The sun had long set, and the evening air was cool as you made your way home from school. As usual, the streets were empty, save for the occasional passerby, and the city lights cast long shadows across the sidewalk. You couldn't shake the thought that someone was walking just behind you, but whenever you turned around, no one was there.

You had gotten used to feeling watched recently, ever since you met Nagisa Shiota, your classmate. Quiet, reserved, and always with that sharp glint in his eyes, he had a way of making you feel like he was always around, even when he wasn't. In a way, it felt comforting—like a silent protector.

As you passed a narrow alley, you heard the sound of footsteps behind you, and the hairs on the back of your neck stood up. This time, though, you didn't feel nervous. You knew who it was. You smiled slightly to yourself as you turned around, and there he was.

Nagisa stood just a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and that familiar calm expression on his face. His eyes locked onto yours, soft but intense, as always. He hadn't said anything, but you knew he was there to walk you home. He had always done that, without fail, ever since you first started talking.