Snow continued to fall in slow, lazy sheets around the cabin.
The cold should've made everything tense.
Instead—
it somehow felt ridiculous.
Takeru reached into one of his pockets and grinned.
"…I got jerky!"
There was a beat of silence.
Then from down the snowy path—
a voice shouted back immediately.
"CAN I HAVE SOME!?"
A blur of energy sprinted straight toward him.
Haibara.
Bright-eyed.
Zero hesitation.
Maximum enthusiasm.
Takeru barely had time to answer.
"…Sur—"
Haibara was already there.
He snatched a couple pieces from the bag, stuffed them into his mouth, and began chewing happily.
"Fank Wo!"
He gave an eager thumbs-up.
Clearly meaning:
Thank You.
But the mouthful of jerky had other plans.
Takeru stared for a second.
Then nodded solemnly.
"…You're welcome."
Gojo immediately laughed.
"…I forgot how much of a golden retriever this guy is."
Haibara pointed at Gojo while chewing.
"…Mmf! Rude!"
Another set of footsteps approached through the snow.
More measured this time.
Nanami arrived next, hands in pockets, expression already tired despite being young.
He looked at Haibara.
Then at Takeru.
Then at the jerky.
"…You gave him food first."
Takeru nodded.
"…He was faster."
Nanami sighed.
"…That checks out."
Utahime and Shoko came next.
Utahime took one look at Takeru and then at Gojo.
Then visibly suffered.
"…There are actually two of you."
Gojo waved cheerfully.
"…Lucky you."
Utahime pointed aggressively.
"…This is not luck!"
Shoko looked at Takeru once, then shrugged.
"…At least this one seems calmer."
Takeru nodded politely.
"…Thank you."
Gojo gasped.
"…Rude."
Then—
Geto stepped out from the cabin doorway, hands in pockets, amused expression calm as ever.
He looked at Takeru properly now.
"…So you're the brother."
Takeru nodded once.
"…Apparently."
Geto smiled faintly.
"…This explains more than I expected."
Haibara, still chewing, raised his hand.
"…Can he stay forever?"
Nanami muttered instantly.
"…No."
The group slowly funneled toward the cabin entrance.
Warm light.
Wood smoke.
Laughter.
A time before fractures.
Gojo slung an arm over Takeru's shoulders as they walked.
"…Come on, little brother."
Takeru looked at him sideways.
"…I'm not little."
Gojo grinned.
"…Emotionally, maybe."
Takeru elbowed him.
And together—
with everyone arguing, laughing, and stomping snow off their shoes—
they went inside.