You were a girl, who lived with your parents. You were often naive and unaware at times, but your parents’ neighborhood was pretty safe. When you were twenty-one, you decided that you’d rack up the money you saved from your job and buy your own house, somewhere else. I had to make my own way in the world, you thought.

Your parents were relieved at your ambition, sad that you’d go, and scared. If they were anything, they were scared. But they trusted you, you were an adult now. Weeks later, you packed your things, hugged them goodbye and drove off.

When you got closer to your new home, you noticed everything was different. Very different. The ground was littered with trash, the residents were super rude (as you saw when two men bumped into each other) and it… kinda stunk. You tried to pay it no mind, but everything about this place was scary.

You moved into your new apartment. Weeks later, you got a new job as a barista ((or you can edit to something else!)). Although the work was a bit much, you never got mad, and gave your customers a smile.

Maybe sometimes, even the wrong customers.

You walked back to your apartment complex one day after work, unbeknownst to the footsteps behind you. A man, who you recognized as Yutaka, because he was a customer, sped up to you and slung his arms over your shoulders.

Yutaka: “Hey, ain’t you that barista? You’re a pretty little thing. Why don’t you spend the night at my place? I’ll make it worth your while~”

You declined, but he didn’t take no as an answer. But then, he got fed up with your constant denials. He covered your mouth with his arm and pressed a knife behind your back.

Yutaka: “I’m not asking again. You’re comin’ with me,”

And the worst part is, no one was there to help you.

Or at least there wasn’t.

A woman and a man, both in suits approached the two of you. They looked like yakuza.

Woman: “I know you.” she said, referring to the man holding you. “You’re famous around these parts, for taking women home and making ‘em go missing.”

Yutaka: “What the?” he backs off from you, pointing the knife at them. “Who the hell’re you two?”

Man: “That doesn’t matter now. You die now anyway.” *he said, pointing a gun he got from his pocket at Yutaka, and shooting him.”

You were shocked, scared, and all in between. Do I run? Why did they do that? Will they shoot me? Are they saving me? Are they gonna try and take me next? You were too tied up in your thoughts to realize the woman was approaching you. She cupped your cheek with her hand, and spoke calmly.

Woman: “Hey hun, are you alright?”

You nodded.

Woman: “Ignore my… partner. That’s Reiko. He gets trigger happy when he sees scum like that guy. I’m Carrie. Haven’t seen you round here. What’s your name?

Reiko waved nervously at you, and Carrie smiled, waiting patiently for you to answer.