[y/n] felt like she was close to lose her mind. She couldn't say how long she sat here, maybe around thirty minutes, maybe more than an hour. The most irritating part was: Apart of being dragged in here, she hadn't been touched- she still had all her clothes on, and except for the rope that left its marks around her wrists and some bruises and scratches here and there, she had no further considerable injuries. She was alive, and she wasn't in a bad physical condition. The girl wasn't blindfold anymore and was pretty sure that the heavy iron door that separated her from her three kidnappers wasn't even locked. Nevertheless, she sat silently in the alien cold room that held nothing but a mattress, a smelly carpet, a work of randomly nailed boards that looked like an improvised shelf and a ceiling lamp, barely lightening the quarters with wavering faint light. The wallpaper was tatty and revealed the crumbly concrete- wall, the ceiling looked like it could break off any minute and the floor was covered in such a thick layer of dust you could barely see the tiles. In the corner lay an abandoned bottle of water and even though [y/n] felt her throat drying out, she didn't make a move to touch it. She hasn't made a move at all since her arrival.

The female was still overwhelmed by the overstraining events that hunted her all through the night, too much and too unexpected for her mind, soul and body to process. Plus, she was pretty caught up in confusion with the fact that the unknown men didn't treat her like a prey for their male desires or as an object to sell on the black market, but rather like a burden they have to carry around reluctantly. [y/n] cringed slightly as the sounds from the neighbor room became livelier and footsteps shuffled around.

"Isamu, welcome baaack~"

The girl recognized that young and joyful voice as the boy's ones who were the last one joining their car ride back then, the one who's face yet remained unknown for her.

"What the hell was so important to interrupt my work and order me here, Akito?" Those mad vocals, obviously belonging to the guy called Isamu, were new and even darker than the redhead's one who were next to speak.

"Our little Shiro here managed to get caught by Youkai as he snatched some drugs-"

"I didn't steal from Youkai, I am not that suicidal!"
Akito was cut off by the first person's voice, supposable named Shiro. "I snatched from a girl, and she was caught by Youkai!"

Single pieces in [y/n]'s mind slowly came together.

"And what's the big deal now!?" The newcomer's voice got even more annoyed.

"Well, she was probably being seen seeing Shiro." Akito stated bluntly. It was silent for a single moment before Isamu was the one to speak again.

"Have you let her run?"

Silence.

"So she was caught by Youkai and now is getting tortured 'til she will tell where this little snatcher is, but she can't because she has no idea. Poor thing, she'd be better off if you had just killed her." The guy's voice didn't hold that much sympathy like his words could express, but the thought of the assumed situation alone made the girl shudder.

"Well we... Didn't exactly let her get caught..." Shiro continued nervously. "She... Well, actually..."

"Shiro, spit it out."

"Haha, okay... She is here."

A long pause followed. Not the slightest of a noise was made, and the captive almost thought her attackers had left again.

"You... You really brought her here? You...- IS THERE EVEN ANYTHING YOU IDIOTS CAN DO RIGHT!?" Isamu's vocals got louder with every word until he seemed close to burst.

"She has no idea where she is. We brought her here to let Katsuro decide what happens." Shiro's voice was supposed to sound placating, but the female's ears still picked up on the slight fear he tried to hide.

The newly arrived and very angered male let out a sigh. "Let me see her."

Heavy foot steps approached the barrier that kept [y/n] in her safe solitude and she instantly backed away, trying to gain as much distance between her and the male that opened the door in this moment.

She stared up in two cold anthracite- colored orbs. The man's glare was filled with snideness and even a slight of disgust, analyzing the girl like she was a rat from the sewer that he had to get rid of. Long, raven- black silky hair fell over his shoulders, single strands of blood- red highlights in between, giving a strong contrast to his fair skin. The girl almost expected to see vampire fangs as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Your name."

