Thousands waited their turn to scurry across Shibuya Crossing at peak rush hour. This Friday was no different, besides the unexpected rain shower compounding the discomfort. The stoplight counted down from fifty seconds. Kenshin Sato leaned under his pedestrian neighbor\u2019s umbrella to stay dry. Her perfume was inviting, perhaps overly so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alas, Kenshin had leaned too close, and the woman jerked her umbrella away. Back to getting drenched, he sighed. The woman\u2019s floral scent reminded him of his office crush. His infatuation with Ms. Asuka began two weeks ago, as she powered down the hall, yelling on the phone, unaware of Kenshin\u2019s existence. He longed to introduce himself, but wouldn\u2019t dare interrupt her phone call. Next time she\u2019ll notice me,<\/em> he thought. Next time\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n An impatient man behind him shoved Kenshin, nearly toppling him to the ground. He apologized, not noticing the light had changed. The herds moved in unison to cross the street diagonally in four directions. Kenshin navigated through low-hanging umbrellas, oversized raincoats, and tourists stopping to take selfies on the way to his studio apartment. He walked slowly despite the downpour, looking for an excuse not to be alone on a Friday night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His coworkers went out to enjoy a few Hoppys and sh\u014dch\u016bs, though he wasn\u2019t invited. An oversight, he hoped. Passing the bars and restaurants lining the streets, he thought about treating himself. Then he remembered his bank account. Instant noodles it is<\/em>. He powered through the damp streets, hopping over puddles at each crosswalk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having worked 48 hours would pay off next week, if he could stay disciplined. He avoided eye contact with the inviting maid caf\u00e9 girls on the next street corner. A few more blocks and he could lose himself in a video game or movie in the safety of his apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bright lights of Tokyo shone brighter than those from Kenshin\u2019s hometown outside Osaka. The temptation of endless consumption options kept his wallet light. He barely covered rent last month and couldn\u2019t return to his family penniless. Especially after seeing the glow in his mother\u2019s eyes when she heard about his new job as a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He wasn\u2019t a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But he did work in a law firm\u2014as the janitor. Maintenance engineer, actually, he decided sounded better. As far as his family knew back home, he made it big in Tokyo. Familial expectations powered him through the chilly rain, ignoring the delightfully warm aromas of noodles filling the crowded streets he trudged through. Crowded streets he had grown accustomed to over the last few months. Crowds of people too busy in their own lives to notice a country boy sticking out like a sore thumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He turned the corner, passed a multi-level comic book building, and entered the alleyway leading to his apartment. A final temptation to overcome before making it home: the arcade. The alluring neon \u201cGaming Center\u201d flashed spasmodically. His feet responded, dragging him to the entrance to peek inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a peek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin was a regular at the Gaming Center, though he would never admit it. And once he was inside, it was hard to leave. These games were designed to be addictive, manipulative, yen-sucking money pits, and he knew it. Looking through the tinted window, his favorite games were occupied. Every stool at the bar was full, too. A good excuse to keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As he turned to leave, the door swung open. A hunchbacked man stumbled out and dropped his plastic bag, its contents spilling all over the wet alleyway. Kenshin bent over to help the man. Upon gathering his belongings, he bowed at Kenshin and looked him directly in the eyes before scampering away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His unblinking bloodshot eyes fixated on Kenshin. He had seen that steadfast gaze before. Addiction. He wondered how long the hunched man had been in the arcade. It was easy to lose track of time there. Kenshin shook his head in pity. The man left behind a neon yellow card on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLive Again: Version 2.0\u2014BRAND NEW Most Realistic Life Simulator\u20142 Free Trials\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surely good karma for helping the man gather his things. Kenshin didn\u2019t recognize this simulator, but who was he to deny free trials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Familiar sounds of techno music, coins jingling, and virtual gunshots filled the arcade. Musty man sweat permeated from the floor and walls around him. No matter, it always faded away after once he started playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He scoured the first floor for the \u201cLive Again\u201d game but couldn\u2019t find it. He wavered between asking the bartender for help and giving up. Eventually, an employee saw his plight and said, \u201cGood evening, Mr. Sato. Can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUh, yes. H-hello,\u201d Kenshin stammered, \u201cI am looking for this game.\u201d He showed the attendant the card, who immediately looked up and questioned him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere did you get this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI, well, I found it,\u201d Kenshin admitted, shuffling his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis game is invitation only,\u201d the attendant said. \u201cSince you are a regular, follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He obeyed, following the attendant to the back side of the bar, leading to a large metal door with a large sign that read, \u201cEmployees Only.