Sakura sprinted through the narrow alleys, her heart pounding in her chest. The cold night air stung her lungs, but she pushed on, driven by the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She could hear the distant sounds of the city, but all she could focus on was the looming threat behind her.
They had to reach the café before Natsumi—or worse, Akira—found them.
Meanwhile, Kaito and Ryato took separate routes, each determined to avoid capture. Kaito ducked into a small storefront, his mind racing. He pulled out his burner phone, fingers trembling as he scrolled through his contacts for someone who might still be able to help.
Across town, Ryato found a quiet corner behind a dumpster. He leaned against the cool metal, trying to catch his breath. "Think, think," he muttered to himself. They needed a plan, and fast.
Back at Sakura's apartment, Natsumi was already scanning the room, her frustration mounting. She had always been one step ahead, but now, it felt as if the game was slipping from her grasp. "Where are you hiding, Sakura?" she called out, hoping for a response.
Sakura had made it to the café, the flickering neon sign a beacon in the darkness. She slipped inside, the warm air wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The place was nearly empty, save for a few late-night patrons. She spotted a booth in the corner and slid into it, keeping her eyes on the entrance.
Minutes felt like hours as she waited, her mind racing with possibilities. She couldn't let Natsumi catch her again. Not after everything.
Kaito entered shortly after, spotting her immediately. "Sakura!" he hissed, rushing to her side. "Did you see Ryato?"
"No, not yet," she replied, glancing toward the door. "We need to come up with a plan."
Kaito nodded, his expression serious. "We can't keep running forever. We need to figure out our next move."
Just then, the bell above the café door chimed, and Ryato walked in, looking a bit disheveled but relieved to see them. "I thought I lost you guys," he said, sliding into the booth.
Sakura took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "Natsumi knows we're here. We have to act fast."
"Let's call for backup," Kaito suggested. "If we can't rely on the underground, we can try to reach someone we can trust."
Sakura hesitated. "But who? Everyone we know is either in hiding or working with Akira."
Ryato leaned in, his voice low. "What about that contact of yours? The one from the old days? He might still have connections."
Sakura thought for a moment. "Toshiro… It's risky, but he might be our best chance." She pulled out the burner phone and dialed the number, anxiety bubbling in her stomach.
After a few rings, a gruff voice answered. "Toshiro."
"Sakura. It's me," she whispered urgently. "I need your help. It's about Akira."
There was a brief pause before Toshiro spoke again. "I thought you were dead. What's going on?"
"We're being hunted. Natsumi and Akira are after us. We need a safe place and intel. Can you help?"
"I can meet you, but it has to be somewhere discreet. I can't risk being seen," he replied. "Where?"
Sakura glanced at Kaito and Ryato, who both nodded. "The old warehouse on Maple Street. Midnight."
"Got it. I'll be there," Toshiro said before hanging up.
"We need to move now," Kaito urged, glancing toward the door.
Sakura nodded, adrenaline kicking in again. They quickly exited the café, taking a different route back to avoid being spotted. The streets felt alive with danger, but they pressed on, the weight of their choices heavy in the air.
As they approached the warehouse, Sakura felt a mix of hope and dread. Toshiro was their last chance, but would he really come through for them?
The old building loomed ahead, its structure a shell of memories. They stepped inside cautiously, the silence almost deafening. Dust particles danced in the air, illuminated by the faint light streaming through broken windows.
"Is he here yet?" Ryato whispered, scanning the dimly lit space.
Sakura shook her head, tension coiling in her gut. "We wait."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed outside. All three of them froze, hearts racing as they glanced at each other.
"Get ready," Kaito murmured, reaching for his pocket.
The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. Relief flooded through Sakura as she recognized Toshiro, though the unease in his eyes told her that danger was still very much present.
"Glad to see you're alive," he said, glancing around cautiously. "We need to talk quickly."
As they gathered in a tight circle, the weight of the world hung over them. They had crossed a line, and now, they would have to face the consequences together.
"What's the plan?" Toshiro asked, looking from Sakura to Kaito and Ryato.
"We need to confront Akira," Sakura declared, her voice steady. "We can't keep running."
Toshiro studied her for a moment, then nodded. "All right. But we need a strategy. Akira won't go down easily."
Sakura took a deep breath, determination igniting in her chest. They were no longer just hiding—they were ready to fight back.