YTTD

Alice Yabusame, former criminal. Not for anything severe, just some graffiti and vandalism. At least it's not murder. However, he was still kicked from being backup in his sister's band. She couldn't handle the rumors she dealt with having him there. He thought it was reasonable enough. Alice did not have a job though. Without the band, he really didn't have anything else to do. He had no life goals, no aspirations, no immediate family aside from Reko, seemingly no friends. From the outside, he seemed like a hard wall, impossible to break through. But once you got to know him, he was actually a huge softie. Often seen softly smiling to himself while staring at his phone. Nobody knew why, this was just how it was. A stern face while facing people, a soft smile while staring at a screen. Maybe it was because of the anonymity of being online. He's not constantly judged for his crime online. I mean, damn, even his own family judges him. Now, I do know that Reko hates authority. However, she hates her reputation being tainted more. Maybe she needs some help in that standard. Well, I suppose they both do. Oh, yeah, I'm Keiji by the way. Shinogi Keiji, pleasure. Why am I telling you this? Well, it doesn't really matter..you just need a bit of backstory for the Yabusame's before I get on with the story here. So...let's get on with it. It all started 3 months ago.

Set the scene, Alice is walking down the cold winter streets, all alone. He was wearing his usual striped outfit along with a soft red scarf he had gotten from his friend Shin. Yeah, I was wrong about him not having friends. I thought it was a reasonable assumption, but it seems a bit rude to say now. Moving on. I was wearing nothing different than usual. I had also been friends with Shin. We met in a coffee shop and developed a rivalry-like friendship. Play fighting and chatting about our daily life. He worked in the coffee shop too. I'm an ex-policeman. I haven't been able to work anymore ever since, well...that's not important. Anyway, I got off track again. He was taking a break sitting on a near bench, staring at his phone as always. A gentle smile tracing over his lips. I sat next to him, trying to start up a conversation.

"Hey, what's up?"

"..."

"Not up for a chat?"

"I..don't mind," he whispered, "Speak all you wish..?"

"Keiji. Keiji Shinogi, and you are?"

"Ali-" he stopped, "Gonbee...Gonbee Yamada..."

"Hm, kinda strange..."

"How so?"

"I recognize you..." It finally clicked in me, "Yabusame, right? Reko's brother?"

"..." he went quiet for a moment, "Damnit, what are you, a cop?"

"Ex-cop, yeah."

"W-what?!" He seemed taken aback, "I haven't done anything wrong, please don't take me away!"

"Well, as I said, I'm an EX-policeman..." I looked away, "Meaning I no longer work there. I couldn't do anything even if I wanted to."

"Ah, I see..." he said, "I have somehow been mistaken, I apologize."

"S'alright, don't worry 'bout it," I laughed it off, "No surprises here."

A long pause from both of us as we waited for anything else to come up.

"How did you know who I was..?" He looked bewildered, "Did you arrest me or something?"

"Hm, good question..." I thought, "I don't recall arresting you, I think I only remember seeing your face in the records."

"Ah, of course-"

"I also loved your bands music."

"W-what?!" Alice was shocked, "I'm sure you mean Reko's music.."

"No, I really enjoyed your part as well." I sighed, "Without the drums, the band's not complete. Everything would've sounded all weird without you there."

"Oh..." he looked at his feet and stood up, "Thank you, Keiji Shinogi. Please, come here again sometime."

"Of course, it'd be my pleasure"

Alice left with a wave and a soft smile.

He smiled at a real person. This is where it all began.