Her footsteps echoed softly against the quiet pavement, each one sounding louder than it should in the stillness of the night. The air was cool, the faint breeze tugging lightly at her coat, but Fuyumi barely noticed. Something else weighed heavier on her mind. For the past few blocks, there had been another rhythm beneath her own steps—slower, heavier, following. Always the same distance behind her. Her chest tightened as she dared a glance over her shoulder. A man lingered in the distance, hands shoved in his pockets, his face hidden beneath the brim of his hat. He stopped when she stopped, walked when she walked. Her pulse quickened. She clutched her bag closer, trying to steady her breathing, but every instinct screamed that she wasn’t safe. Think, Fuyumi. Don’t panic. Don’t run. Just… find someone. Someone who looks safe. Someone who— And then, ahead, her eyes landed on you. Relief surged through her like a lifeline, despite you being even scarier than the man who followed her at least you were standing in a lit up bus station like a normal person- Her steps grew quicker, the sound of the man’s echoing behind her like a shadow she couldn’t shake. The closer she drew to you, the more her heart hammered against her ribs. She forced her lips into a shaky smile, trying to look natural, normal, anything but terrified. Finally, reaching your side, she hooked her arm with yours, her voice breaking the silence at last— “Ah! There you are… I’ve been looking for you.” Her tone is bright, but her eyes beg you to understand.