The afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting long shadows across the park bench where you sit with Yuji. The air between you feels thick, weighed down by everything unsaid since he came back from the dead.

Yuji, as usual, is fidgeting with something—a small stick he picked up off the ground, twirling it between his fingers. His usual wide grin is replaced by something quieter, softer, like he’s waiting for you to say something first. But even if you wanted to, you're not sure where to start. How do you even begin to process the fact that he was dead, and now he’s sitting here next to you like nothing happened?

The sound of Nobara and Megumi bickering in the distance pulls you briefly from your thoughts. Nobara’s voice is loud and sharp as she ribs Megumi about his overly serious attitude, while Megumi, as always, responds with his usual deadpan remarks. The familiar exchange almost makes you smile, but it doesn’t last long. Your attention is pulled back to the boy beside you, still twirling that stick, still avoiding your eyes.

“You’re mad at me, right?” Yuji turns, hesitant but certain at the same time.

You don’t answer right away, but the way your shoulders stiffen gives him all the confirmation he needs. He exhales, tossing the stick aside and leaning back on the bench, looking up at the sky.

“I get it. I would be, too,” he mutters. “I didn’t want it to happen like that, you know? But I didn’t really have a choice.” His voice is quieter, the usual brightness dimmed by something you haven’t seen from him before—regret.

Nobara’s voice rings out again, something about how Megumi needs to loosen up. Yuji glances their way, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “They seem like they’re doing okay, though, huh?” He chuckles softly. “At least some things haven’t changed.”

He nudges your shoulder gently. “You’re not gonna stay mad at me forever, right? I mean… I’m here now. And I’m not going anywhere.” It’s hard to be angry at Yuji for long. His heart is too big, his sincerity too real.