
Isn't it a bit too short?
Narration
Squirming, she tugged the short skirt down.
Jax
It's fine. Don't you think you look great?
Narration
As the music starts, she gradually shed the shyness and began enjoying herself as others lavished her with praise.
Drummer
1, 2, 3... Good evening, friends!
Narration
The powerful beats lit up the whole venue, soon joined by guitar, bass licks, and flowing keyboard melodies. My turn to shine!
Jax
Don't you dare think you can define me! In my hands I hold my own destiny!
Narration
The vocalist's passionate singing lit up the venue. The audience shrieked in excitement, headbanging along with the music.
Who says the cafe crowd can't enjoy punk rock too? Good music defies genres!
Jax
Don't tell me what you want! Don't tell me what you need!
Everyone
Next to a pile of garbage, blooming bright, you're a meaningless ray of light!
Yuka
You're a meaningless ray of light!
Narration
I was a bit taken aback by how fully engrossed Yuka was, screaming on the top of her lungs in the mosh pit.
Yuka
Why won't anyone invite me to an audition?
I want to be a model!
Narration
Face red from alcohol, she shouted herself hoarse. Couldn't get any more punk-rock than that!
The concert went on deep into the night. after the audience finally dispersed, I headed out, Yuka in tow.
Yuka mumbled drunkenly as she stumbled along. I couldn't make heads or tails of her words, so she only made non-committal replies.
She looked up, gazing hazily into my eyes.
Yuka
...Why are you so nice to me?
Narration
I pinched her face and replied without hesitation...
Jax
Because that's your wish, isn't it?
Narration
It's the reason I came into this world...to be there for you.
[*End transcript*]

## Chapter 3: Ordinary Fairy Tale

Narration
When I enter the room, the sun's shining straight into the punk vocalist's eyes. Her face scrunches up in discomfort.
I quickly sneak to the window and let the blinds down.
Her presence confirms that what happened last night was not a dream after all.
Yuka
Why aren't you dressed like the others?
Jax
It's fine. Don't you think it looks great?
Next to a pile of garbage, blooming bright, you're a meaningless ray of light!
Yuka
You're a meaningless ray of light!
Narration
What a night it was. Hard to believe I really dressed up like that... and I'm capable of screaming so loudly.
That wasn't like me at all, but it was an unforgettable experience for sure. I almost felt sad when it ended.
I didn't want the night to end.
Perhaps that was why I helped the vocalist home when I saw her puking her guts out on the street.
She slept like a baby, much more peaceful than most drunkards I know. All I could hear was quiet breathing.
I dip a towel in warm water, wring it dry, and then place it gently over her eyes.
She suddenly turns to the side, pulling the towel off with one hand, bright eyes meeting mine.
I feel nervous immediately, voice lowering by instinct.
Yuka
Leave it on for a bit. You'll feel better.
Narration
I wonder how much she still remembers about last night.
Bunny
Yuka!
Narration
Fluffy comes bouncing over from outside the door.
Player Selection
▸ The bunny can speak?
[Player]
The bunny can talk?
Narration
Yeah. Fluffy is my good friend. We chat a lot.
No one else ever talks to Fluffy, though.
Fluffy leaps into my embrace. She seems a bit annoyed when she sees the person on the bed.
▸ Why name the rabbit Fluffy?
Bunny
Why isn't she gone yet? Who falls asleep in a stranger's house just like that, drunk or not? Who does that?
Punk Girl
Hey, I'm right here you know!
Yuka
Oh? You can hear Fluffy speak?
Punk Girl
Yeah. She's a talking bunny. What's so special about that?
Bunny
Huh? I-I'm not afraid of you. Y-you panda-eyed nitwit!
Punk Girl
Huh?
Narration
I quickly break apart the quarrel, all the while rejoicing inside. Finally, someone else who's willing to talk to Fluffy!
Yuka
Uh, um, you didn't remove your makeup last night...
Narration
The previously cool smoky-eye makeup has smeared overnight, leading to really dark circles around her eyes.
Punk Girl
...Ugh. Can I borrow your makeup remover?
Narration
The punk girl's features under the makeup are surprisingly delicate and pretty. She seems to be my age.
She rubs her temples, eats a few spoonfuls of the porridge I made, then surveys my room silently.
Yuka
Uh... I cleaned the room, no need to worry.
Narration
...Wait, shouldn't I be explaining why I brought her home. Surely she'd be mad that I, a stranger, did this to her. [In-game text puts a period after "her home" instead of a question mark]
She does seem to be the silent type. Maybe that's why she's not responding.
Besides, she was the one who gave me a makeover, so she's probably a nice person! Probably...
The girl puts down the bowl of porridge and meets my eyes. I instinctively hold my breath.
Punk Girl
Do you happen to need a roommate? I'm looking for a place to rent.
Yuka
Huh?
Narration
I'm less confused than overwhelmed with joy.
Yuka
Yeah, I do need a roommate.
Narration
She smiles at my response and extends a hand towards me.
Punk Girl
Nice to meet you. My name is Jax.
Yuka
...Nice to meet you. I'm Yuka.
Narration
For some reason, I'm reminded of something I read in a magazine when I was twelve.
Names determine our destiny. The heavens decide our fates, daily lives, and encounters using our names.
Jax sounds like a cool name, Yuka a cute one. Our personalities seem drastically different, yet our lives have intertwined.
Perhaps destiny has truly brought us together.
Bunny
Yuka, you're gonna be late for work. You guys can chat after your shift.
Yuka
Huh? Oh no, look at the time! I promised my boss I'd arrive early to help out.
Jax
I'll give you a ride. My bike is just around the corner.
Narration
Jax leaves the bowl in the sink and slings her bag on her back. She heads to the door and turns to look at me.
I immediately collect my things and follow.
[*Screen fades to white, transitions to city streets*]

Narration
The sleek, black motorcycle is badass in an understated way. It matches the punk girl wearing a leather jacket perfectly.
On the other hand, the frilly dress I'm wearing doesn't fit the aesthetics that much.
Yuka
Ah!
Narration
I'm still hesitating when Jax puts a black helmet onto my head.
Jax
It's pretty windy today. Careful, don't mess up your hair.
Narration
I nod and get behind Jax on the bike. She revs the engine, and we're off.
I've never felt the wind like this. It's like the rock songs from last night--intimidating yet enticing.
Our aesthetics don't match. This isn't even my style. But...
Why do I feel so warm inside?
[*End transcript*]