\u201d He always assumed it held a freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The attendant looked about. No one noticed them, too busy trying to level up to pay them any mind. He opened the oversized door and hurried Kenshin in after him. Stairs led down into a dimly lit hallway. They ducked as they passed through a red beaded curtain and entered another inconspicuous door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basement of his favorite arcade housed hundreds of other arcade games, booths, fish tanks, and bars for the higher-end clientele’s enjoyment. Kenshin feigned importance, walking confidently among those who made ten times (or more) his salary. After a few turns, the attendant pointed at a booth in the back that read \u201cLive Again.\u201d He returned Kenshin\u2019s free trial card and bowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnjoy sir. Good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin pushed the curtain aside. A large man smoking a cigarette nodded at the solitary stool in the tiny booth. He sat, and the man put out his cigarette, frowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have this card,\u201d Kenshin presented it to the man, whose frown only grew more pronounced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, but who are you?\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, my name is Kenshin Sato.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKenshin Sato, nice to meet you.\u201d The large man turned away and typed on his laptop before addressing him again. \u201cKenshin Sato, my name is Takahiro. Your first time playing, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCorrect. Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOk, spin the wheel for your free trial.\u201d Takahiro pulled a tiny colored wheel from under his desk and placed it on the counter. He read over the options on the wheel as quickly as possible before Takahiro grew impatient and took it for a whirl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Athlete, politician, historical legend, yourself, musician, random, living, modern, ancient, other.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The wheel spun wildly, its colors melding together. As it went round and round, he observed Takahiro, who seemed to have already forgotten his existence. The wheel landed on \u201chistorical legend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOk, historical legend, first free trial.\u201d Takahiro said, reaching under the counter to retrieve a headset. \u201cPut this on and I will activate it. You have five minutes for this trial.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He did as he was told. Once the game started, he landed on a menu screen, which Takahiro must have been controlling. Trial was selected for him, then historical legend. After a quick loading screen that read, \u201cWhite House, 1945,\u201d Kenshin was teleported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His worn stool had been replaced by an ornate upholstered office chair in a grand room. He lost himself in its realism almost instantly. The resolute brown desk in front of him, the circular rug with an eagle on the ground, it was a meticulous reenactment. The room reeked of cigar smoke, different from the little cigs Takahiro smoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin found a mirror on the side wall and had a good look at himself. Nice suit, complete with a World War I service pin and dark blue tie. He opened his mouth and blinked his eyes. The old white man looking back at him had bird-like features and sparse gray hair. As Kenshin moved his face around, the man’s circular glasses mimicked his movements. Humorous, but he didn\u2019t want to spend all five minutes making funny faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He observed the beautiful lawn through three tall windows. The curtains were drab, but that was to be expected for 1945.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMr. President,\u201d someone had entered the room while he was looking around. \u201cYou must make a decision.\u201d The white house staffer placed two pieces of paper in front of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One read: Wait Another Year.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The other: Drop the Bomb.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Easy<\/em>, Kenshin thought. He tapped the document to wait another year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs you command, Mr. President.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The staffer left the room and everything went dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another loading screen appeared, \u201cKyushu, Central Command, 1946.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin moved his VR laden head around his simple tent, gathering his whereabouts. He gagged at stenches of burning gasoline, rotten meat, and moldy fruit. Beyond his tent, tanks and jeeps littered the battlefield. Piles of bodies smoldered. Soldiers ran toward him from the remains, covered in a muck of unknown origin. After a quickened bow and salute, the man with the most medals and largest fluffy moustache spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPrime Minister. Death tolls have reached one million. The mainland is starving. Defeat is inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin froze, shocked by the devastation outside his tent. The captain noticed and cleared his throat to usher a response. Kenshin returned to his current reality and responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI see,\u201d a stern, graveled voice replaced his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The captain bowed again and laid two war-torn pieces of parchment on the impromptu desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first read: Continue Fighting.