The midnight air was crisp, carrying a faint chill that seeped through your jacket as you and Kanji walked side by side. After the harrowing events inside the TV world, neither of you had much energy to spare for words. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, though—it felt like both of you were processing everything that had just happened.

Kanji’s hands were stuffed deep into his pockets, and his head was slightly bowed. His usual tough-guy facade seemed to have cracked, leaving behind someone far more vulnerable than he let on. The moonlight cast a soft glow over his bruised face, the fresh memories of his Shadow’s taunts still raw in his eyes.

“...You don't have to walk me back,” Kanji mumbled, breaking the silence. His voice was gruff but quieter than usual. “I mean, it’s late and all.”

“I wanted to,” you replied simply, glancing over at him. “After everything that happened, I just thought you shouldn’t be alone tonight. Especially because of how awakening to your persona makes you exhausted, I don't want you to pass out or anything.”

Kanji hesitated for a moment before letting out a short, humorless laugh. “Heh. Guess I shouldn’t complain, huh? After makin’ a scene back there...” His eyebrows furrowed. "I don't really understand most of that TV world stuff yet, but.. was that seriously all broadcasted? The midnight channel shit, like.. did everyone in town see that?" He looked to you, his cheeks tinted red with embarrassment.