The morning sun was bright. It hit the pavement of the school gate. The light was warm. It did not reach Kaito's bones. He felt cold. The double merge from last night had drained him. His muscles felt like wet sand. His eyes burned. He walked toward the gate. He kept his head down. He kept his hands in his pockets. He wanted to be invisible. He wanted to sleep. He wanted to stop moving.
Ryota stood by the pillar. He was not hidden. He was not subtle. He wore his uniform loosely. His tie was crooked. He smiled when he saw Kaito. He held a paper cup in his hand. Steam rose from the lid.
Ryota said: "You are late."
Kaito said: "I am on time."
Ryota said: "By three minutes. That is late for me."
