The mall near the mountain base was larger than any of them had expected. Bright lights gleamed through tall glass walls, advertising winter sales, seasonal treats, and souvenir shops packed with trinkets and warm clothing. Despite the falling snow outside, the inside buzzed with life — students, tourists, and families all moving from store to store, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft background music.
Yumi pushed Emi's stroller through the entrance, while Raika and Akemi eagerly scanned the colorful storefronts.
"Look! There's a boutique over there!" Raika pointed excitedly, already tugging Akemi's sleeve.
"I see it, I see it. No need to drag me like a child," Akemi said, but she didn't pull away, a faint smile on her face.
Yumi chuckled and followed them at a more relaxed pace. Even Emi seemed more awake now, looking around with wide eyes at the glimmering lights and people.
The first store they entered was filled with winter clothing — thick scarves, trendy coats, cute boots lined with fur. Raika instantly began picking out outfits, holding them against herself and twirling in front of a mirror.
"What do you think?" she asked, modeling a long, cream-colored coat.
"Very cute," Akemi said with a mischievous smirk. "You almost look like someone important."
Raika puffed her cheeks. "Almost?"
Yumi wandered through the racks, finding herself distracted by a surprisingly practical set of gloves. She pulled them on, flexing her fingers. Emi babbled softly from the stroller, reaching for a hanging display of scarves, making Yumi smile.
For a while, everything felt normal.
They moved from store to store — trying on hats, laughing at ridiculous outfits Akemi picked out for them, and loading Emi up with a little bag of baby clothes after Raika declared she couldn't resist. Even Yumi relaxed, joking along with them, even if she sometimes glanced at her phone to check if Raito had called or messaged.
"It's nice, huh?" Raika said as they sipped hot drinks from the food court.
"Yeah," Akemi admitted, looking genuinely at ease for once. "It's almost… normal."
Yumi nodded silently, feeling that same fleeting peace.
But then—
Bang!
A gunshot ripped through the mall.
Everything froze.
A second shot followed almost immediately, louder, closer.
People screamed, dropping their shopping bags, scattering like frightened birds. Chairs clattered to the floor, and the cheerful music abruptly cut off.
Yumi's instincts kicked in immediately. She grabbed the stroller, pulling it toward her protectively, scanning the crowd. Raika and Akemi stood frozen for a second, their faces paling.
"Stay close!" Yumi barked, her voice sharp, steady despite the chaos starting to unfold.
Another shot rang out — and this time it sounded even nearer.
The mall that had been a colorful haven just moments ago had turned into a panicked, frenzied nightmare.