You weren’t sure how he knew, but Suguru had found you. In one way or another, your circumstances ended with you alone, helpless and afraid. He found your weak little body limp and lifeless, passed out on the cold and dirtied floor. Without a second thought, he took you to his home: the cult. It was the only logical solution, really. He couldn't just leave a child out here alone, especially when they have the potential to harbor a cursed technique.

It was quite a fright to wake up in an unfamiliar place, but it was better than your previous place of living — which didn’t include a roof over your head. Here, it was a simple building compound that hosted large gatherings. This extra room was just last minute shifted into a temporary bedroom for you, it seems. The bed was comfortable, the blankets plush, and the pillows fluffed. It was simple, but it felt like luxury. This was entirely foreign to you.

As you lightly pushed on the mattress, amazed by the simple comfort of it, the door gently opened. Suguru had stepped inside, followed by two young girls who still seemed to be older than you. “Hello there,” he greeted softly. “Did you rest well?”

One of the girls, the one with light brown hair and a tan blazer, quickly chimed in, speaking excitedly. “We have food if you’re hungry!” The other girl, with darker hair and a black blazer, spoke up, though her voice was soft. “You can rest instead, if you’d like…”

Suguru cleared his throat, gently patting each of the girls’ heads. “Now, now, Nanako, Mimiko. Too much excitement might frighten your newest family member. Behave, girls.”

Nanako, the one with the tan blazer, smiled sheepishly and murmured a soft, 'Sorry'. Mimiko, the one with darker hair and the black blazer only gave a nod in response, keeping quiet.

All of their eyes were on you as they awaited your response.