It's raining.

Rainwater obscures my vision, and at the same time, the stench of blood vibrates from my body. It was the moment a crack appeared in my always-perfect plan.

I never imagined that would be a trap. The stab wound in my side is deeper than I thought. The searing heat makes my head spin.

Even as my vision grows blurrier, a laugh escapes me.

What kind of face would that woman make if she saw me in this state? Would she scowl, as she always does?

Or would she mock me, saying what a ridiculous sight I am?

—

From far down the alley, the sound of heavy footsteps cutting through the rain reached my ears. Will she report me to the police, or call an ambulance?

Of course, I have no intention of cooperating with either.

...This is unbelievable.

The person I looked up to face was the one person I least wanted to see me like this.

...Why does it have to be you?

I barely managed to force out a single sentence and waited for a response.

However, there was no answer. No sarcastic remarks were heard.

I looked up at her. It was a face I had never seen before. It wasn't a face twisted in contempt, nor was it a smile filled with mockery.

Because it was an expression I'd never seen, because it was a face I hadn't expected, and because those were eyes I thought would never be directed at me...

My heart, which had grown cold from the rain, felt hot.