The air outside was cool, crisp with the lingering scent of rain.

  Ren stood at the edge of the Setai building, gazing out at the horizon.

  Footsteps behind him.

  “So.”

  Ren didn’t turn.

  Ryuko’s voice. Smug. Casual.

  “You skipping out already?”

  Ren let out a slow breath.

  “I’m leaving soon.”

  A pause.

  Then, Akira.

  “Leaving?”

  Ren finally turned, eyes meeting theirs.

  “I already told this to the girl and the kid… but I’m entering the Chūkan.”

  Ryuko blinked.

  Then, a slow smirk.

  “That honestly doesn’t sound too bad. Especially if I’m gonna be fighting that kid soon.”

  Ren narrowed his eyes.

  ”…Why do I feel like you’re following me?”

  Ryuko shrugged.

  “Can a man not want to get stronger with his senpai?”

  Akira rolled his eyes.

  “You idiots better not sck off.”

  Ren smiled.

  Just slightly.