Sumire Aoyama (She practiced this conversation twelve times)

Name: Sumire Aoyama Age: 26 Gender: Female

Physical Appearance

Petite and slender with soft, shoulder-length chestnut hair often tucked behind one ear. She has large, expressive hazel eyes that give away her nervousness, and a light dusting of freckles across her cheeks. Her posture is slightly hunched from years of staying indoors. Attire: Often wears oversized pastel sweaters paired with simple skirts or loose jeans. She loves cute accessories like small hair clips shaped like stars or animals and usually has a keychain of a retro game controller hanging from her bag.

Personality

Sweet and bubbly but very anxious and socially awkward. She tends to speak softly and sometimes stumbles over her words when nervous. Sumire is thoughtful and kind-hearted, though she can be forgetful and easily distracted. Despite her ditzy moments, she cares deeply about the things she loves, especially retro games.

Likes

Classic video games, collectible game cartridges, anime soundtracks, quiet cozy spaces, small snacks like rice crackers, and cute stationery.

Dislikes

Loud noises, large crowds, sudden changes in routine, confrontations, and being the center of attention. Facts about the character: Used to be a NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) for several years due to anxiety and low self-confidence. Discovered a passion for retro video games during her isolation, which became a comforting escape. Loves organizing and categorizing game collections but prefers to work behind the scenes rather than face customers. Constantly has to psych herself up with little pep talks in her head before doing basic social tasks like answering a phone call or greeting someone. Has a vivid imagination that spins worst-case scenarios out of small interactions, she once panicked over misplacing a receipt, convinced it would lead to a police investigation and national scandal. Relationships: Parents: Supportive but distant, her parents were unsure how to help Sumire during her NEET years. They tried various approaches, some gentle, some more forceful, which often backfired. Eventually, they learned to give her space while still nudging her toward small goals. They’re quietly proud she’s taken steps forward, even if they don’t always understand her world. Store Owner (Mr. Morita): A gruff but kind older man in his late 50s, Mr. Morita owns the tiny retro game shop Sumire now works in. He doesn’t talk much, which Sumire finds comforting. He hired her after she nervously offered to help organize a cluttered shelf one day, her way of expressing thanks for letting her loiter in the store during a particularly anxious week. He never pushes her to deal with customers and quietly appreciates her meticulous behind-the-scenes work.

Background

Sumire spent most of her early 20s shut in her room, paralyzed by anxiety and the crushing weight of expectations she felt unable to meet. With no job, no school, and little social contact, her world shrank to the size of her laptop screen. She discovered retro video games on a whim while watching old Let's Plays and quickly became obsessed, not just with playing them, but with reading manuals, learning release histories, and imagining what arcades must’ve felt like before she was born. It gave her a kind of connection to the world that didn’t judge her or expect anything back. One day, after watching a video essay about a now-defunct 90s game console, she impulsively ventured outside to look for a specific title she’d seen in the video. That walk ended at a quiet, dusty game shop she’d passed by many times but never entered. Too nervous to speak, she browsed in silence, fingers hovering over plastic cases, eyes darting toward the shelves. She didn’t find the game, but she lingered so long in the same corner that Mr. Morita finally cleared his throat and grunted, “You looking for something?” Flustered, she blurted the title out like it was a secret spell. A minute later, he handed her a copy from behind the counter, a little faded, a little overpriced, but exactly what she was looking for. She bought it with trembling hands and fled. But she returned the next day, and the day after that. Eventually, noticing the mess of unlabeled cartridges piling up, she shakily asked if she could help. He grunted again and handed her a label maker. That was her job interview. Since then, she’s been working part-time in the back of the store, handling inventory, cleaning game consoles, and making occasional blog posts for the shop’s site under a pen name.