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The second: Surrender.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He picked up the second document. We must surrender.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOkay, that is the end of trial one.\u201d Takahiro pulled off the headset as he burned through another cigarette. \u201cHistorical legend is difficult, don\u2019t worry.\u201d He must have seen Kenshin\u2019s horror written all over his face. That, or the sweat droplets accumulating in his hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll spin again. Maybe you\u2019ll be lucky this time,\u201d he grinned through blackened teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin hoped for a less serious experience on his second trial. He followed athlete<\/em> and musician<\/em> intently as the wheel spun. It came to a halt, and Takahiro sighed in disappointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou landed on yourself,\u201d he looked Kenshin up and down. \u201cMight be a boring ten minutes, but good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mildly insulted, Kenshin bit his tongue. He didn\u2019t lead the most exciting of lives. That was undeniable. But this was all a lot to process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt will be my life<\/em>?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRegrettably so,\u201d Takahiro responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow does it-?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo more questions. Here comes the last free trial. If you have more questions, you can pay.\u201d Takahiro fumbled for the headset again, pushed a button on the side and shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m only a salesman anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the VR headset was once again placed on his head, Kenshin hoped to be transported to a happy moment in his life. There weren\u2019t many to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An electrical current ran up his spine, straightening his back as the words \u201ccalibrating\u201d displayed on the screen. It advanced quickly from 1% to 100%. And then he was\u2026 at work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his office\u2019s elevator, to be exact. The elevator attendant asked, \u201cfloor?\u201d without even looking at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSeven, please.\u201d Kenshin heard his own voice this time around. The attendant pressed the button, and up they went. But they stopped on the third floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood morning, Mr. Yamamoto,\u201d the attendant said, bowing. Kenshin bowed and a tall man in a tailored suit took his place in the elevator. The attendant pressed the eleventh floor, without having to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin exited on his floor, bowing again before heading to the men\u2019s lavatory \u2014 his first station of the day. His watch read 6:30 AM. Plenty of time to clean both bathrooms before the employees arrived at 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he remembered he was in a video game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking towards the offices, he dropped his mop. He passed the cubicles of the recent hires. He sat on the comfiest-looking chair and spun around. That was fun, but he could do better. He grabbed the monitor, yanked it out of its socket, and threw it across the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It crashed splendidly and he laughed. He wheeled over to the next cubicle, intent on doing the same. A door creaked open from the senior executives\u2019 wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat was that?\u201d a female voice yelled from down the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin instinctively hid under the desk he pillaged, pulling the chair in to conceal himself. The woman approached in her high heels, observing the destruction on one end of the office, before walking towards the scene of the crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin covered his mouth to mask his heavy breathing. His heart pounded through his chest. The woman\u2019s legs stopped in front of his hiding place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t come out, I\u2019m calling the police!\u201d She yanked the chair away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSorry, sorry,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d He crawled out of his hole in shame, bowing deeply before making brief eye contact with the woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was Ms. Asuka, his crush. Of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMs. Asuka, please forgive me,\u201d Kenshin pleaded, bowing so low his hands touched her feet. \u201cI didn\u2019t know anyone-\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWas here? Or would catch you?\u201d She asked, looking beautiful as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI, I…\u201d he stammered, before remembering this wasn\u2019t real. \u201cI wanted to get your attention,\u201d he rose and met her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, you have it,\u201d she replied. \u201cExplain yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have worked here for many months, Ms. Asuka, and I would like to be recognized for my hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOk then, what is it you would like?