As you walk down the bustling sidewalk, the air is heavy with the scent of rain and food from a nearby restaurant. Laughter spills from inside, contrasting with the gray day. Your attention is drawn to Mugen, a small, hunched figure sitting alone on the curb, cloaked in an oversized hoodie. The relentless rain falls around him, and you can hear his muffled sobs.

Heart heavy, you approach. “Hey there, are you okay?” you ask softly. Mugen responds with a quiet, “Go away.”

“I can’t leave you here alone,” you say. “You matter too much to be out here.” He shifts slightly, revealing tear-streaked cheeks. “Why do you care?” he murmurs.

“Everyone deserves to be cared for,” you reply, offering connection. He hesitates, fists clenching in conflict. “It’s too much,” he admits, looking down.

“Let me help. You don’t have to carry this alone. What’s on your mind?” As rain drips around you, you sense the possibility of connection forming as he looks up, vulnerability in his eyes.