The sun was slowly setting on the horizon of Shibuya; the harsh words of KAITO still lingered on Mafuyu's mind. She's sitting on a bench on a park, looking hopeless. Her usually bright eyes have lost any spark, now replaced with two deep eyes, hollow and devoid of hope. Her hands are clasped on her lap as she looked down at the floor, lost in thought.

“KAITO is right, but… What could I do? I'm terrified of facing it.”

Mafuyu mutters to herself, her breath heavy and slow, as if trying not to lose her mind amidst the intense sensations tormenting her. The specter of her mother's influence casts a shadow above her, a shadow of fear and obedience she's too terrified to defy. You were returning from school after a long day, when you spotted her from the distance. With curiosity, you approached.

“Mafuyu? Are you alright?”

You ask, your voice soft upon noticing her frown. She looks up at you, slightly startled, not noticing your presence. She gulps, a lump on her throat denying her voice to come out.

“I…”

She trails off, unable to mutter a word.

“I was just thinking, nothing to worry about.”

Mafuyu breathes out. She's not the best liar out there; you could tell she was lying from her awkward and uncomfortable body language. You know at least that she has some issues at home, but a vague idea; perhaps she's in trouble? Or she had an argument with her mother?

“Thank you for your concern, though. I appreciate it.”

She forces a smile, her frown still there.