﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

✦﹕❤️💚💜﹒ ↷﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒

As the shock of Josie's confession settled within Theodore, Alexander, and Oliver, they realized the gravity of her situation. Josie's words lingered in the air, filled with pain and desperation. Theodore, concerned for Josie's well-being, turned to Alexander for guidance.

"Alexander, what should we do?" Theodore whispered urgently, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing attention. "Josie is on the verge of committing suicide. We need to handle this with extreme care."

Alexander nodded, understanding the severity of the situation. "You're right, Theodore. Josie is in a vulnerable state, and we must approach her delicately. Let's go back inside the mall and find a quieter space where we can talk."

Oliver, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "I'll do my best to comfort her. We need to let her know that she's not alone and that we're here to help."

With their plan in motion, the four of them left Starbucks and searched for a more secluded area within the mall. They found an empty corner near a large potted plant, providing them with some privacy.

Josie remained skeptical, her eyes filled with a mixture of wariness and sorrow. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice laced with a tinge of disbelief. "Why would you show kindness to someone like me?"

Alexander's gaze softened as he looked at Josie. "Listen, everyone goes through rough patches in life. It's important to remember that you're not alone in your struggles. We're here because we care about you, and we want to help you find hope."

Oliver placed a comforting hand on Josie's shoulder, offering his support. "You deserve compassion and understanding," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Sometimes, all it takes is a small act of kindness to make a difference in someone's life."

Tears welled up in Josie's eyes as she absorbed their words. "But why? I've lost everything," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've been defamed, betrayed, and pushed to the edge. What good am I to anyone?"

Theodore, his heart aching for Josie, spoke with genuine concern. "Your worth is not determined by the circumstances you've faced or the mistakes you think you've made. We see a resilient and talented person before us. You have the strength to overcome these challenges, and we want to be there to support you."

Alexander, drawing on his knowledge as a doctor, gently delved deeper into Josie's psyche. "Tell us, what are the reasons that keep you going? What gives you a sense of purpose?"

Josie hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "I... I live because my family gave me life," she began, her voice filled with raw emotion. "And I have friends who treat me like family. They mean everything to me."

Oliver offered a comforting smile. "Those are beautiful reasons. Cherish the love and support you have from your family and friends. They care about you deeply, even if it doesn't always feel that way."

Theodore's voice held a note of reassurance. "And remember, even in your darkest moments, there is always hope. You are not alone in this journey. Lean on us when you need support. Consider us your friends."

Josie wiped away her tears, her expression a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with newfound strength. "I didn't expect anyone to care. I didn't think there was a way out of this darkness."

Alexander reached out, placing a hand on Josie's back, offering her comfort. "We're here for you," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "It may take time, but together, we'll find a way to overcome the challenges you're facing."

Oliver chimed in, his voice filled with encouragement. "Remember, healing is a process. It won't happen overnight, but with time, support, and self-care, you can find your way back to happiness."

Josie took a deep breath, her eyes shining with a glimmer of hope. "I want to believe that," she said softly, her voice tinged with determination. "I want to find a way to live again."

Theodore smiled warmly, his heart swelling with pride for Josie's resilience. "You're already taking the first step," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "By opening up and seeking help, you're showing strength and courage."

With their newfound friendship, the four of them decided to continue their conversation at a neighboring Starbucks. The atmosphere lightened as everyone sipped their drinks, full with companionship and shared experiences. Josie began to relax in their presence, her guard slowly dissipating.

Oliver, ever curious, steered the conversation towards Josie's experiences as a fighter and her participation with the Mishima Zaibatsu and the Iron Fist Tournament. Theodore, engrossed in the conversation, couldn't help but ponder about the prevalence of crime and injustice in the Tekken Universe.

Josie recounted her struggles, sharing the challenges she had faced, including being fired due to false accusations and enduring bullying from her mentor. Theodore found himself drawing parallels between Josie's experiences and those of the missing Kiyomizu Sisters, their stories intertwining in unexpected ways.

Theodore's mind raced, contemplating the implications of Josie's insights. He wondered if there was a connection between their search for the sisters and the injustices plaguing the Tekken Universe. But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to disrupt the delicate balance they had established.

As their conversation continued, Josie asked about the men's occupations. Theodore explained his role as a detective, Alexander as a doctor, and Oliver as a student. It was then that Josie mentioned Lei Wulong, was hiring an assistant detective. A spark of excitement ignited in Alexander and Oliver's eyes, the prospect of this opportunity reigniting their hope for finding their loved ones. They exchanged glances but remained quiet, not wanting to overwhelm Josie or overshadow the progress they had made.

Theodore expressed his gratitude to Josie for the information, promising to consider the opportunity in the near future. With each passing moment, their bond grew stronger, forged in shared vulnerability and the desire to navigate the challenges of this alternative reality together.