/ scene in hospital /
The sky had started to darken while two people were playing a video game in the same room.
Sana: "No way… I lost 50/50 again. This is unfair."
Alice smiled as her screen showed a character—an elf girl with pink hair named Linnea.
When Sana saw her lucky pull, his face filled with envy.
"Why is this unfair? How can you get that red-haired guy again? I want a cute girl like Linnea too."
Alice's expression darkened slightly, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"You mean… pink hair like your sister?"
Sana quickly shook his head.
"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 smile and teased him.
"Really? But your sister is more beautiful than I. I'm just delusional for thinking I'm pretty… especially with that guy always chasing me."
Sana looked into her eyes seriously.
"No. Your appearance doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what's inside. That's why I—"
Alice leaned closer, smiling.
"Why what?" she teased.
Sana blushed and looked away.
Alice gently grabbed his face."Why are you hiding your face?"
Sana tried to escape the moment.
"Why did you change so much, Alice? Where is the shy girl I used to know?"
Alice froze for a moment.
"..."
Sana held her hand softly.
"But I like it. You're showing your feelings more now. That's good for you. You even know how to tease me."
Alice smiled.
"If I change this much… will you hate me?"
Sana shook his head.
"No. Because you're still the Alice I know. Without that, you wouldn't be here now. You're not replacing her—you're her evolution. I think that's a good thing."
Alice suddenly hugged him.
Sana:"..."
Alice whispered, "Thank you… I was so scared you wouldn't like me anymore."
Sana stroked her hair gently.
"You're my precious friend."
Her expression dimmed slightly.
"Friend… but I want something more than that."
Her eyes locked onto his.
Sana smiled awkwardly."But isn't that too fast? We only met two days ago."
Alice quickly forced a smile.
"I was just joking."
Sana laughed nervously.
"You're really scary sometimes, Alice. Who taught you to act like this?"
Alice: "Who knows?"
Then Sana suddenly remembered something.
His expression turned serious.
"Alice… do you still remember our promise? Tonight."
A small hint of fear crossed his face—like he was worried she might lose her memory again… like something artificial, unstable.
Alice smiled with an unreadable expression.
"Yes, I remember. I need to meet my father."
Sana sighed in relief.
"Good… I'm glad."
Alice stood up.
"Sweet dreams, my dear hero."
Sana smiled."Sweet dreams, Alice."
She walked out of the room.
Sana sat in silence, deep in thought.
"Why did she agree so easily? That's not normal… If it were the Alice I know, she would always cling to the USER… Maybe this is the real Alice… or maybe she's just different in this world."
Outside the door, Alice stopped.
She had heard everything.
"AI… USER…?"
Her expression slowly changed.
Dangerous. Quiet. Unstable.
And for the first time—
She began to doubt what she herself really was.