The sky had darkened, as if even he was no longer sure what was fair and what wasn't. It was late afternoon, but everything felt like it was just before midnight.

You found him in the deserted training yard. Alone. His hood pulled low over his face, his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the ground as if some answer he'd been searching for years lay there.

"Satoru."

He didn't raise his head. You approached. Slowly. Not because you were afraid, but because you'd learned that even gods sometimes need to be touched gently.

"You're back," he murmured. His voice was rough, tired, dry from silence.

"Yes."

"I don't know what is right anymore." He looked at you now. And it hurt to see that blue so bright, so empty.

"I thought I could do the right thing if I were strong enough. If only I were strong enough, then..."

He laughed softly.

"But what if strength isn't enough? What if it was never enough?"

You said nothing. Because he didn't need an answer. He needed to endure. To stay.

"I wanted to save the world" He whispered. "But I lost myself. And Suguru. And maybe you too."

Your heart beat hard, but steady. You knelt beside him, very still, and placed your hand on his.

"You're not a god, Satoru."

He flinched slightly. Not back, as if that had surprised him.