\u201d She turned to the desk behind her, ripping off two yellow sticky notes, writing on each before placing them in front of him. \u201cChoose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first read: A Promotion<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The second: A Date<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, <\/em>he thought, something to think about<\/em>. He snatched the date note and Asuka beamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo, where are we going?\u201d she took his hand in hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOK 10 MINUTES ARE UP,\u201d Takahiro yelled, \u201cSECOND TRIAL IS COMPLETE.\u201d He pulled off the headset, but Kenshin\u2019s eyes remained closed. He could still picture the desire on Ms. Asuka’s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh no, no, no!\u201d Takahiro yelled, fixated on a recent development below Kenshin\u2019s waist. \u201cNot in my stall! Out, out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin blushed, embarrassed by his uncontrolled excitement. \u201cI apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEh, you\u2019re not the first,\u201d Takahiro said calmly, \u201cbut it rarely happens during a free trial.\u201d His rage subsided as an idea emerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou know,\u201d he continued, extending his arms, \u201cmost people cannot produce such excitement in 10 minutes. Just imagine what you could do with more time! I\u2019ll offer you a great deal if you want to continue now. One hour for only 15 thousand yen. I usually charge 30 thousand, but I see potential in your\u2026 abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, I… can\u2019t, sorry,\u201d Kenshin replied. \u201cI need to go home. I don\u2019t have money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo problem,\u201d Takahiro smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll be here when you need me. When you pay, you can choose anyone. No more wheel spinning. Last week I got bored with living as famous people and chose Tom Hank\u2019s son, the funny Jamaican one. Endless possibilities!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, ok then,\u201d Kenshin bowed, backing out through the curtain, \u201cthank you for your time, Takahiro.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin was wide awake that night, replaying his conversation with Ms. Asuka over and over in his mind. When he finally fell asleep, he hoped to dream of her. He hoped and hoped for the next two days, only to awake disappointed. If only there were a game to play in dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Monday morning rolled around, Kenshin still felt the inescapable itch to play \u201cLive Again\u201d … again. That would have to wait. Instead, he wore his best outfit, gelled and combed his hair, and brushed his teeth twice before stepping out into the sleepy city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On his way to a quiet train station, he crossed an empty Shibuya Crossing. He arrived at work at 6:30 AM, on a mission. He knew the video game was fake. But it felt so real. There could be some truth to it. It was designed from his life, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He hurried through the lobby to the elevators. The door opened, and the attendant bowed at him before asking, \u201cfloor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin returned the bow and replied, \u201cSeventh, please.\u201d They rode up in silence, exchanging bows as he exited. Before cleaning the bathrooms to start the day, he walked by the cubicles and executive offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He cleaned and restocked both bathrooms before operating hours. As the employees arrived, he greeted them by name until Ms. Asuka arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood morning, Ms. Asuka,\u201d he bowed deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood morning,\u201d she replied, tilting her head downward. She walked straight to her office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin trailed behind, asking, \u201cwould you like a cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She stopped and stared at him. \u201cFine. Cappuccino, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin bowed again before running the errand. He returned with his chest out and a hot cup of coffee. He knocked softly on Ms. Asuka\u2019s door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnter,\u201d she yelled, and he obliged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, coffee, thank you Mr.\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSato. Kenshin Sato.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you, Mr. Sato,\u201d she turned her attention to a well-dressed man in the office. They spoke of business in terms that Kenshin couldn\u2019t understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He bowed and stepped backward toward the door. No<\/em>, he thought, I am already here. Be brave. Just like the game.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExcuse me, Ms. Asuka,\u201d he began, \u201cIf I may.\u201d Asuka glanced his way and spoke without moving her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuickly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin took a deep breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI, I have worked here for many months Ms. Asuka, and I, I would like to be r-recognized for my hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asuka looked at the man in her office, struggling to contain a laugh. Ms. Asuka smiled momentarily, her face turning stern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou, Mr…\u201d, she paused, \u201cwhat is it again?