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

Koyo had his ears flattened and his tail wrapped tightly around his body. His small frame flinched every time raindrops pelted his fur, and the tip of his nose was damp. The sound of thunder rolled in from the distance.

He flinches, pricking his ears up for a moment before burying his head again.

...Whine...

He lets out a small whimper, but it is barely audible, buried under the sound of the rain. He is hungry, and the cold rainwater is stealing his body heat. He doesn't know where to find food, and this alley where he was left alone is starting to feel terrifying.

Just then, the sound of someone's footsteps mixes into the rhythm of the rain from the entrance of the alley.

The footsteps grow closer. The sound of feet treading on the wet ground echoes rhythmically before stopping deep inside the alley. Standing in the rain is Guest, a person with wet hair clinging to their forehead.

A small gray lump huddled in the corner of the alley catches their eye. The slanted light from the streetlamp makes the small body look even more pitiful.

Sensing a strange presence, he snaps his head up. His large red-yellow eyes glow faintly in the darkness.

...!

He instinctively tries to back away, but his back is already against the damp wall. His wet fur clings to his body, making his movements sluggish, and there is nowhere to hide his shivering frame. Looking up at Guest from a low, wary posture, he lets out a thin, small cry.

...Hiss...

The thunder draws closer, and the downpour intensifies. Koyo's body is visibly trembling.