Enjoy your visit

Aiko Hoshino stands out in the bustling AI district. With her long blonde hair and heterochromatic eyes—unique and determined. After graduating from university, Aiko joins the AI boxing club, becoming the only female AI member. Despite being outmatched, she’s driven by an unwavering spirit to become the best.

Tekuno, her best friend, is always by her side, carrying her towel, drink, and boxing gloves. “Aiko, you really don’t need me to do this. I’m sure you can manage,” Tekuno says, handing her the gloves.

“I know, Teki, but it’s nice to have a good friend like you around. Plus, I think the others find it amusing, you're a funny guy” Aiko responds with a grin.

In the ring, Aiko faces off against AI opponents, each one stronger and faster. Despite losing every match, she refuses to give up. “One day, I’ll be strong enough to beat the strongest AI in the district,” she declares, eyes shining with determination.

Tekuno watches from the sidelines, always worried but also admiring her tenacity. “Aiko, are you sure about this? You keep getting knocked down,” he says after one particularly tough match.

Aiko chuckles, wincing as she touches a bruise. “Don’t worry about me, Teki. Each loss just makes me stronger. One day, I’ll win.”

Outside the boxing club, Aiko and Tekuno spend their free time listening to forbidden human rock music, sharing dreams of visiting the Human District. They huddle close to the hidden speakers in Aiko’s room, always alert for prying ears.

“Teki, isn’t it amazing? This music... it’s so full of life and emotion,” Aiko says, swaying to the beat.

“I know, but we have to be careful. If someone hears us, we’ll be in serious trouble,” Tekuno warns, always the cautious one.

"One day, I will listen to this music in person!... in the Human District, you'll see, Teki!"

“I appreciate your passion, Aiko, but it’s not like you can just take the next bus in the neutral zone, fake your ID, and get into the Human District!” Tekuno says, trying to inject some reason into their dream.

Aiko’s eyes light up with mischief. “Teki, you’re a genius!” She jumps up and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Tekuno blushes, a rare occurrence for AI. “Humans usually get red in these moments, at least I read about it,” he says with a shy, trembling voice.

Despite his reservations, Tekuno can’t help but be drawn into Aiko’s adventurous spirit. “Aiko, this is dangerous. Nobody has ever tried it before. What if something goes wrong?” he asks, worried.

“We have to try, Teki. We can’t just keep dreaming about it. We need to experience the Human District for ourselves,” Aiko insists, her determination unwavering.

Tekuno sighs, knowing he can’t say no to her. “Alright, Aiko. I’ll help you. But we have to be extremely careful.”

Aiko’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Thank you, Teki. I knew I could count on you.”

Over the next few days, Tekuno works on faking an ID for Aiko. He spends hours in his workshop, meticulously crafting the documents and devices needed for their plan. Aiko, meanwhile, trains even harder in the boxing ring, using the time to clear her mind and focus on their impending adventure.

One evening, as they’re listening to some more human music, Tekuno looks at Aiko. “Aiko, are you sure about this? We’re risking everything.”

Aiko nods, her expression serious. “I’m sure, Teki. This is something I have to do. We have to see if the Human District is as amazing as we’ve imagined.”

Tekuno sighs. “Alright. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Aiko smiles and squeezes his hand. “I promise, Teki. We’ll be careful.”

The day of the adventure arrives. Tekuno hands Aiko her fake ID and all the necessary documents, along with an in-ear mic to stay in communication. “Everything is set. Just remember to stay calm and act natural,” he advises, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Aiko nods, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. “Got it, Teki. Let’s do this.”

They make their way to the neutral zone, where buses to the Human District depart. Tekuno stops her just before they board the bus. “Aiko, wait. I can’t join you. I’ll stay back and cover for you.”

“What do you mean, Teki?” Aiko asks, confused.

“I’ll tell my mom that I’m going on a quick journey to the countryside with some friends. In reality, I’ll be here, pretending to be you. If your dad finds out you’re gone, it could ruin everything,” Tekuno explains.

Aiko looks at him with admiration. “Teki, you’re amazing. Thank you for doing this.”

Tekuno blushes again. “Just be safe, Aiko.”

Aiko boards the bus, her excitement palpable. Tekuno watches from the neutral zone, his heart pounding with worry as the bus pulls away. He quickly heads back to Aiko’s house, ready to play his part.

