﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

✦﹕❤️💚💜﹒ ↷﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓

With Josie now a part of their group, Theodore, Alexander, Oliver, and Josie returned to their newly acquired home. Alexander asked if Josie had brought her belongings, and Josie nodded, clutching her luggage tightly. This home was their sanctuary, a place where they could regroup and plan their next move. Oliver welcomed Josie with a warm smile, expressing that from that day forward, they would share not just the physical space, but also their journey together. Theodore smiled in agreement, acknowledging that it was Alexander's idea in the first place that brought them all together.

"Thank you for giving me a place to stay," Josie said gratefully, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Josie," Theodore replied warmly. "We're glad to have you here with us. We're a team now."

Alexander took the initiative to give Josie a tour of their new home, leading her through each room with a proud smile. Josie marveled at the simple yet comfortable surroundings, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It was a fresh start, a chance to rebuild her life with newfound friends who understood her pain.

As they settled into the living room, Josie couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "So, how long have you all been in Japan? Did you take a plane to get here?" she asked, her eyes filled with intrigue.

Oliver glanced at Theodore and Alexander, contemplating whether it was time to reveal the truth. "Josie, there's something we need to tell you," Oliver began cautiously, his voice filled with sincerity. "We didn't exactly take a plane to get here, and our time in Japan is not as straightforward as it seems."

Confusion clouded Josie's face as she tried to make sense of Oliver's words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Theodore sighed, realizing that it was time to share the truth with Josie. "Josie, we didn't just travel here as ordinary travelers," he explained gently. "We're actually stuck in this world, unable to leave. This is not our original reality."

Shock washed over Josie's features as the weight of Theodore's words sank in. "You're...you're trapped here?" she stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Alexander spoke up, his voice calm and reassuring. "Yes, Josie. It's a complicated situation, but we're here for a specific reason. We're searching for someone very important to us."

Josie, still trying to process the information, nodded slowly. "I see," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of shock and empathy. "And you thought you could trust me with this?"

Theodore offered a reassuring smile, placing a hand on Josie's arm. "Josie, we trust you," he said earnestly. "You've already shown us that you're a strong and caring person. We believe in your ability to handle this information and be a valuable part of our team."

Tears welled up in Josie's eyes as she realized the depth of trust the three men had placed in her. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down. I'll do everything I can to help."

With the tension eased, Theodore turned the conversation towards their search for the Kiyomizu Sisters. He asked Josie if she had any knowledge or leads that could assist them. Josie's eyes widened as she recognized the names, Haruko, Ayako, and Satoko.

"I know the Kiyomizu Sisters," Josie revealed, a spark of excitement in her voice. "Their parents died in a car accident, and they were raised by Lei Wulong. Currently, they're living independent lives. Ayako is dating Lars Alexandersson, and I once saw them sharing a kiss in the park. Satoko works for the Yggdrasil Forces due to an alliance between them and Hwoarang's Resistance."

The news left Alexander stunned, unable to comprehend that Ayako had moved on and found love with someone else. Oliver, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to gather more information from Josie.

"Do you know why Satoko joined the Yggdrasil Forces?" Oliver inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.

Josie paused, her brows furrowing as she recalled the details. "I believe the Yggdrasil Forces formed an alliance with the Resistance, and Satoko is somehow related to Hwoarang," she explained. "As for Haruko, I'm afraid I don't have any information about her."

Oliver absorbed the information, thanking Josie for her insights. Theodore chimed in, reassuring Josie that her willingness to share such valuable information was greatly appreciated.

Josie, looking at the somber expression on Alexander's face, couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for him. She turned to him and asked, "Are you close to Ayako?"

Alexander let out a sigh, his gaze distant. "Yes, Josie," he replied softly. "Ayako and I were close. I even had feelings for her. But it seems I was too late."

Josie reached out and placed a comforting hand on Alexander's arm. "Sometimes, things don't work out the way we want them to," she offered, her voice filled with empathy. "But trust me, you'll find someone who appreciates and loves you for who you are."

Theodore interjected, his voice filled with encouragement. "Alexander, Ayako values your friendship, and that connection is still meaningful. One day, you'll find someone who is meant for you."

A small smile graced Alexander's lips as he looked at Josie, appreciating her kind words. The newfound camaraderie within their group made him feel hopeful for the future.

Theodore took a moment to address everyone, his voice filled with a mix of determination and hope. "Now that we have this information, it's time to strategize and find a way to get closer to the Kiyomizu Sisters. Our mission has just become even more crucial."

Josie, with a renewed sense of purpose, nodded in agreement. "I'm here to help in any way I can," she affirmed, her voice filled with determination. "Together, we can overcome any obstacle."

With a collective sense of unity and purpose, the four of them set about unpacking and organizing their belongings, their shared mission now at the forefront of their minds. Josie's presence brought a new energy to the group, her determination and resilience inspiring the others. In this new alliance, they found strength, support, and the unwavering belief that together, they could navigate the challenges that lay ahead.