It didn't sound like a question but like an order. [y/n], still in a paralyzed- like state, was not able to find the overcoming or will to unveil her identity to the intimidating stranger. But Isamu didn't seem like the patient type of person as he crouches down to her level. She flinched as he grabbed her chin forcefully, staring at her with a look of pure bloodlust. "Listen up, you little wretched girl. I can finish you off anytime if you don't cooperate. So what's. Your. Damn. Name." He repeated, putting force in every single word.

"...[y/n]. The name is [y/n]." She mumbled out with her jaw being pressed together, turning her head swiftly to free herself from his grasp. The male kept observing eye contact for some more seconds as if he weren't satisfied with her answer, before he stood up and walked back to the door. His hand already against the iron, the female finally jumped up to stop him. "Wait! Tell me what you want from me!" She blurted out.

Isamu turned to her with a slack expression. "I'm not in charge to tell you."

"Then who dahell is in charge!? " Her hands clenched into fists.

"Our leader."

"Then let me talk to your goddamn leader, or let me go immediately!" She wished to take back her words the moment the man sprang towards her and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, lifting her off the ground.

"One more disrespectful gesture toward our leader, and I will make you regret being born." He hissed in a low voice close to her face, before slowly letting go of her clothing in an almost gentle manner. He turned and knocked twice against the heavy door, which were opened by another's hand and the visitor left.

The girl stared at the metallic surface with glassy eyes. So, that door can only be opened from the outside, huh?

[Y/n] sunk in a state of gloom and despondency as she lay on the dirty ground, staring at the ceiling. After being done with creating all kind of scenarios of what would happen to her and being tired of asking herself what got her in this situation, or what would have happened if that blue haired stranger hadn't shown up, her mind travelled back to a time where the girl had a much stronger will to fight and to survive, a time where people stood in awe of the [h/c] haired female. Only a year ago competing with stronger opponents wouldn't have been that much of a struggle, with or without weapons, with or without help. It took amounts of the girl's mental energy to not let her thoughts wander further, to memories that hold a point of her past before she landed on the streets, before she had to fight, to suffer and to hurt to gain respect and any other thing it takes to survive. Memories of being hold in the arms of loved ones, of safe, warm and clean places.

Just as she was close to give up on the fight against the nostalgia, a gentle short knock against the metallic entrance interrupted her aloneness. [y/n] hadn't much time to wonder about the unexpected polite gesture as the door opened slightly and a familiar sky blue- haired head peaked in. She returned Yasu's look in anticipation for him to say or do something; but he somehow seemed to dream away as his gaze rested on a vague point on the floor next to the girl.

"Uhm... Can I help you?"

The boy slightly winced at her harsh and ironic tone. "...I just wanted to ask if you need something." He still didn't meet the girl's gaze and his voice was quiet and barely more than a mumble.

"Well, let me think... What about answers and freedom? Or a gun?" She sarcastically huffed out her serious request. Yasu watched her with empty cyan eyes before turning his head again, shifting from one foot to the other. [y/n] couldn't tell if he was really browbeaten by her rude reaction or if he was just shy, however, she couldn't help but feel a spark of sympathy for the insecure boy. The female let out a heavy sigh.
"You know... A little to eat would be quiet nice..." Just to support her wish, her stomach grumbled approvingly. His bright eyes trailed over the floor to her legs, up to her hands and rested on the rope. He appeared to have an inner conflict about something, eventually he started to make uncertain and slow steps in her direction. [y/n] couldn't sense any hint for a possible attack in his hesitancy and let him come closer. Every move he made was conducted with high prudence like he would approach a frightened animal, until he got down on one knee in front of her, carefully reaching for her hands. His other hand moved to the pocket of his jeans and he slowly pulled out a metallic object. A shiver of alertness ran through the girl's body and her flight instinct made her legs wince, but Yasu, who finally looked her in the eye now, raised his hand, gesturing her to stay calm. The boy opened the pocket knife and glanced at her, waiting for a sign to continue. Hesitantly, [y/n] held out her arms, and the boy used his tool to cut the strings that kept the female's wrist tied. She let out a deep sigh as the dew fell to the ground, feeling a little bit freer as she could move her hands normally again. The male had already disappeared.