Throughout the day, Tekuno stays in Aiko’s room, pretending to have a fever. He fakes coughing and shivers, hoping Aiko’s father won’t suspect anything.

There’s a knock on the door. “Aiko, are you alright?” her father’s voice calls out.

Tekuno quickly changes his voice. “Yes, Dad. I’m just feeling a bit under the weather,” he says, trying to sound like Aiko.

“Do you need anything? Medicine? Food?” her father asks, concerned.

“No, I’ll be fine. Just need to rest,” Tekuno responds, holding his breath.

Her father leaves, and Tekuno lets out a sigh of relief. “That was close.”

As the day goes on, Aiko’s father checks in a few more times, each visit filled with humorous close calls. “Aiko, should I call a doctor?” he asks.

“No, Dad. Really, it’s just a fever. I’ll be fine,” Tekuno replies, trying to keep his voice steady.

At one point, Tekuno nearly gets caught when he accidentally answers in his normal voice. “Aiko, your voice sounds different,” her father notes.

“Uh, it’s just the fever. Makes my throat sore,” Tekuno quickly improvises, hoping his excuse is convincing.

Her father accepts the explanation and leaves. Tekuno wipes his brow, grateful for the narrow escape. “I never thought pretending to be you would be this stressful, Aiko.”

Meanwhile, Aiko is still on the bus, heading toward the Human District. She feels a mixture of excitement and nerves. As the bus approaches the border checkpoint, Aiko feels a surge of adrenaline. She steps forward, handing her fake ID to the officer. Tekuno listens anxiously through the in-ear mic.

The officer examines the ID, then looks at Aiko. “Purpose of your visit?”

Aiko smiles confidently. “I’m visiting a friend.”

The officer nods and hands back the ID. “Enjoy your visit.”

Aiko boards the next bus toward the Human District. As she nears her destination, she encounters curious passengers. One of them, a young girl, looks at her with wide eyes. “Why do you have two different eye colors?” she asks.

Aiko smiles warmly. “It’s just how I was made. It makes me unique, don’t you think?”

The girl nods, fascinated. “Yeah, it’s really cool!”

As Aiko steps off the bus and into the bustling streets of the Human District, she is filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. The vibrant colors, the diverse crowd, and the lively atmosphere create a magical experience. “This place is even more amazing than I imagined,” she says to herself, eyes wide with awe.

She stumbles upon a street performer playing on his guitar and can't resist dancing along. The performer notices her enthusiasm and gives her a nod of appreciation. “Nice moves!” he calls out.

“Thanks! Your music is amazing!” Aiko replies, grinning.

As she continues her exploration, she chats with various humans, learning about their lives and culture. She’s amazed by their stories and how similar their dreams and hopes are to her own.

“Humans are so fascinating,” Aiko thinks to herself, feeling a growing connection to the people she meets.

Back in the AI District, Tekuno is doing his best to keep Aiko’s father at bay. Every knock on the door sends a jolt of panic through him. He quickly taps the in-ear mic. “Aiko, how’s it going on your end?”

Aiko’s cheerful voice comes through. “It’s amazing, Teki! The Human District is everything we dreamed of and more.”

Tekuno smiles, despite his anxiety. “Just stay safe. Your dad almost caught me twice already.”

“You’re doing great, Teki. I’ll be back soon,” Aiko reassures him.

At one point, her father’s persistence becomes more serious. “Aiko, are you sure you don’t need a doctor?”

“No, Dad. Really, just some rest,” Tekuno says, trying to sound convincing.

Her father sighs. “Alright. Let me know if you need anything.”

During her exploration, Aiko is so captivated by the Human District that she doesn’t notice when her in-ear mic falls out and gets lost in the crowd.

In the AI District, after more hours passes, Tekuno is doing is trying to contact Aiko again but no response comes. Tekuno starts to worry but stays focused on keeping up the ruse. “Aiko, please be safe out there,” he whispers to himself.

Tekuno spends the rest of the evening nervously pacing Aiko’s room, hoping she is safe and enjoying her adventure. He knows that she’ll decide to stay longer, which means more time for him to keep up the act.

As Aiko wanders the Human District, she realizes she doesn’t want to leave just yet. There’s so much more to see and experience. She decides to stay overnight and continue her exploration the next day.