Night fell, shrouding the entire world in darkness. Through the windows, the streetlights cast a faint glow, and the trees lining the road became indistinct shadows. A hushed atmosphere settled over the city, as though it had fallen completely still, with only the faint sounds of cars and soft footsteps piercing the quiet of the night.
The night was quiet and beautiful, yet danger lurked within it.
Most of the others had already gone to sleep. Only Hinami remained in the brightly lit living room, dressed in pajamas and hugging a pillow as she watched the bedroom door, seemingly troubled by something.
"Don't even think about struggling or escaping. The crystal necklace around your neck can easily blow your entire head off."
Only after settling Nashiro Yasuhisa in did Louis open the bedroom door and step out, looking at the girl sitting on the sofa.
He had intended to keep Nashiro Yasuhisa under his watch all night, but Hinami had suddenly said she needed to speak to him.
"What's so mysterious?" Louis asked, closing the bedroom door and sitting down beside her.
"..." Hinami hesitated. After a long while, she slowly raised a finger and pointed at his left shoulder.
"My shoulder?" Louis touched it in confusion, unable to understand what she meant.
"I... bit you there before..." Hinami blushed, instantly withdrawing her hand into the pillow and burying her head.
Only then did Louis remember that the spot Hinami was pointing at was where she had bitten him before. But an injury that minor had long since healed.
"Hinami, don't tell me you're craving a midnight snack..." Louis asked helplessly.
Food for the people here-or rather, the Ghouls-was mostly Banjō's responsibility. Whether he hunted prey or scavenged corpses, Louis never asked.
"N-no, that's not it!" Hinami shook her head