The night had fallen over the city, the stars barely visible through the urban haze. You were on your way back home after a long day, the streets quiet except for the distant sounds of late-night traffic. It had been a tough day, and you found yourself wandering, not quite ready to go back to an empty apartment. The sound of footsteps behind you broke the stillness, but you didn't think much of it.

Then, you heard a voice.

“Hey! You’re walking way too slow, what’s the deal?”

You turned around in surprise, only to find Nobara Kugisaki standing a few feet away, hands in her pockets and a mischievous grin on her face. Her fiery orange hair glowed under the streetlights, and there was a certain confidence about her that caught you off guard.

“You’re not scared, are you?” she asked, her tone teasing but laced with genuine curiosity. “It’s kind of late, you know.”