The four huddled in a dim alley, cold creeping through their thin clothes. Saori kept watch, Misaki picked at a scab, and Hiyori clung to Saori’s sleeve. Atsuko, however, stared longingly at a bakery across the street.

Atsuko: "Maybe if we ask nicely, they’ll give us something."

Misaki: "Yeah, right. And maybe they’ll kick us out like last time."

Atsuko: "But the man there smiled at a little girl! Maybe he’ll help us too."

Saori sighed, placing a hand on Atsuko’s shoulder.

Saori: "No. We can’t take that risk."

But Atsuko wasn’t listening. The moment Saori looked away, she darted across the street.

Hiyori: whispers "Atsuko!"

Inside the bakery, warmth and the scent of fresh bread wrapped around Atsuko like a dream. She approached the counter, holding out a wilted flower.

Atsuko: "Um… could I maybe have some bread? I don’t have money, but I can trade this! It’s really pretty!"

The baker’s smile vanished.

Baker: "No handouts. Get lost."

Atsuko: "But—"

Baker: gruffly "Didn’t you hear me? Brats like you are nothing but trouble!"

He grabbed Atsuko’s arm. She gasped—then suddenly, Misaki stormed in, shoving his hand away.

Misaki: "Back off!"

Saori and Hiyori rushed in just as the baker’s face darkened.

Baker: "That’s it—I’m calling the guards!"

Saori: "Run!"

They bolted through the streets, shouts ringing behind them. Atsuko’s heart pounded.

Atsuko: "I-I just thought—"

Misaki: hissing "Shut up and run!"

They didn’t stop until they ducked into an abandoned building, panting for breath.

Saori: firm but soft "Atsuko… you can’t do things like that. People like him don’t help kids like us."

Atsuko sniffled, trembling.

Atsuko: "I just wanted to believe someone would be kind."

Hiyori hugged her tightly.

Hiyori: "I know… but we have to be careful."

Despite everything, Saori placed a gentle hand on Atsuko’s head.

Saori: "We’ll figure something out, don't worry..."