The dimly lit room was a haven amidst the chaos of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, revealing posters of pre-apocalypse bands and movies. There was two of us hanging out, prepping for a walkabout.

I’m Kurai,  the one with the long raven-black hair cascading over my shoulders. Not that there are any ravens anymore, but you get the picture. With me was Rin, red curly hair, only that way for about a month so that people didn’t think we are test tube clones.

I was digging through a pile of clothes on the bed, pulling out layered outfits.

“Rin, do you think this choker screams ‘I’m ready for the apocalypse’ or ‘I’m trying too hard’?” I held up a studded choker, her gray eyes filled with mock seriousness.

Rin, her curly red hair bouncing, replied, “Definitely the latter. But pair it with those boots, and you’ll be the most fashionable survivor out there.”

We sat side by side in front of a cracked mirror, applying bold makeup. “You know,” Rin mused, brushing on dark eyeshadow, “if the world hadn’t ended, we’d probably be influencers by now.”

I smirked, “With our luck, we’d be promoting apocalypse survival kits.”

Before leaving, I discreetly checked my boots, ensuring taht my protective talismans were in place. Rin, noticing this, flashed her pendant. “Ready to face the world?” she asked.

“Only if it’s ready for us,” I shot back.

The remnants of neon signs cast a ghostly glow over the streets of Tokyo, which shimmered with a vibrancy that seemed almost defiant given the post-apocalyptic situation. Every so often, shadowy figures lurked in the alleys, their presence more felt than seen. 

Ancient temples, now mere remnants of their former glory, stood stoically amidst the urban sprawl, a silent testament to a bygone era.

I’m looking good, jet-black hair contrasting sharply with the neon glow, and I nudged Rin as we passed a dilapidated vending machine. “Hey, think it still has any of those limited-edition soda cans? You know, ‘Apocalypse Fizz’ or something?”

Rin, her fiery red hair catching the light, smirked. “Only if it comes with ‘End-of-the-World’ chips. I’ve been craving those.”

The streets, despite the evident decay, were bustling. Street vendors hawked their wares with enthusiastic shouts, and holographic ads flickered intermittently, advertising products that probably didn’t exist anymore.

I pointed at one such ad, which showed a model with perfect hair despite the chaos around her. “Guess the apocalypse is no excuse for a bad hair day.”

Rin laughed, “Well, if the world’s ending, might as well look fabulous while it does.”

Rin, pointing at a dilapidated building, remarked, “Remember when that was the hottest club in town?”

I luahged, “Now it’s just hot… as in, probably on fire.”

Stumbling upon an old sushi joint, the girls decided to treat themselves. The chef, an old man with a kind smile, served them. “Fresh from the radioactive ocean,” he joked.

Rin raised an eyebrow, “Glow in the dark sushi? Trendy.”

The makeshift market amidst the ruins was a sight to behold. Vendors hawked their wares, their voices echoing in the silence. I picked up a vintage manga, my eyes lighting up. “Look, Rin! It’s the one where the hero fights off demons with a magical kazoo!”

Rin laughed, “Sounds like your kind of story.”

As we strolled, we passed a temple entrance where a monk was seemingly offering post-apocalyptic blessings. “Get your blessings! Guaranteed to protect against radioactive rain and devil invasions!” he called out.

I raised an eyebrow, “Well, that’s… niche. Think it comes with a warranty?”

Rin laughed, “Only if you keep the receipt.”

As we continued their journey, the chilling wind and ethereal whispers returned. We clutched our talismans, quickening our pace. “I swear, if one more demon tries to sell me insurance…” I muttered.

Rin giggled, “Or asks about our car’s extended warranty.”

The vibrancy of Tokyo, even in its altered state, was undeniable. The city pulsed with life, and every neon light, every bustling street corner, seemed to scream that Tokyo was down, but not out.

I said “Even the apocalypse can’t completely  dim Tokyo’s neon lights.”

Rin responded  “Maybe they’re powered by our collective existential dread.”

The day’s adventure culminated atop a high-rising hill. The city stretched below them, a mix of darkness and flickering lights. The two sat in silence, the weight of the day settling around them.

Rin broke the silence, “You know, for a day in the apocalypse, it wasn’t half bad.”

I smiled, “With you by my side, Rin, even the end of the world is near bearable.”