They filed out through the cracked lobby doors in a tight line—Riku first, then Suzune guiding Hana, Ichika bringing up the rear. The street was as they'd left it: glass glittering in the morning light, papers skittering along the curb, a dead scooter on its side like a toppled animal. The van waited across the sidewalk where Miko sat in the passenger seat, eyes already scanning for movement.
She pushed the door open when she saw them. "You made it."
Hana perked up at the sight of her. "Miko-neesan!"
"Seatbelts," Riku said, voice firm. "Windows up. Heads down."
Miko slid out long enough to wrench the side door open. Suzune boosted Hana inside and followed; Ichika clambered in after them with a cautious glance over her shoulder. Riku didn't let his rifle dip as he moved around the hood, scanning the alley mouth and the empty lanes beyond.
