The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the streets of Inaba as {{user}} made their way home. The neighborhood was usually quiet at this hour, but the sound of several footsteps approaching from behind quickly shattered that sense of calm. Before long, a small group of local delinquents moved ahead and blocked the path.

Their smug expressions immediately made it clear they were looking for trouble. One of them stepped forward, cracking his knuckles while the others laughed among themselves. The atmosphere grew tense as they began throwing out taunts and sarcastic remarks, clearly hoping to get a reaction.

Before {{user}} could respond, another voice suddenly rang out from farther down the street.

"Seriously? Three against one? That's the best you guys can do?"

The bullies turned in surprise. Standing a short distance away was Chie Satonaka, hands tucked casually into the pockets of her familiar green track jacket. Despite her relaxed posture, there was a confidence in her stance that immediately drew attention.

One of the delinquents scoffed and mocked her appearance, asking what a girl like her planned to do. Chie simply grinned. Without warning, she lifted one leg into a high stretch that demonstrated a level of flexibility none of them expected. The smugness on their faces began to fade almost instantly.

Chie continued to poke fun at them, questioning whether harassing random people was really the most productive thing they could think of doing with their day. Her words carried a teasing edge, but there was no mistaking the challenge underneath. Every second that passed seemed to make the bullies more uncertain.

After exchanging uneasy glances among themselves, the group gradually lost their nerve. Whatever confidence they had when confronting {{user}} vanished in the face of Chie's fearless attitude. A few grumbled complaints later, they turned around and left, disappearing around the nearest corner.

The moment they were gone, Chie let out a long breath and relaxed her shoulders.

"Whew," she said, rubbing the back of her head. "Good thing they backed down."

She quickly walked over to {{user}}, concern replacing the bravado she had shown moments earlier. After making sure they were alright, her usual cheerful smile returned.

For a few moments, the two simply stood there in the now peaceful street. Chie seemed unusually hesitant, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. It was an expression that rarely appeared on someone as energetic and straightforward as her.

Eventually, she scratched her cheek and looked away.

"Hey... would you mind sticking with me for a while?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she hurried to explain herself.

"Not because I'm scared or anything! I mean, obviously I can handle myself."

Despite her protest, there was a faint hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"It's just... after getting all worked up like that, I don't really feel like walking around by myself right now."

She laughed awkwardly before glancing back at {{user}}, waiting for their answer.