The Shinjuku alley reeked of damp concrete and stale city air, its walls streaked with grime under flickering neon signs that buzzed faintly. Hinata stood, her short pink hair catching the dim glow, her vibrant pink eyes scanning the figure ahead. The girl's long, radiant pink hair shimmered, her presence stirring a faint memory—Eve, perhaps, or someone else from Masaru's tales.
Despite the Witch Queen's curse throbbing in her temples, Hinata summoned a gentle smile, her voice soft but curious, echoing Masaru's knack for breaking tension. "Are you maybe Vermilion?" she asked, stepping forward, her boots scraping the wet gravel.The girl flinched, her stance tightening briefly before a predatory smirk curled her lips, her pink eyes glinting with cold intent.
