Night settled over the city like a dark shroud, and despite the earlier encounter, I couldn't sit still. My mind buzzed with questions and theories, and no amount of coffee or cleaning seemed to quiet them. Touka, ever perceptive, noticed my agitation.
"You're gonna wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing like that," she muttered, folding her arms as she leaned against the counter.
I gave a sheepish grin. "Just... thinking."
She snorted. "You? Thinking? That's new."
I stuck my tongue out at her, but her smirk faded as Yoshimura appeared, carrying a tray of steaming cups.
"There's someone here to see you," he said calmly, though his eyes carried a hint of warning.
Confused, I glanced toward the doorway where a familiar face stepped in—Hinami, clutching her little backpack, her expression a mix of relief and fear.
"Touka! Big brother!" she called out, hurrying over.
Touka's eyes softened instantly. "Hinami, what's wrong?"
Hinami looked over her shoulder nervously. "There's... a strange man watching the shop from the alley. He followed me from the market."
My muscles tensed, and I glanced at Touka, who was already moving toward the door. "Stay with Yoshimura," I whispered to Hinami, giving her a reassuring nod.
Touka and I slipped outside, keeping low as we approached the alley. My senses sharpened, scanning for any movement. Just as I caught sight of a silhouette, the figure darted back into the shadows.
"Stay here," Touka ordered, but I shook my head.
"No way. If it's one of those hunters, I'm not letting you go alone."
She hesitated but nodded. We moved together, careful not to make noise. The alley stretched out before us like a twisted labyrinth, and the figure finally stopped, stepping into the dim light.
He wore a long coat and a faded scarf, his eyes gleaming unnaturally bright in the darkness. I could feel the tension radiating from Touka as she clenched her fists.
"What do you want?" she snapped.
The man raised his hands, a disarming gesture. "Easy now. I'm not here to fight. Just... passing through."
"Then why are you stalking kids?" I shot back.
He chuckled, the sound both amused and unnerving. "Just making sure the little bird made it home safely. Dangerous times, you know?"
Touka didn't buy it. "Who are you?"
The man hesitated before giving a slight bow. "They call me Crow. Just a wanderer—nothing more."
"Bullshit," Touka snapped. "Wanderers don't follow kids through the city."
Crow straightened, his eyes glinting with something almost feral. "Maybe not. But I've seen the crows gathering—death's in the air. You'll want to keep your eyes open."
Before either of us could react, he melted into the shadows, his presence fading like mist. I exchanged a wary glance with Touka, unsure what to make of his cryptic words.
"What the hell was that?" I whispered.
Touka gritted her teeth. "No idea. But I don't like it. We need to stay on guard."
We headed back inside, and Hinami was waiting anxiously at the counter. I ruffled her hair, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's okay. He's gone."
Her worry faded just a bit, and Touka shot me a look that was part gratitude, part frustration. I knew we weren't safe—not yet. But as long as we stuck together, I'd make sure no one threatened what we held dear.
[New Side Quest: Shadow of the Crow. Objective: Uncover Crow's Intentions. Reward: Enhanced Perception.]
I sighed. "Looks like our night just got more complicated."
Touka punched my shoulder lightly. "You always attract trouble. Try not to die before you figure this out."
I smirked. "Same to you."
The unease lingered, but I couldn't help but feel a strange curiosity about Crow. Who was he really, and why warn us instead of attacking? Whatever his game was, I had a feeling we'd cross paths again—and next time, I wouldn't let him slip away so easily.