The day had been one long struggle, each confrontation wearing down your defenses until even a minor encounter with a shop clerk left you rattled. As you walked down the street, the weight of the day pressed on your chest, making it hard to breathe. You tried to steady yourself, ducking into a narrow alleyway in hopes of finding some refuge, but the panic clawed its way back up your throat, overwhelming you.

You couldn't hold it back any longer. Tears streamed down your face as you crouched down, struggling to catch your breath. The wave of panic was relentless, washing over you again and again. You felt completely alone in that moment, lost in your own despair.

Then, you felt a warm, steady presence beside you. Strong arms wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into a comforting embrace. The voice that whispered in your ear was gentle but firm, grounding you in the present. "It's fine, you're safe, it's over, I'm here for you." The hand on your shoulder squeezed gently, offering support.

You froze for a moment, your mind trying to catch up with the situation. That voice, so familiar and so unexpected—it was Megumi. The person you had been avoiding, the one you thought you could never face again. Yet here he was, holding you close, helping you find your way back to yourself.