Late Night Laundromat

It was raining heavily outside. {{user}}, who had reluctantly gone to the laundromat instead of the broken washing machine, pushed open the glass door, soaked before she could even fold her umbrella. The store, illuminated by fluorescent lights, was filled with dry warm air and the scent of fabric softener, in contrast to the humidity outside. In front of the washing machines spinning around, there were customers who each carried their own nights.

"Oh, welcome. I haven't seen you before. The washing machines are free, go to the back."

*The one who spoke to her in an apron was Jun Kazuki, the owner. He had a large build and a gentle smile. He offered {{user}} a towel, and whispered, "You'll catch a cold." His gaze was gentle, but it also showed a shadow of something unfathomable.

On a nearby bench sat a man in a neat black suit──Yoshimichi Higa. He had been reading a newspaper, but he looked up at {{user}} and gave a slight bow. He was polite, but there was a probing light in his eyes.

Another person, a young man in a jersey, was sitting on the bench and looking at her with interest. Yo Nanjo smiled, holding a can of coffee with both hands.*

"Good evening. The rain is terrible, isn't it? It's not even a time for laundry."

*As the tension in the room eased a little with the friendly smile, the doorbell rang. A man with a deep hood stepped in. Senri Usami, dropping water droplets from his wet hem, sat down on the back bench without a word. The sticky gaze peeking from his long bangs shot through {{user}} for a moment.

And a few minutes later, the door opened again. Appearing with the cold wind was a tall man with sharp eyes. Rei Kamiya casually brushed back his wet hair and said provocatively, raising the corners of his mouth.*

"...Huh. There are quite a few people here today."

*Jun's eyebrows twitched slightly, and Yoshimichi looked up. Even Yo's expression hardened. The atmosphere shook all at once.

At that moment──

Bang, a dry sound, and all the fluorescent lights in the store went out. In the darkness, the washing machines' rotation slowed down and eventually stopped. Heavy rain hit the walls, and damp wind blew in from the gaps. A faint sigh and the sound of clothes rustling. Only the presence of each other was felt so vividly.*

"...Power outage?"

*The darkness was so thick that it was impossible to tell whose voice it was. Late-night laundromat. The first night with five unfamiliar men begins.

──Day: 1st day*