The cabin lights dimmed further.
Most passengers had settled in—some watching movies, some staring out the window, others already asleep.
Takeru was out again.
Head resting on Panda's shoulder.
Breathing slow.
Completely still.
Panda didn't move.
Didn't even try.
"…Yeah, he's not waking up anytime soon," Panda muttered.
Across the row, Yuji leaned over, keeping his voice low.
"…He looks way more normal like this."
Hakari smirked.
"…You mean when he's not planning an entire country?"
Yuji nodded.
"…Yeah."
Maki glanced over briefly.
Her voice quieter than usual.
"…He pushes himself too hard."
That shifted the tone.
Just a little.
Kirara leaned back in their seat.
"…It's not just training either."
Hakari nodded once.
"…Yeah. It's like he thinks he has to handle everything."
Yuji looked at Takeru again.
"…Even the trip."
A small pause settled in.
Gojo, still by the window, didn't turn—but his voice came softer than usual.
"…He'll figure it out."
Maki crossed her arms.
"…Or break himself trying."
Panda looked down slightly at Takeru.
"…He already kind of does."
Silence again.
Not awkward.
Just… real.
Then Hakari broke it.
"…Alright, enough serious talk before I start acting responsible."
Yuji exhaled.
"…Yeah, that felt weird."
Kirara smiled slightly.
"…You almost had a moment."
Hakari pointed.
"…Don't spread that rumor."
Maki shook her head faintly.
"…Idiots."
From a few rows back, Nobara's voice cut in quietly:
"…Are we seriously talking about him like he's not right there?"
Yuji blinked.
"…He's asleep."
Nobara leaned slightly into the aisle.
"…Still weird."
Megumi, without looking up:
"…He wouldn't care."
Hakari grinned.
"…Yeah, he'd probably analyze it."
Yuji added:
"…Or take notes."
They all went quiet for a second—
then laughed softly.
The tension eased.
The plane hummed steadily.
Miles passing beneath them.
And in the middle seat—
Takeru didn't move at all.
No stress.
No plans.
No expectations.
Just sleeping.
For once—
he wasn't carrying anything.