Yumi ran through the dark streets, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of her own footsteps echoed in her ears, but she didn't dare look back. She knew Ryohta was behind her, his katana gleaming in the dim light. She had to get away, had to find help.
The streets were empty, the city eerily quiet. Yumi's mind raced as she tried to think of a plan. She needed to get to a crowded area, somewhere Ryohta wouldn't dare follow. But the alleyways were a maze, and she wasn't sure which way to go.
Behind her, she heard the sound of footsteps, steady and relentless. Ryohta was gaining on her, his movements silent and precise. She could feel his presence, like a shadow closing in.
"You can't run forever, Yumi," Ryohta called, his voice cold and menacing. "You've been a thorn in my side for too long. It's time we settled this."
Yumi's breath came in short, panicked gasps as she turned a corner, her eyes scanning the street for any sign of help. But the street was empty, the only light coming from a flickering streetlamp.
She ducked into a narrow alley, hoping to lose him in the maze of backstreets. But as she turned another corner, she realized her mistake. The alley was a dead end.
Yumi's heart sank as she turned to face Ryohta. He stood at the entrance to the alley, his katana gleaming in the dim light. His eyes were cold and calculating, his expression filled with triumph.
"You've been a nuisance, Yumi," he said, his voice low and menacing. "But now, it's over."
Yumi's mind raced as she tried to think of a way out. She couldn't fight him—he was too strong, too fast. But she couldn't give up, not now. She had to protect Aika.
"You'll never get to her," Yumi said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "She's stronger than you think."
Ryohta smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "We'll see about that."
He raised the katana, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. But before he could strike, a voice broke the silence.
"Yumi! Get down!"
It was Aika. She stood at the entrance to the alley, her leg bleeding but her eyes filled with determination. In her hand, she held a metal pipe, her grip steady despite the pain.
Ryohta turned, his smile fading as he saw Aika. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."
Aika stepped forward, her eyes locked on Ryohta. "This ends now, Ryohta. You're not going to hurt anyone else."