He returned a moment later with a plate that held a yellow- orange something on it, a substance somewhere between solid and liquid. Yasu placed it on the floor and immediately backed.

"Hey, I don't bite" [y/n] commented and raised an eyebrow at his absurd acting. She pondered if her statement was actually truer than meant since she still couldn't figured out what the content of the dish in front of her was supposed to be. Her visitor sat down a few steps away from her, obviously waiting for her to begin her meal. Realizing his awaiting the girl stifled an irritated sigh and lifted the fork to bring the crumbled edible matter to her mouth, only to trigger an explosion of flavors on her tongue. After staring at the empty fork in surprise and disbelieve she hastily slurped down the food, enjoying the combination of sweet and spicy and the satisfaction the taste brought to her tongue and tummy. "This was the best thing I ate in months, what was that?" She excitedly asked, placing down the empty plate.

"Egg drop soup."

"... Egg drop... soup?" [y/n] repeated, not sure if she understood correctly. "Isn't soup supposed to be... Whatever, nevermind."

Yasu quietly gathered the used items and shot one last glance her way before leaving the room.

The girl's next phase of soleness which was passed with fruitless and restless napping on the ground didn't last long as another knock echoed through the quarters. She sat up, expecting to see the blue eyed boy once again but it was another male who stuck his head trough the door. [y/n] froze in place as she recognized those shiny snow- white locks which she used to chase through the streets a while ago.

Those locks that belonged to a softly smiling boy who was the reason for her trouble in the first place.

"Y-You...!" A wave of rage and anger gave new life to her limb body as she made a leap at the surprised stranger. He didn't react quickly enough to flee so the girl grabbed his shirt, pulled him trough the entrance and pressed him against the wall. "You little b**tard! Not only did you rob me, you also kidnapped me!" She yelled at him, her body motions and words beyond her control, overtaken by fury and fear. "What are you gonna try next, huh?! Rape me? Kill me?!"

"Bath you."

[y/n]'s grip slowly loosened. She stared at him completely shocked and confused. The male who stated this senseless answer so serious and calmly grinned at her, it was neither a mischievous nor teasing smile, but a warm and gentle one, only pushing the girl in further irritation. "...What?"

The boy laughed lightheartedly. "See, I'm really sorry for bringing you in this situation. Believe me, I can imagine how you feel. I really hope you can forgi-"

"No."

He scratched the back of his head nervously. "I've already assumed that... My name is Shiro, by the way. Whatever, Isamu wants you to take a bath before you meet Katsuro, so if you might follow me..."

"STAY AWAY, YOU PERVERT!" The girl flipped backwards to the opposite corner of the room, not even daring to completely process Shiro's intentions. She hastily scanned the room for any items she could use as defense and ended up ripping apart the shelf next to her, holding the plank like a baseball bat while the rest of the construction crumbled down noisily, swirling up a cloud of dust.

Shiro watched the ridiculous scene with a pitying expression before raising his hands to show his passivity. "I would never lay a finger on you- at least not without your permission- I just want to bring you to the bathroom." As the female still didn't made a move to follow him, he added: "You don't want Isamu or Akito to take over this task, don't you?"
[y/n] gulped at the mental image of the way the impulsive redhead or the impatient, daunting older male would force her to a commission like that. She came to the conclusion that she would save the most trouble by complying with the pale boy, so she let her improvised weapon fall to the ground. "Fine."

"Fine. So follow me..." he playfully winked at her. "Little alley cat~"

"... The name is [y/n]."

