**Chapter 4: The Kidnapping**

The fluorescent lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare over the crowded hallways of Atashi High School, illuminating the sea of faces that hurried to and fro. Yeko blended into the crowd, his eyes fixed on the floor as he navigated through the throngs of students. The air was thick with the smell of stale air, sweat, and desperation. As he walked, Yeko's mind wandered back to the wallet he had found earlier that day. 5000 yen was a small fortune, one that could feed him and Yumika for days. He had been so careful, too, making sure no one was watching as he picked it up. But then, he had seen Kiroshi, the popular student, and his friends, Hazuko and Firakagu. Kiroshi's eyes had narrowed as he spotted Yeko, and for a moment, they had locked gazes. Yeko had felt a shiver run down his spine as Kiroshi's expression had turned cold, his eyes seeming to bore into Yeko's very soul. "Hey, that's mine!" Kiroshi had called out, his voice carrying across the hallway. "Give it back!" Yeko had quickened his pace, the wallet clutched tightly in his hand. He knew he had to get away, had to find a way to keep that money safe. He had pushed through the crowds, his heart racing with excitement and fear. As he burst through the school gates, Yeko had felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was almost free, almost safe. But then, he had heard Kiroshi's angry shout, followed by the sound of footsteps pounding the pavement. Yeko had run, his legs pumping as he sprinted down the sidewalk. He had dodged pedestrians and cars, his heart racing with fear. He had finally lost Kiroshi and his friends in the crowded streets, but he knew it was only a temporary reprieve. As he caught his breath, Yeko couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, but saw nothing but the gray, filthy streets of Atashi. The city seemed to stretch on forever, a bleak and desolate landscape that seemed to swallow everything in its path. The streets seemed to blur together as Yeko walked, his mind consumed by thoughts of the wallet and the danger that lurked around every corner. He knew he had to find a way to keep himself and Yumika safe, had to find a way to survive in a city that seemed determined to crush them. As he turned a corner, Yeko noticed a black car following him. At first, he thought it was just his imagination, but as he glanced in the rearview mirror, he saw the car was still there. Yeko's heart began to pound as he quickened his pace, wondering if he was being followed. The car kept pace with him, its tinted windows reflecting the gray sky above. Yeko's senses went on high alert as he turned down a side street, hoping to lose the car. But it followed, its engine purring smoothly as it stayed right behind him. Suddenly, a cloth was thrown over Yeko's head, and he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. Everything went black. When Yeko came to, he was lying on a dirty mattress in an abandoned warehouse. His head was throbbing, and his body ached all over. He tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him to lie back down. As he looked around, Yeko saw that he was in a dimly lit room, the only light coming from a small window high above him. He was alone, but he knew he couldn't stay there for long. He had to get out, had to find a way to escape. But as he looked down at his body, Yeko realized that he was in serious trouble. His ankles were bound to the mattress, and his wrists were tied behind his back. He was at the mercy of his captors, and he knew he was in grave danger. The door to the warehouse creaked open, and Yeko saw three figures standing in the entrance. They were Kiroshi, Hazuko, and Firakagu, their faces twisted into cruel grins. "Welcome, Yeko," Kiroshi said, his voice dripping with malice. "We've been waiting for you." Yeko's heart sank as the three boys approached him, their eyes glinting with cruelty. He knew he was in for a world of pain, and he wondered if he would ever escape. As Kiroshi began to speak, Yeko saw the evil smirk on his lips, and he knew he was doomed. "You're going to pay for stealing my wallet, Yeko," Kiroshi said, his voice cold and menacing. "You're going to suffer." Yeko's eyes widened in fear as the three boys closed in on him, their faces twisted into cruel grins. He knew he was in for a world of pain, and he wondered if he would ever escape.