The streets were quiet. Too quiet.
I didn't usually care about noise, but today, every distant step, every whisper of wind felt like it was measuring me.
Takumi didn't appear at school, but I knew he had been there, somewhere. Watching. Recording. Calculating.
Rei caught up with me after class. She didn't say much. Just walked beside me, casual, like it didn't matter.
"You're still… unnoticed," she said quietly.
"I like it that way," I muttered.
Her gaze didn't waver. "Not everyone can hide that well. Most people either crave attention or fear it. You… do neither."
I didn't answer.
We passed the alleys, the streets where chaos quietly hid. Somewhere in the distance, I sensed Team Arata, lingering behind cameras or rooftops. They weren't here yet. They were patient.
A commotion broke the quiet. A small group of delinquents trying to show off. A few punches, shoves, threats.
I stepped forward. Not to be heroic. Not for justice. Just… instinct.
By the time anyone knew I moved, the fight was over. The attackers groaned, scattered, humiliated.
Rei glanced at me, expression unreadable. "You always do that."
"I don't," I said. "I just… move when necessary."
From the shadows, eyes followed. Silent, careful, evaluating.
Somewhere, a report went to Team Arata.
And I didn't care.
Until later, when the whispers grew louder.
The world wasn't leaving me alone.