The cafeteria was loud. Trays clattered against tables. Students shouted across the room. The smell of fried oil and soup filled the air. It was a normal sound. It was a safe sound. Kaito sat at the corner of a long table. He kept his head down. His hair covered his eyes. He was eating slowly. He looked exhausted.
Ryota sat opposite him. He was eating quickly. He talked with his mouth full. Jin sat beside Kaito. He ate quietly. He watched the room. He watched the exits. He watched Kaito. Hana sat beside Ryota. She had a bento box. She had not opened it yet. She was talking. Her hands moved as she spoke. She was animated. She was alive.
Kaito's phone vibrated. It was on the table. The screen lit up. A single message. No text. Just a coordinate. Kaito stopped eating. He put his chopsticks down. He stood up. He did not speak. He picked up his bag.
Ryota said: "Where are you going."
Kaito said: "Away."
Ryota said: "Lunch just started."
Kaito said: "I know."
