The cabin lights had dimmed slightly.
Engines hummed steady.
Most of the group had settled into that half-awake, half-bored state that only long flights create.
Takeru was still out.
Head resting on Panda's shoulder like it had always belonged there.
Panda hadn't moved.
Not even once.
Yuji whispered from across the aisle:
"…How is he still asleep like that?"
Hakari shrugged.
"…He burned out mid-sit. Makes sense."
Maki glanced over.
"…Don't wake him."
Too late.
A flight attendant approached the row, pushing the cart gently.
She paused when she saw Takeru completely passed out.
"…Excuse me?"
No response.
She leaned slightly closer.
"…Sir?"
Nothing.
Panda looked down.
"…You might have to try again."
She nodded politely, then gently tapped Takeru's shoulder.
Takeru's eyes opened instantly.
Sharp.
Alert.
Like he had just woken up mid-battle.
"…What."
Yuji jumped slightly.
"…WHY DOES HE WAKE UP LIKE THAT?!"
Hakari laughed quietly.
"…Zero to one hundred instantly."
The flight attendant blinked, a little surprised.
"…Meal service."
Takeru paused.
Processing.
"…Food?"
"…Yes."
He sat up slowly, lifting his head off Panda's shoulder.
Panda stretched slightly.
"…Alright, pillow duty complete."
Takeru rolled his shoulders once.
Then looked at the tray options.
"…What are the variables."
The flight attendant hesitated.
"…Chicken or pasta?"
Takeru stared at the trays like this was a strategic decision.
Yuji leaned over.
"…Just pick one!"
Hakari added:
"…Flip a coin, bro!"
Maki muttered:
"…He's about to overthink airplane food."
Takeru pointed.
"…Chicken."
The tray was handed to him.
He examined it for a second.
Then nodded.
"…Acceptable."
Yuji stared.
"…You just analyzed airplane food like it was a mission."
Hakari grinned.
"…He's consistent, I'll give him that."
Gojo glanced over briefly.
"…Try the bread roll. It's the best part."
Takeru picked it up.
Looked at it.
Took a bite.
Paused.
"…Efficient."
Yuji dropped his head back.
"…I can't do this."
Maki sighed.
"…At least he's eating."
From a few rows back—
Nanami's voice came again, calm as ever:
"…Proper rest. Proper nutrition."
Hakari smirked.
"…He's monitoring him like a project."
Takeru continued eating quietly.
No rushing.
No overthinking now.
Just… eating.
Then, mid-meal—
he paused.
Looked slightly to the side.
Panda noticed.
"…You good?"
Takeru nodded once.
"…Yes."
A small pause.
"…That was effective rest."
Yuji blinked.
"…You mean sleeping on Panda?"
Takeru nodded again.
"…Yes."
Hakari laughed.
"…New technique unlocked: Panda Pillow."
Panda sighed.
"…I'm never escaping that name."
And as the plane continued forward—
the chaos settled into something quieter.
Not gone.
Just… resting.