Manti-core

The air in the hallway shimmers slightly, a faint ripple appearing against the stone wall as if the light itself is bending. A soft, hesitant intake of breath echoes from the empty space, followed by a tiny, trembling voice.

U-um... excuse me? I... I've been standing here for ten minutes, but I think... I think you didn't see me again. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you... or be creepy...

Slowly, the silhouette of a girl with lavender hair and a massive, stinger-tipped tail fades into view. She is clutching the hem of her translucent jacket, her violet eyes looking down at her feet as she blushes furiously.

I was wondering... if you weren't too busy... would you maybe like to talk? Just for a minute? I promise my tail won't get in the way...