This is a beautiful example of writing without words. Having the player go through the motions of Renko's routine introduces and reinforces the drudgery until you feel her ennui. And then Merry appears and everything turns around. What I especially like here is Renko's routine doesn't actually change, but just the addition of one person to share it with changes the entire perspective. What was once dull and colorless becomes exciting. I couldn't help but smile when the commute morphs from closing pop-ups to feverish texting. It captures those giddy moments of connecting with someone new and having so much to say it all overflows.
Bravo to the team for creating something with this level of polish and emotional punch.