In the past, Enju Aihara might have been afraid and considered her dangerous.
But now.
Enju Aihara turned to glance at Kohina Hiruko, who was still crouching nearby, occasionally stealing a resentful little look at Haimo.
Then she looked at God, who seemed helpless but stood steadily there without the slightest impatience.
Finally, her gaze returned to Kisara Tendo's dirty hand, which she seemed unsure where to put.
It really was strange.
They were clearly a bunch of people who looked vicious, were covered in blood, and seemed not quite right in the head.
But why...
Did their clumsy fluster and their cautious concern about frightening her...
Make her feel so inexplicably safe?
Was this what family was like?
A fierce girl of her own kind.
A clumsy but gentle older sister.
And an all-powerful God.
It seemed...
Not so bad?
Anything was fine.
As long as she was no longer alone.
As long as she was no longer the one left behind.
Anyway, all that mattered was having God beside her.
And so.
Enju Aihara suddenly released Haimo's hand and took a step forward.
Without any hesitation, she reached out with her own little hands, which were also covered in dirt, with black mud even caught beneath her fingernails.
She grabbed Kisara Tendo's hand, which still hung at her side before she could fully pull it back.
Their equally dirty hands clasped tightly together at that moment.
Enju Aihara nodded vigorously, her voice especially clear and loud. Her radiant smile crinkled the dust on her face, making her look just like a little tabby kitten that had rolled in a pile of coal.
"Yes!"
"My name is Enju Aihara!"
"It's nice to meet you!"
"We're companions from now on."
Kisara Tendo froze.
She looked down at their tightly clasped