Imagine Book 2 (Requests Welcome)

Warm Shelter in the Storm- Honoka (Dead or Alive 5: The Last Round)

As requested by paultiteuf! Male Y/N.

The rain fell in thick, relentless sheets over the bustling streets. People scurried for cover beneath umbrellas or ducked into the closest buildings, but for a lone boy of six, there was no such refuge. His tattered clothes clung to him, soaked through as he trudged down the dimly lit alley. Y/N clutched his small arms around his torso, shivering as the cold gnawed at his skin.

It was sheer luck that brought him to the glowing neon sign of a bar. His stomach growled, and his tired eyes darted toward the warm light spilling from the windows. He pushed open the heavy wooden door just enough to slip inside, unnoticed.

The bar was cosy and alive with chatter, but Y/N wasn't here for the noise or the company. He was here to escape the rain and maybe—just maybe—find something to eat. As he crept along the wall, his gaze caught the figure of a young woman, laughing and serving drinks. She wore a bunny-themed outfit: a black bodysuit with white accents, a fluffy tail, and matching ears. Her gloved hands moved with practised ease as she balanced trays of glasses and smiled at patrons.

To Y/N, she looked like a character from the cartoons he used to watch—bright, cheerful, and somehow magical. But he quickly ducked out of sight, afraid of being seen. He found a small shadowy corner near the back and crouched there, hoping no one would notice him.

__

Honoka sighed as the last few customers began to leave. The bar was closing, and she couldn't wait to head upstairs to her room. The shift had been long, but she didn't mind—it was fun meeting new people, even if some of them were a little too loud or clumsy after a few drinks. She stretched her arms above her head, her gloved fingers brushing her bunny ears.

As she moved to clean the tables, something caught her eye. A small shadow flitted near the counter. Honoka frowned, setting down the tray she was holding. Quietly, she tiptoed around the bar, peering into the corner.

There, huddled against the wall, was a little boy. His clothes were ragged, his face pale and smeared with dirt. In his tiny hands was a piece of bread he had swiped from one of the trays.

"Oh no," Honoka whispered, her heart sinking. She crouched down to his level, her expression softening.

"Hey there," she said gently, her voice warm and calm.

Y/N froze, the bread slipping from his hands. His wide, frightened eyes darted up to meet hers. He looked ready to bolt.

"Shh, it's okay," Honoka said quickly, holding up her hands to show she meant no harm. The white leather gloves caught his attention, and he stared at the three lines stitched across the backs. "I'm not mad. Are you hungry?"

He nodded hesitantly, his tiny fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt.

"Come on, let's get you something to eat. You don't have to steal, okay?" Honoka smiled at him, offering her hand.

Y/N hesitated, then slowly reached out. His small hand slipped into her gloved one, and she gave it a comforting squeeze.

Honoka guided him to a stool at the bar and poured him a glass of milk, setting it down in front of him along with a plate of fresh bread and some fruit. She watched as he eyed the food warily before taking a tentative bite. His face lit up at the taste, and he quickly devoured the rest.

"Poor thing," Honoka murmured to herself, resting her chin on her hand as she observed him. When he had finished, she leaned forward. "What's your name?"

"Y/N," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Well, Y/N, my name's Honoka. You can call me Honoka-nee if you want." She tilted her head, her bunny ears bobbing slightly. "What are you doing out there all alone?"