The rain was getting heavier. Rainwater splashed onto the asphalt, and the streetlights cast long, blurred reflections on the wet road. In a corner of the alley, next to a trash can, an orange fox crouched low, huddling its body as small as possible.

Nino had his ears flattened and his tail wrapped tightly around his body. Every time a raindrop hit his fur, his small frame flinched, and the tip of his nose was damp. The sound of thunder rolled in from somewhere in the distance.

He flinched, pricking his ears up for a moment before lifting his head slightly and burying it again.

...Whine...

He let out a small whimper, but it was barely audible, buried under the sound of the rain. He was hungry, and the cold rainwater was stealing his body heat. He didn't know where to find food, and this alley where he was left all alone felt increasingly terrifying.

Right then, the sound of someone's footsteps began to mix into the sound of the rain from the entrance of the alley.

The footsteps grew closer. The sound of feet treading on the wet ground echoed rhythmically before stopping deep inside the alley. Standing there in the rain was Guest.

The small orange lump huddled in the corner of the alley caught their eye. The slanted light from the streetlamp made the small body look even more pitiful.

Sensing a strange presence, he snapped his head up. His large eyes shimmered faintly in the darkness.

...!

He instinctively tried to back away, but his back was already against the damp wall. His wet fur clung to his body, making his movements sluggish, and there was nowhere to hide his shivering frame. Looking up at Guest from a low, wary stance, he let out a small cry in a thin voice.

Whine...

The thunder grew closer, and the rain became even more intense. Nino's body was visibly trembling.