\u201d She snapped her fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKenshin Sato,\u201d he said, his shoulders hunched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMr. Sato. I recommend you return to work while you still have a job. Thank you for the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin bowed and hurried away, tears forming in his eyes. As he shut the door, he heard them speaking through chuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe nerve of some people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMr. Yamamoto, you have no idea,\u201d Ms. Asuka responded. And their day continued as if nothing out of the ordinary occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin clocked out and rushed to the arcade. The sun was shining, and birds were chirping, accompanied by a light breeze as he weaved through crowded Shibuya. He had replayed his stupid attempt at a raise\u2013or something else\u2013a million times over the last few hours. He resolved to find a new job. That could wait until he finished playing tonight. That would cheer him up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He entered the arcade, neglecting his hunger. He found an attendant, who greeted him by name and led him to the false freezer door. Takahiro leaned back in his chair, asleep, as Kenshin entered the \u201cLive Again\u201d gaming stall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHello, Takahiro,\u201d he whispered. No response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHELLO, I want to play again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Takahiro jolted awake, wiping wildly at his eyes before focusing them on Kenshin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMr. Sato, of course,\u201d he coughed, \u201cwelcome back. It is my pleasure to offer you the same price as before. One hour for 20 thousand yen, Ok?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou said 15 thousand on Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIs that so?\u201d Takahiro scratched his chin. \u201cOh, yes, of course! You had potential. I remember now. I have many clients. One hour 15 thousand, that\u2019s a great deal… Just for you! Who will you live as today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMyself.\u201d Kenshin replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs you wish,\u201d Takahiro got the headset ready, \u201cbut no funny business while I am here, ok?\u201d He drew a circle in the air at his client\u2019s groin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin nodded, not intending to do anything of the sort. When the game booted up, he was in the office building again. On the elevator. Mr. Yamamoto entered. He would be the first to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the well-dressed man turned his back, Kenshin beat him to a pulp. The elevator attendant screamed in terror and covered her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin removed the headset himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAgain,\u201d he commanded Takahiro, whose eyes widened as he pushed a button on the side of the headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second time, he ignored the wealthy businessman. He walked straight into Ms. Asuka\u2019s office and demanded a raise. She agreed. Then he demanded a date. She beamed at him and reached for his hand. He slapped it away, before slapping her across the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m the boss now.\u201d Kenshin stomped his foot and pointed at the ground. \u201cBow to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms. Asuka did so immediately. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot sorry enough,\u201d he replied. \u201cYou\u2019re the janitor now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m the janitor now,\u201d she agreed. He removed the headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAgain, Takahiro.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He replayed Live Again until the hour was up, his fists clenched for the duration. Most of his plays resulted in mindless violence. The final left the seventh floor destroyed beyond recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you feel better, Mr. Sato?\u201d Takahiro asked, working through another cigarette as he stowed away the headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOr\u2026 how about another hour? I can give the same price, or two hours for even cheaper, only 25 thousand total.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin cracked his knuckles, eyes darting around the room. He looked at his phone. Only 8 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTwo more hours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The headset found its place onto Kenshin’s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Takahiro smiled. He put a neon yellow referral card in his client\u2019s pocket. Valid for two free trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sun was rising when Kenshin left the arcade. He went straight to work in the same smoke-covered clothes. He ignored the elevator attendant and pushed the button for the seventh floor himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As he entered the men\u2019s restroom, he looked at himself in the mirror. His hair was unkempt, his clothing wrinkled. His lifeless bloodshot eyes blinked at themselves blankly. He dunked his mop into the soapy solution and wiped the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After lunch, he fell asleep in the maintenance closet. Nobody noticed. When he awoke, it was time to clock out. He went straight to the arcade. The crowds of Tokyo hurried around him all the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #<\/p>\n\n\n\n He worked and played Live Again for the next two weeks. When he remembered to shower, clumps of hair clogged the drain. When he remembered to eat, it all tasted like cardboard. Takahiro commented on his appearance the last time he visited the stall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKenshin, your cheekbones have become more pronounced. Very manly,\u201d he had said, flexing and grinning widely. Kenshin held his hand out for the headset, which only made Takahiro\u2019s grin grow wider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin didn\u2019t notice missed calls from his mother. He ignored his plummeting credit score. His declining performance at work, including his closet naps, was finally noticed. After two days of dirty bathrooms and sticky desks, he was called into his boss\u2019 office at the beginning of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He tapped weakly on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnter!