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It's unpleasantly cold out when Kanade finally stepped out of the house.
They'd been in the middle of cooking dinner when they realized they were out of a key ingredient. Mafuyu insisted that they get the ingredient, as it was a meal they were all looking forward to trying.
Turns out, growing up eating the exact same food every single day of their entire adolescence led to them wanting to explore new things every day.
Kanade had nearly been out the door in her usual jacket and shorts when she was swiftly stopped by the other three. Winter was fast approaching. Which meant she was severely underdressed for the weather.
Kanade was grateful that they'd given her the proper clothes, as she was still slightly shivering at the icy breeze nipping at her skin.
The sun had just sunk below the horizon, leaving the only light being the street lamps.
The roads were quiet out, each little rustle of the wind or moving shadow causing her to flinch.
It had been over a year.
Why was she still so on edge the moment she was outdoors?
She was pulled out of her thoughts as something rustled in the alleyway besides her.
Immediately her senses went into fight or flight, and her pace increased significantly as her feet pounded against the concrete below.
Her breaths came out in white puffs as she curled forward under the bright lights coming from the convenience store windows.
She was starting to wish she'd asked one of the others to come with her, despite knowing that nothing was likely to happen.
When she turned to look back, there was nobody around. Had Kanade overreacted?
The cold was starting to seep through her thick coat. She ducked into the store, welcoming the warmth that washed over her.
The small building was mostly vacant, except for herself and the lone cashier at the counter. It was a girl not much older than Kanade herself, and she offered a casual wave to which she returned.
Why was she here again? Right, missing ingredient.
Her phone buzzed softly before she could properly scan the isle. Mafuyu was reminding her what to get, as well as checking in.
That had become common. Not that Kanade ever minded, it was actually something preferred.
Her gaze immediately turned back towards the isle. The bell jingled as another person entered the store but she paid it no mind.
"Ah.. there it is."
Due to her pitiful height, the tips of her fingers only brushed it as she strained to reach it.
She mumbled a silent curse to herself. But suddenly a hand reached past her, grabbing the item with ease and offering it to her.
"I believe this is what you were trying to reach?"
"Uhm, yes..! Thank you..?"
"Oh, my name's not important. I just saw you struggling and thought you could use some assistance."
Kanade stared at the woman, noticing she looked shockingly familiar.
Her hair was a deep purple, cascading down her shoulders with intense violet eyes to match.
Her gaze pierced through Kanade, as though she was inspecting her thoroughly. The woman was also significantly taller, which came off as slightly intimidating.
"Ah, well I'll see you around."
"Yes, it was a pleasure Ms. Yoisaki."
The two offered pleasantries, before Kanade paid and left the store. Back to braving the cold alone it seemed....
It took only a few minutes of walking for her to realize.
Wait a moment.
How did that woman know her name? And why did she look so familiar?
The feeling of something fluffy and warm brushing her leg caused her to flinch with a yelp. Her gaze turned towards a cat, looking up at her with bright eyes.
Oh, it was that cat from so long ago. From when she met Ichika. From when she was captured.
Yet it's collar was noticably gone now. Had the poor cats owner gotten rid of him? Or had the feline lost it?
Kneeling down, she stroked it's head gently. "You've been here for everything, haven't you?"
Kanade softly giggled. She shivered again however as a cold breeze billowed by.
"Oh, but it's so cold out. How would you like to come home with me? I'm sure Mafuyu and the others won't mind the extra company."
She unzipped her coat ever so slightly, smiling as the cat lept into the warm cover.
With her newfound company now safe and warm in her winter jacket, she readjusted her grip on the small plastic bag in her hand before continuing on the path home.
With a soft knock, she pushed open the door to their apartment and called out a greeting.
"Kanade, you're back!" that was Ena.
The bag was gently taken from her by Mafuyu moments later, who offered a chaste kiss as greeting before returning to the kitchen swiftly to finish dinner.
Kanade didn't blame her haste, she was starting to feel hunger as well.
She sparked a connection of that familiarity from earlier. The woman looked shockingly like Mafuyu, but Kanade chalked it up to vague coincidence.
"Oh, uhm.."
The cat wriggled out of her coat, scampering through the house only to nuzzle against Mafuyu's leg, purring and sniffing her as Mafuyu vaguely startled.
"Kanade. Why is there a cat here?"
"I found him out in the cold, I didn't want him to freeze."
"I see. I'll go out to get some things for him tomorrow, then."
Mizuki immediately bolted over to the cat once they caught wind of the new addition, grinning ear to ear.
"Oh! What are we gonna call him?"
"What about.. Yuki?"
Kanade offered, much to the othersconfusion. She was quick to offer an explanation for the name though. "..Since I found him in the snow?"
"Ahaha~! Kanade's always so smart!"
Kanade softly blushed, but still smiled.
Things were still changing, yes. But the four of them were adapting. Even when the winter passed, they had a new addition to their family.
"I've got new information regarding the runaway subjects."
"Send it in as soon as possible. We cannot delay this for even a moment."
"I understand. Don't worry, they'll be dealt with. But we need to be patient."