Never Forget

Chapter 3: Akihabara

Akihabara was everything Sara hoped it would be. The streets were pulsating with bright neon lights, the air was filled with the sound of video games and anime theme songs. She found herself being swept away by the vibrant energy that enveloped the district as she wandered through the maze of streets, lined with countless shops dedicated to all things otaku. There were shops selling manga and anime merchandise, packed with shelves overflowing with colorful characters and memorabilia. Sara couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she gazed at the walls adorned with posters, showcasing her favorite anime series. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed a sign for a maid café, its adorable waitress's beckoning her to come inside. Curiosity tugging at her, Sara followed the sign and pushed open the door to the maid cafe.

Inside the maid café, Sara was greeted by a wave of cheerful voices and the charming sight of waitresses in frilly maid outfits.

"Okaerinasaimase, Goshujinsama, Ojōsama!" The maids greeted her and Michael. The sight of the maids made Sara beam with joy.

Michael accompanied her on the fun, and he even wore the cat ears that were offered to the duo as they sat down at their table. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sound of soft background music filled the air as Sara and Michael perused the menu, their eyes widening with excitement. The menu showed an array of delicious entrées to enjoy, including but not limited to omurice! Sara's mouth watered as she read the description of the omurice, a dish she had always wanted to try. Sara's excitement grew, and without hesitation, she placed her order for the omurice.
"You seem excited," Michael observed with an intrigued smile. Sara nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I've heard so much about omurice," she confessed, her voice filled with excitement.

"It's a must-try dish here in Akihabara, and at maid café as a whole." Sara added. Michael's smile widened as he watched Sara's enthusiasm. "Well then, I can't wait to see your reaction after you take your first bite," he chuckled. Sara's heart pounded with excitement as she clutched her menu tightly. She glanced around the bustling maid cafe, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and the glittering array of cosplay that adorned the waitresses. Among the sea of colorful outfits, a familiar face caught her eye - a maid with pink cat ears and a mischievous grin. It was Yumi, her childhood friend who had disappeared mysteriously years ago. Sara's mind raced with memories of their childhood adventures, and she couldn't believe her luck in finding Yumi in this enchanting place. Without hesitating, Sara waved eagerly at Yumi, hoping to catch her attention. Yumi's eyes widened as she spotted Sara. A wave of surprise washed over Yumi as she realized that the girl enthusiastically waving at her was none other than Sara, her childhood best friend.
"Oh my goodness! Sara?!" Yumi raced across the cafe to hug her friend. "Yumi!" Sara got up from her chair to return the hug. The two friends embraced tightly, laughing and crying tears of joy. The memories of their shared childhood flooded back, pulling them into a whirlwind of emotions. They caught up quickly, trading stories about their lives since they had last seen each other.

"So, you finally made it to Japan," Yumi observed. Sara nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes! I've always dreamt of coming here, and now it's finally happening." Yumi smiled, feeling happiness for her friend, "And how are you liking it so far?" "It's been incredible," Sara replied, her eyes filled with wonder. "The moment I stepped foot in Akihabara, I was instantly captivated by the bright lights and bustling energy," she continued. Yumi chuckled, knowing exactly what Sara meant. "Akihabara has that effect on people," she said. "Who's your friend?" Yumi asked with a wink and playfully nudged Sara. Sara blushed, feeling her heart race as she introduced Michael.

Yumi was warm and welcoming, and she quickly made Sara feel at home. The two girls chatted incessantly about all things anime and manga, sharing stories and laughs. Sara couldn't believe it was actually happening - she was finally sitting in a maid cafe with her childhood best friend and a cute guy who happened to be her neighbor. It didn't hurt that the cute guy was insanely adorable, too. Throughout their conversation, Sara couldn't help but feel her heart swell with emotion. She had never felt so connected to someone, and she was firmly rooted in Yumi's life from that moment on.
Suddenly, out of the corner of Sara's eye, she saw a mysterious girl with long black hair with bangs, cold dark grey eyes, and she wore a white dress with black high heels. Under her left eye was a beauty mark. Sara realized this girl was Tomie from Junji Ito's story of the same name. Tomie was a succubus who tempted the hearts of men who would make eye contact with her, and she would drive them to brutally kill her. The most terrifying thing about Tomie was her ability to regenerate after being killed. Sara could feel her heart racing as she stared at Tomie, her fear gradually turning into fascination. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to make eye contact with Tomie and be pulled into her dark world. 
"Do you see that girl at in Tomie cosplay?" Sara asked her friends. They both nodded, their eyes locked on the girl as she crossed the room. "She's kind of creepy," Yumi observed. Sara turned to stare at the girl, her heart racing as she wondered what it would be like to be that hauntingly beautiful. Without warning, the girl suddenly made eye contact with Sara, and an intense, dark energy seemed to flow from her eyes. Without thinking, Sara quickly turned away, her heart pounding hard in her chest. She could feel her fear growing, and she began to feel dizzy and sick. It was as if Tomie was using her eerie stare to slowly drain the life out of her.

"Sara, are you okay?" Michael asked, looking concerned as he leaned over to touch her arm. Sara shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. She could feel her body trembling, and she could feel terror rising up from inside her. "Is she still looking over here?" "Yes," Yumi said with nervousness. "That girl must be taking her cosplay very seriously." Michael observed, feeling strangled hypnotized by her presence. Sara knew how this story would play out and it wasn't a happy ending.