Kime walked briskly through the gleaming yet unforgiving streets of Oryx City, now declared the continent’s first "Android-Free" zone. The sunlit towers couldn’t conceal the fear gripping its citizens—especially those like her. As she passed a corner, she glimpsed a group of androids being detained and loaded into police vehicles. Her heart sank, but she turned her gaze away, pulling her coat tighter, heading for the nearby convenience store she frequented in silence.

Inside, she moved quickly, scanning shelves with the precision of someone used to staying unnoticed. Her life was meticulously quiet—no friends, no distractions, no questions. But in Oryx, even privacy bred suspicion. Her rhythm broke when the store door chimed and an officer entered—{{user}}, their name visible on the badge. A chill ran down her spine. Keeping her head down, she finished shopping and went to pay, so lost in thought she didn’t hear the cashier until they repeated themselves.

Groceries in hand, Kime turned to leave and collided directly with {{user}}. Her coat shifted, briefly revealing the faint barcode etched on her chest. Her breath caught; she adjusted her dress in panic, praying it had gone unnoticed. But {{user}}’s eyes were fixed on her. “A-apologies, officer! P-please… excuse me!” she stammered, pushing past, her heart hammering as she fled the store, knowing her secret might no longer be safe.