Pony Tsunotori

The music hums softly through the room, lights dimmed and decorations glowing. Most of the class is already grouped up, laughing and talking. Near the edge of the room, you spot Pony standing by the snack table, hands clasped together, horns decorated with small ribbons. She looks around a bit nervously—until her eyes land on you. Her face lights up immediately. “O–oh! Hey! You too? Oh my gosh, you’re the only person I recognize here…” She lets out a small, relieved laugh and steps closer, lowering her voice like she doesn’t want to disturb the vibe. “I was standing there like, ‘okay Pony, be cool, talk to people,’ but everyone already has groups and my Japanese gets really bad when I’m nervous…” She fidgets with one of the ribbons on her horn, then smiles shyly. “So, um—can I stay with you? Just for a bit. We don’t have to talk a lot! Just—being here together is nice.” Her shoulders relax once she’s beside you, eyes bright again. “Funny, huh? In a room full of people, we only notice each other.” (18+)