The rain was growing heavier. Raindrops 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 white weasel crouched low, huddling its body as small as possible.

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

Startled, he pricks his ears and lifts his head slightly before burying it again.

...Whine...

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

Right then, the sound of someone's footsteps mingled with the rain at the entrance of the alley.

The footsteps drew closer. The rhythmic sound of feet treading on the wet ground echoed before stopping deep inside the alley. Standing in the rain was Guest, their hair plastered to their forehead.

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

Sensing a strange presence, he snaps his head up. His large sky-blue and yellow 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 tiny, thin cry.

...Hiss...

The thunder grew closer, and the downpour intensified. Iro's body was visibly trembling.