"Damn it…"

Kanata’s abdomen took a stab. The blade was razor-sharp. As it pierced her flesh, a jolt of agony shot through her—scalp tingling, every hair on her body standing rigid with shock.

The wound bloomed swiftly in the color of despair: the crimson of blood, which she despised most.

Seeing that hue always made her involuntarily think of Alessia—that damn childhood friend of hers.

True… They’d known each other since childhood. Alessia’s crimson eyes had marked her as an outcast, for the people of Luoying deemed red eyes an omen of ill fortune.

"Why… am I thinking of her eyes now?" Kanata let out a bitter smile.

The beggar girl who stabbed her didn’t finish her off. She grabbed her younger sister, emptied the stolen wallet of cash, then tossed the useless IDs and the wallet aside.

Not entirely foolish—if she’d fled with the wallet, denial would’ve been impossible.

"So heartless… I never even intended… to harm you…"

The beggar girl likely didn’t hear Kanata’s murmured words. Having gotten what she wanted, unthreatened, she fled brazenly.

Kindness trampled again by this malicious, filthy world. As blood seeped away, her vision blurred, dizziness swirling.

"No… I still need to… cook dinner for Nozomi…"

She had too much left to do. Dying from some random stab? Way too lame.

At that thought, her mind sharpened slightly.

Leaning against the wall, Kanata barely staggered from the alley onto the street—a crimson trail marking her path.

Chasing the girl was hopeless. They’d likely never meet again.

Who knew the future? Only the present mattered. Kanata fretted: hospital meant fees.

"What a waste… Just stitches, a few bandage wraps… and thousands gone…"

After pressing a hand to the wound for seconds, she decided: buy bandages herself, have Nozomi stitch her up at home.

The black T-shirt hid the stain, but blood-soaked hands drew curious stares. She looked exactly like a robbery victim.

"Hey, need a ride to the hospital? You’re bleeding badly," a passerby offered with genuine concern.

"Ah… I’m fine… Please… don’t take me… Hospitals cost too much…"

"Pharmacy… Where’s the nearest pharmacy?"

Blood kept flowing. Stop it now. Bandages—wrap tight, layer after layer.

Step into the hospital, and expenses would pile up instantly.

In this era of sky-high medical costs, illness was a luxury. Hospitals belonged to the wealthy.

Human life… perhaps worthless next to money.

"You’re as adorably foolish as always—so endearing it hurts. And that’s what makes you cute."

A gentle, low voice—always flippant, always teasing.

Kanata wasn’t fond of her. No mood for games.

"You… here to laugh? I… have no time… for your boring nonsense…"

She’d never warmed to Gen.

This one loved teasing her, bullying her, watching coldly from the sidelines. Any goodwill had long vanished.

That Gen hadn’t twisted the knife deeper? A small mercy.

"I can’t stand seeing a helpless girl hurt. Hospital. Now."

Gen offered no discussion—none needed. As Kanata’s childhood friend, she knew that stubborn-as-a-mule temper too well.

"Even injured, you’re pitifully sweet… but I prefer you lively."

Without hesitation, Gen bundled Kanata into her car and drove off, ignoring protests.

"I won’t let someone I’m interested in [     ] die so easily."

Kanata missed the word. Didn’t care how others saw her. Only one truth remained: another debt added.

This cold, unfeeling world pressed down until she could barely breathe.