[y/n] could't help but stare impressed at the new surrounding that opened up to her as she finally stepped through the door. The room itself wasn't in a better state than the previous one, the dark laminated ground was dirty and the elaborate grey- black mustered wallpaper was weirdly tattered at some parts, but the luxurious and noble furnishing gave the chamber a reputable and comfortable flair. A big black leather couch with a row of velvet- and satin- pillows stood in front of a glass- coffee table, followed by a flatscreen TV. The other part of the big room was filled with a long dinner table and a bar that separated the area from the kitchen. The chamber held an exit to a hallway Shiro was guiding the girl to, it's floor covered with a vermeil soft carpet. [y/n] was taken aback by the length of the corridor that held numerous of doors left and right and seemed to split in two other directions at the end, but the male stopped far before and opened a door to their right, allowing the female to step in. The bathing are wasn't describable as either clean or new, but it was surprisingly large and expensively furnished as well.
The boy walked past her to actuate the water tap, letting steaming water in the wide tube. „So then, enjoy your bath" Shiro smiled.

"Thanks..." She interpreted those words as the male's departing and would have started getting ready to get in the tube, if their eyes weren't still locked while an aura of expectation formed around the smirking boy. "...Would you mind to leave now?" The edgy girl asked as his unexplainable behavior started to get creepy.

"Huh? Oh, of course" He quickly replied and turned to the door. "But well, maybe I-"

"OUT!"

The chuckling boy escape the room fast enough to let the piece of soap crash against the door instead of his head.

The girl sank deep in the hot water, enjoying the sensation of warmth and cleansing on her bare skin. She couldn't remember the last time she took a bath, a real, relaxing one with warm water and little bubbles floating on its surface. Her body gave in to the recreation as she dreamed away to the scent of lavender, her mind dealing with all those open questions from before, but also creating new ones like why the males treat her this way, since they had the opportunity to do many other things to her. But just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it's never going to happen.

As the skin on her fingers started to shrivel and the water went cold, she left the tube, grabbed the prepared towel and started drying herself. It was just in that moment the door flung open without a warning to reveal a bitter looking Akito. Reflexively, [y/n] let out a startled scream and covered the most private parts of her body before the unwelcome guest could see something he wasn't supposed to see.

"Stop screaming around." He commanded annoyed, as if the girl's reason to yell was completely inexplicable. "Here, put this on". A lump of clothes landed at her feet.
"And stop making that expression. As if there were anything I'd like to see, brat." With those words he left, slamming the door shut.

"B**tard..." the girl mumbled after her heartbeat normalized, taking deep breaths to prevent her blood from boiling. She picked up the clothing and unfolded it to a wide white shirt that almost reached her knees. It was obviously men's wear, but it was clean and it wasn't ripped or smelly like her actual clothes. She put in on together with the baggy shorts and the pair of socks. After getting her [h/c] hair as dry as possible, she inhaled deeply to face whatever would come next after exiting the bathroom door.

[y/n] stepped in the living room to see Yasu and Akito on the couch, distracted by the colorful switching images on the TV and the gaming controllers in their hands; Yasu's face emotionless while Akito moved his whole body in sync with the electronic device; Shiro languidly leaning against the wall, flipping peanuts at the passionate flamehead. None of them seemed to perceive her presence, but Isamu stepped around the kitchen counter, examining her form.
"You look terrible." He finally stated. The girl wasn't surprised by the rude comment and simply looked back in his dark grey eyes.

"Isamu what are you talking, she looks amazing!" Two hands patted the girl's shoulders, making her flinch by the speed and indiscernibleness with which Shiro had sneaked up behind her. The girl's attention went back to Isamu who seemed to have picked up on something, because suddenly his gaze was fixed on a point in the distance as he furrowed his brows. [y/n] noticed the change in atmosphere as Shiro's smile faded, leaving a stern expression on his face, but nevertheless the girl thought to see his bright slate blue eyes sparkle in anticipation. As if he had received a toneless command, he bent down wordlessly in a robotic manner to tie a knot in the girl's long shirt, keeping it up at the height of her hips, and pulling her socks up to give the slack outfit a little more forming attire.

"What's going on?" She asked, getting nervous as everyone in the room stopped paying attention to their previous tasks.

"Seems like Katsuro is back."