«Hey, where are you rushing off to, Aoshi Toya?» Renji hisses as he steps out from one of the narrow side streets cutting across Aoshi's path.
«I-I'm just heading home. I've been spending more time than usual at the university lately because of an important exam, and I'd like to get back before it gets dark,» Aoshi replies, forcing himself to hide the unease that Renji's presence stirs in him.
«Aren't you a little too old to be afraid of the dark?» Renji sneers, moving toward him with slow, heavy steps. Aoshi instinctively backs away, his trembling feet retreating with every step Renji takes forward.
«W-What do you want from me?» Aoshi stammers, trying to sound braver than he feels. But that pitiful attempt only makes Renji burst into a long, sinister laugh.
