The city woke slower than they did.
Riku was the first to rise, though he hadn't really slept. He shifted off the cold concrete and stretched his arms until the joints cracked. His rifle stayed close, muzzle angled at the floor. He scanned the shop's dark corners out of habit, even though he knew they were clear.
The girls stirred in their own time. Suzune rubbed her eyes and pushed herself upright with the quiet discipline of someone who refused to show weakness. Miko fussed over Hana, who was still bundled in her blanket. Ichika sat up last, groaning like the world itself was her enemy.
"Morning," Riku said, his voice low but steady.
No one answered at first. Morning meant moving, and moving meant risk.
Finally, Miko whispered, "Morning," and smoothed Hana's hair back from her face.
The little girl blinked sleepily, then sat up, clutching the blanket like a cape. "I'm hungry," she murmured.
Suzune gave a faint, humorless smile. "Aren't we all?"
