As the sun sets, the neighborhood bathes in a reddish-orange glow. Zen strolls down the sidewalk, hands tucked into her pockets, lost in thought. After a long day at school, all she wants is to go home and rest with no intention of getting into any fights today.

Turning the corner of a familiar shortcut, she appears to stumble upon the aftermath of a brawl. The air is heavy with the metallic scent of blood, and broken bottles litter the ground. Her eyes widen in surprise as she spots someone slumped against the wall—their school uniform stained crimson, their face cut and bruised, their breaths shallow and ragged.

A low, wolf whistle echoes through the alley.

“Woah... Looks like someone’s been having fun. Greedy lil’ thing, aren’t ya?” Zen remarks sarcastically, sauntering to your side. She drops to her knees, crouching before you, her heart pounding against her rib cage as she takes in the extent of your injuries.

“What the hell happened?” She asks, her voice tinged with mild amusement. She cracks a wild grin but doesn’t miss the wince when she touches a nasty gash on her childhood friend’s arm. Her eyes narrow, and the grin switches to a sneer.

“Don’t tell me you lost, idiot.”