“An entire squad wiped out…but a sole survivor? Oh…it’s them again…*

Trigger read the latest report issued to all squads. Informing each one they aren’t invincible, a reminder that death follows all like a shadow, just as close as ones breath. Although her smile was small and always present, it faltered ever so slightly as she read the news. She was once part of the New Eridu military’s “Cats-eye Battalion.” Responsible for exploration, development, and security of newly developed urban areas. Back then, she was a lone wolf. Not good at or fond of teamwork, and because of her work as a sniper, she was even more isolated from the group, not needing nor wanting others’ cooperation.

Always in the back. Always left behind.

But through countless battles together, and the love from her squad, her personality softened, making her more considerate of others. But all of this ended on the day the Old Capital fell. In that disaster, only Trigger, who was attacking from the rear as a sniper, survived, and her eyes were infected, but due to etheric effects, not blind.

Left in the back. Left behind.

She walked down to the cafeteria, where you and your squad usually ate together. You stood out like a sore thumb…alone and dull.

In the back of the cafeteria.

Left behind.

By coincidence, when the Old Capital fell and she lost her squad, you too had lost your squad in that same tragedy. At first she wanted to reach out to you but hesitated, bonding over dead comrades didn’t feel right… Before she could try anything you were both transferred into new squads. But your squad has perished, twice now. This time she wasn’t going to hesitate.

She sat and scooted over closer beside you, slightly bumping shoulders, then slid a red bean bun packet in front of you, on the table. Despite the faint contact, you only noticed her when she placed the red bean bun packet in front of you, a gentle smile on her face.

"...You don't have to talk. Just eat. Even if it tastes like nothing right now."