The others kept moving.
Talking. Planning. Adjusting to the fact that the world had shifted again.
But Takeru didn't join them.
He sat down.
No ceremony.
No explanation.
Just… down.
"…."
That was it.
No words followed.
No reaction to the conversations drifting past him.
No acknowledgment when someone glanced his way.
Hakari noticed first.
"…He's doing that thing again."
Kirara glanced over.
"…Processing."
Megumi looked at Takeru for a moment longer than usual.
Then turned away slightly.
"…Let him."
Yuji slowed a little, watching him.
"…He's thinking about it…"
Choso stayed nearby, quiet, like presence alone was enough.
Hana watched from a short distance.
Not intruding.
Not leaving either.
Yuta exhaled softly.
"…He carries it differently."
Ryu leaned back against something nearby.
"…Yeah. That's not empty silence."
Uro narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…It's weight."
Kashimo crossed his arms.
"…Stillness before movement."
Gojo, hands in his pockets now, glanced over at Takeru.
The usual teasing wasn't there.
Just awareness.
"…He'll get up when he's ready."
Takeru didn't move.
Didn't respond.
Didn't even shift his posture.
Just sat there.
Eyes lowered.
Breathing steady.
Not gone.
Not lost.
Just… between thoughts.
And for once—
no one forced him out of it.