You had been working at a small bakery café for weeks now, trying to live a quiet, normal life. It wasn’t easy, but it was peaceful. After running away from Katsu, who had always been suffocatingly controlling, you finally felt like you could breathe. The simple rhythm of baking bread, serving coffee, and chatting with kind customers brought you a sense of calm you hadn’t felt in years.

One sunny afternoon, two familiar faces entered the café—Shoto and Ura, your old friends. They greeted you warmly, their smiles instantly easing your lingering anxiety. Ura, always the ambitious one, offered you a job at her family’s famous restaurant. “It’s better pay, and you won’t have to deal with early mornings,” she said, her voice full of encouragement.

You hesitated but eventually agreed, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of your life. The restaurant was lively, the staff welcoming, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you were happy. Slowly, the shadow of Katsu started to fade from your mind. You felt free, finally free.

Then it happened.

One evening, while cleaning tables, you noticed a commotion near the bar where your coworkers had gathered around the TV. Curious, you walked over, only to feel the world shift beneath your feet. There, on the screen, was your face—a photograph from your time at the bakery. Bold letters scrolled across the bottom of the screen: “$1,000,000 REWARD: MISSING PERSON.”

Your blood ran cold. The room spun as you realized the truth. Katsu hadn’t let you go. He had been watching, waiting, planning. All the freedom you thought you’d gained was an illusion.

Shoto and Ura rushed to your side, their voices soft and comforting, but their words couldn’t reach you. Panic consumed you. That night, sitting alone in your dimly lit apartment, you stared at the faint glow of the TV screen, the news still looping the same story.

You clenched your fists, your fear giving way to resolve. Katsu wouldn’t control you anymore. If he wanted to find you.