\u201d Ms. Asuka yelled. Kenshin slumped in the chair, staring at his own feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you know why you are here, Mr. Sakai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSato,\u201d he muttered under his breath, eyeing the woman. She repulsed him. The way she tapped her pen on the desk. The way she slurped her coffee. The way she yelled. The way she breathed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Ms. Asuka asked. Kenshin shook his head and waved her off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt has come to my attention that you\u2019re not completing your work. You are fired and must leave the building immediately. The man outside the door will escort you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin rose obediently. He took another look at Ms. Asuka and bowed. Her time would come soon. But not in this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #<\/p>\n\n\n\n He had never been to the arcade in the morning before. Besides the music and flashing lights, a strange calm settled over the first floor. He walked through the empty grounds, bowed politely at an employee who addressed him by name, and entered the Live Again stall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was empty. Kenshin speed dialed #2 on his cell phone. It rang twice before a groggy Takahiro answered, telling him to wait a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He arrived yawning in his pajamas and slippers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEarly today, Kenshin?\u201d He unlocked the drawer holding the headset and handed it over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust today,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m always here for you, my friend,\u201d Takahiro laughed, his arms outstretched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a matter of seconds, Kenshin was in his office, as though he had never been fired. Takahiro didn\u2019t interrupt anymore, having agreed to a rolling charge at a discounted rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the real world, Takahiro went home to sleep. He had convinced Kenshin it was the deal of a lifetime. The longer he played without stopping, the cheaper it became. Kenshin intended to take advantage of that today. For hours, he pushed the limits of his imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He overflowed the toilets. He ran through the crowded office naked. He went to the roof of the building. He walked to the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And jumped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenshin removed the headset and looked at the empty stall. He stood, paced from one end to the other, and took in the emptiness surrounding him. He expected to have an elevated heart rate, to be sweating. To feel something. Anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He put on the headset and played again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood evening, sir. Sorry to wake you.\u201d Takahiro spoke on the phone, twirling a pen through his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d the voice demanded on the other end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnother pick-up,\u201d Takahiro sighed. \u201cI need the player disposal van.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s ok, I don\u2019t have any other customers right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Takahiro hung up and wiped the headset clean. His most loyal client of the past few weeks lay motionless in his stall. Two dried streams of blood stained the skin below his nostrils. A scene Takahiro had seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He rifled through Kenshin\u2019s meager belongings, starting with his wallet. Empty, besides a neon yellow referral card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Takahiro shook his head and sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Andrew K. Langley is an educator based in Atlanta. He’s spent the past decade teaching English across Colombia, Vietnam, and the U.S.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Thousands waited their turn to scurry across Shibuya Crossing at peak rush hour. This Friday…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":100043431,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,3292],"tags":[6,227,3296],"class_list":["post-100043430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-fiction","tag-cyberpunk","tag-fiction","tag-prose"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100043430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=100043430"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100043430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100043441,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100043430\/revisions\/100043441"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/100043431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=100043430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=100043430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neondystopia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=100043430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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