The concrete was cold. Kaito sat on the curb outside the textile factory. His back rested against the brick wall. The sun was rising. The light was grey.
His hands lay on his knees. They were shaking. Just slightly. He clenched them into fists. The shaking stopped.
The street was empty. A single car passed on the main road. The sound faded.
Kaito breathed. The air smelled of rain and ozone. It smelled of the seal he had just finished.
Kuro stood in front of him. He was in human form. He wore the dark feathered coat. His arms were crossed. He looked at the street. He did not look at Kaito.
Kaito waited.
Kuro usually had something to say. He usually had an opinion. He usually had a critique.
Kaito said: "Well."
Kuro did not answer. He shifted his weight. He looked at his boots. They were clean. No dust. Shadows did not collect dust.
Kaito said: "Kuro."
Kuro looked at him. His eyes were dark. They reflected the grey light. He did not speak.
Kaito thought: Something is wrong.
