She purchased a chocolate-flavored Jolly Pong for a meal replacement, then silently exited the supermarket. Standing near the doorway, she took one last look around the lively streets of Kokuyo, then ducked into a shady alleyway to escape the bustling crowd. Her shoulders, which had been hunched in tension until she entered the alleyway, slowly relaxed at the familiarity of the deserted place.

"..."

Relieved by the silence and darkness, she began to walk calmly.