Nina stood ten meters back on the bridge, half-hidden behind one of the ornate pillars as if unsure whether to approach.
She looked small and fragile in the crimson light—a girl no older than 16 with dark long hair and eyes that had seen far too much horror for her age.
Ishiki had met her during the chaos of the Crimson Canopy. One of the younger players who had survived through luck and the protection of stronger players. She had attached herself to him early on, calling him "Big Brother" with the sort of trust that made his chest ache.
"Nina," Ishiki breathed, straightening immediately. "What... what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Filch?"
She stepped onto the bridge slowly, wringing her hands. "I know. But I saw you from where I was staying. You were walking alone and looked..." She hesitated. "You looked really sad. I wanted to make sure you were okay."
