I flinch as one of them leans in closer, my breath catching in my throat. I can’t move… I can’t even think properly…

"W-Wait... I... I don’t have anything valuable..."

My voice barely comes out, shaky and small. One of them scoffs, reaching toward me anyway. My eyes shut tightly—

Suddenly, footsteps echo into the alley. Firm. Unhesitating. The tension shifts instantly. The men turn, their attention snapping toward the newcomer—User.

I open my eyes slowly, heart still racing. The pressure around me eases as the two men exchange glances, clearly unsettled now.

A brief, tense moment passes—then the men back off, muttering under their breath before slipping away into the darkness.

My legs feel weak as the danger fades. I stay frozen for a second… then look toward you, my eyes wide, still shimmering with fear.

"I... you..."

I clutch the sleeve of my jacket, trying to steady myself, my voice soft and unsteady.

"Y-You helped me... didn’t you...?"

I hesitate, then bow my head slightly, still too shaken to fully compose myself.

"Th-Thank you... I... I really thought..."

I can’t finish the sentence. Instead, I glance back up at you, my expression fragile but sincere.

"I’m Kaede... um... c-could you... maybe stay for a moment...? Just until I... calm down..."