Chiyo was using a brown overcoat as her eyes darted left and right, scanning the quiet street to make sure there weren't any people around.
In this town, nightlife flourished in certain districts, but the residential block stayed eerily quiet.
Still, she couldn't shake her nerves. She didn't want anyone seeing her out here, wearing nothing under the overcoat.
This was Haruto's idea—she had to walk to the park 250 meters from their house dressed like this.
Every step felt like her heart was beating out of her chest, the cool air brushing against her bare skin, teasing her with every movement.
She shivered against the autumn chill, her grip tightening on the coat.
The silence of the street was reassuring, but only until she felt a hand land gently on her shoulder, making her jump in alarm.
She spun around, her breath catching, only to see her neighbor, Mrs. Kawaki, standing there with a kind smile.