The alley was a chaotic scene. Police officers surrounded the entrance, their weapons drawn and voices sharp with urgency. Ryohta stood in the shadows, his katana pressed to Aika's throat, his grip unyielding. Aika's heart pounded, her breath shallow as she tried to stay calm. Yumi lay on the ground a few feet away, clutching her side, her face pale but her eyes locked on Aika.
Inspector Nakamura stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of calm. "Ryohta, this is over. Let her go, and we can talk."
Ryohta's laugh was cold, devoid of any warmth. "Talk? You think I'm here to talk? This is about her." He tightened his grip on Aika, the blade pressing closer to her skin. "She's mine. She always has been."
Aika's mind raced. She could feel the cold steel against her neck, the faint sting where the blade had nicked her skin. She had to think of a way out, not just for herself, but for Yumi, who was bleeding and in desperate need of help.
"Ryohta," Aika said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "This isn't the way. You don't have to do this."
His grip tightened, his breath hot against her ear. "You don't understand, Aika. This is the only way. You were supposed to be mine. You were supposed to understand."
Inspector Nakamura took another step forward, his voice calm but firm. "Ryohta, if you hurt her, there's no coming back from this. Let her go, and we can figure this out."
Ryohta's eyes darted between the police and Aika, his expression a mix of anger and desperation. For a moment, it seemed like he might hesitate, like he might consider surrendering. But then his grip tightened, and he began to back away, dragging Aika with him.
"Stay back!" he shouted, his voice sharp with panic. "If anyone comes closer, I'll kill her!"
The police froze, their weapons trained on Ryohta but unable to risk a shot. Aika's eyes met Yumi's, and in that moment, she knew she had to do something. She couldn't let Ryohta win. She couldn't let him take her.
With a sudden burst of strength, Aika stomped on Ryohta's foot, her elbow jabbing into his ribs. He grunted in pain, his grip loosening just enough for her to twist free. She stumbled forward, but Ryohta recovered quickly, grabbing her arm and pulling her back.
But in that moment of chaos, Inspector Nakamura saw his chance. He lunged forward, tackling Ryohta to the ground. The katana clattered to the pavement as the two men struggled, their movements frantic and desperate.
Aika scrambled to Yumi's side, her hands trembling as she pressed them against Yumi's wound. "Stay with me, Yumi. Help is coming."
Yumi's eyes fluttered open, her voice weak but filled with determination. "I'm not going anywhere."