Naoto tries to break out through the vents.

(chapter originally by Misayaka on writing.com)

The last thing Naoto wanted was more attention drawn to her plight. She took a quick look around to ensure she wasn't being watched, and hoping she wasn't being monitored, before she headed along the floor and beneath the bed towards the grate. It didn't seem that tightly secured. Either they figured no one was crazy enough to go that way... or they simply overlooked its presence. Naoto was leaning towards the second option.

The screws were large enough that she was able to twist them off with careful use of both her fingers and her well-kept nails. That little bit of personal grooming had its uses. Within a minute, she had the screws off and tossed aside, and the vent followed suit.

The breeze hit Naoto like a sudden winter chill. It was going to be cold in there... but Naoto had come this far, she had to commit.

She braced herself, leaned forward, and began crawling into the vent.

Despite the frosty air breezing past her, Naoto found the entry surprisingly easy.

However, she had to contend with another unexpected obstacle.

Before Naoto could continue on, she had to deal with...