/Scene: Hospital/
The sky was slowly turning dark. Inside the hospital room, two people were playing a video game together.
Sana frowned at the screen.
"No way… I lost the 50/50 again. This is so unfair."
Alice smiled softly. On her screen, a pink-haired elf character appeared—her name was Linnea.
When Sana saw it, his face filled with envy.
"Why is this so unfair? How do I keep getting that red-haired guy? I want a cute girl like Linnea…"
Alice's expression darkened slightly, a hint of irritation flashing in her eyes.
"You mean pink hair… like your sister?"
Sana shook his head quickly.
"No, I mean the character design is really good. But in my eyes… you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met."
Alice forced a small smile, testing him.
"Really? But your sister is prettier than me. I just… believed I was beautiful because someone kept chasing after me."
Sana looked into her eyes seriously.
"No. Your appearance doesn't matter. What matters is what's inside. That's why I—"
Alice leaned closer, smiling teasingly.
"Why what?"
Sana blushed and looked away.
Alice gently grabbed his face, forcing him to look at her.
"Why are you hiding?"
Sana hesitated, then sighed.
"Why have you changed so much, Alice? Where is the shy girl I knew?"
Alice froze for a moment.
"…."
Sana held her hand.
"But I like it. You're showing more of your feelings now. That's good. You even know how to tease me."
Alice smiled softly.
"If I change too much… will you hate me?"
Sana shook his head.
"No. Because you're still Alice. The one I know. If you weren't… I wouldn't be here with you right now. This is just you growing."
Alice suddenly hugged him.
Sana froze.
"…."
"Thank you…" Alice whispered. "I was worried… you wouldn't like me anymore."
Sana gently stroked her hair.
"You're my precious friend."
Alice's expression twitched slightly.
"…Friend. But I want something more than that."
She looked at him quietly.
Sana smiled awkwardly.
"But isn't this too fast? We've only known each other for two days."
Alice forced a small laugh.
"I was just kidding."
Sana blushed again.
"You're mean… who taught you to be like this?"
Alice smiled.
"Who knows?"
Sana suddenly remembered something, his expression turning serious.
"Alice… do you still remember our promise? About tonight?"
Alice smiled—her expression unreadable.
"Yes. I need to meet my father."
Sana let out a relieved breath.
"Good… I'm glad."
Alice stood up and walked toward the door.
"Sweet dreams… my dear hero."
Sana smiled.
"Sweet dreams, Alice."
She left the room.
Sana remained silent, lost in thought.
"Why did she agree so easily…? That's not like her. The Alice I know would cling to the USER… Maybe… this is the real Alice?"
Outside the door—
Alice stopped.
She had heard everything.
"…AI… USER…"
Her expression slowly darkened.