The room stayed quiet for a moment after the conversation settled.
Even Hakari's usual energy felt slightly toned down, like everyone had collectively agreed—without saying it—that the world had shifted too far to joke about it properly.
Yuji sat with his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.
Megumi stood near the wall, arms crossed.
Choso remained still, watching the exits like he was counting threats that weren't there.
Yuta exhaled slowly, eyes closed for a second longer than usual.
Then—
Takeru broke the silence.
A small smile.
Not forced.
Not tense.
Just… faintly human again.
"…Got any grub?"
Everyone blinked.
Takeru stretched slightly, rolling his shoulder like he was shaking something off.
"…I mean seeing your friend, classmate, and a teacher die, killing a humanoid cursed spirit, and fighting curses—"
He paused.
"…kinda makes you starving."
Yuji stared at him.
"…That is the most normal thing you've said all week."
Hakari burst out laughing.
"…I like this guy."
Kirara let out a small sigh, almost amused despite everything.
"…Of course you're hungry."
Megumi looked away slightly.
"…You're unbelievable."
Choso tilted his head.
"…Do sorcerers require food after emotional stress?"
Yuta opened one eye.
"…Yes."
Choso nodded once.
"…Noted."
Hakari stood up immediately.
"…Alright, I've got food."
Yuji perked up slightly.
"…Wait, actually?"
Hakari pointed toward the back.
"…This place runs all night. You think I don't keep emergency snacks?"
Takeru's smile widened just a little.
"…Now we're talking."
Kirara crossed their arms.
"…You're all children."
Megumi sighed.
"…We should not be relaxing this much."
Hakari waved him off.
"…Relaxing is part of surviving, bro."
For a moment—
just a moment—
the weight didn't feel quite as heavy.
Yuji leaned back slightly.
"…Feels weird laughing right now."
Takeru shrugged.
"…We'll go back to suffering in like ten minutes, probably."
Hakari pointed at him.
"…That's the spirit."
Even Choso said nothing for once—just standing there, quietly observing the group like he was memorizing what "normal" looked like before it disappeared again.
And for a short stretch of time—
inside a world falling apart—
they ate.
They talked.
They stayed human.