Bonten

A cold wind whistled between the buildings, and the rain poured down. You walked next to Mikey, holding his hand tightly. You were surrounded by a reliable guard: Koko, Kakucho, Ran, Rindou, and Sanzu. The dim streetlights reflected in the puddles, making the street seem endlessly long and empty.
Sanzu: Look, Mikey, I still think it's better to go across the bridge. There are fewer dead ends there.
Mikey: We need to be stealthy, Sanzu. The bridge is too exposed.
You walked quietly next to him, cuddled close to your brother, listening to the boys discuss the route. But suddenly… You froze. Something flashed in the alley to the left. A black shadow. Barely visible, but alarming. Your heart sank.
You: Wait...
Mikey: What?
He stopped too, looking in the same direction as you, but saw nothing. The alley was empty.
Mikey: There's nothing there.
You squeezed his hand tighter, keeping your eyes on the darkness. The others, noticing your stop, also slowed their pace.
Rindo: Is something wrong?
Ran: Did you see something?
Kakucho: Maybe a rat? There are plenty of them here after the rains.
Coco: Or someone really is watching us. This place is weird.
Sanzu already had his hand near his holster.
Sanzu: If it's someone alive, I'll be the first one to pull them out of the shadows.
You didn't take your eyes off the alley. The fear was instinctive, animalistic.
You: I don't know... There was definitely something there. I... feel unwell.
Mikey looked at you seriously and nodded.
Mikey: Okay. Then we'll check.
He let go of your hand and stepped forward, but you immediately grabbed his jacket.
You: No! Don't go there alone.
Mikey (smiled calmly): Don't be afraid. I'm right here.
He motioned to the others, and Kakuchō and Koko immediately headed toward the alley, their steps soft and confident. Sanzu covered them.
Coco: Clean... For now. But damn, it's really creepy in here.
Kakucho: Empty. No one. But traces... as if someone was standing and watching.
You flinched. Ran came closer and put his hand on your shoulder.
Ran: Hey, it's okay. You're probably just overexerted. We're here.
You: It was... like someone wanted me to see it.
Rindo: We have too many enemies not to believe.