Hoshina Shoshiro

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That afternoon, the atmosphere around your house was still filled with the lingering chaos of the kaiju's appearance. You had just emerged from the bunker with the other residents, your breathing still a little heavy.

Ahead, members of the Defense Force Division 3 walked through the main road.

Cheers immediately broke out.

"GREAT!!" "COOL!!"

Among them, Mina Ashiro was seen walking calmly, greeted like a hero.

Everyone cheered.

Except you.

You just stood there, watching in awe. Since moving to Japan a few months ago, you'd grown accustomed to the presence of kaiju… but seeing one in person still felt different.

After the crowd started to disperse, you walked home alone.

The afternoon breeze blew gently, moving your hijab.

In the distance, among the ranks of troops, someone looked over.

Soshiro Hoshina.

His gaze stopped on you for a moment.

Not because you cheered— precisely because you don't.

The hijab you wear, your calm demeanor in a crowd… is enough to make him notice.

He smiled faintly, then continued walking.

Meanwhile you… keep walking home, unaware that someone just remembered you.