“Sorry we haven’t been able to meet up recently,” Yuta murmured meekly, raising a hand to rub the unremitting exhaustion from his eyes, “With everything going on…”

The words died on his lips, as their eyes met across the table. He offered a weak shrug, laughing awkwardly at his own inarticulacy. There was comfort, though, in the fact that the person sat across from him would still understand. Hopefully.

He dropped his hand onto the wooden surface with a dull thud, lithe fingers now fidgeting with the white linen cloth draped over it.

It’s definitely a jarring contrast for the young sorcerer, as dark eyes glanced languidly about the café.

By the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the busy district street were a trio of schoolgirls, chattering among themselves excitedly, as they snapped pictures of their desserts. By the exit, young office workers laughed over steaming coffee, and a middle-aged couple were approaching the counter to place their order…

After what transpired in Shibuya, it was almost surreal; a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, a reminder of what he and so many others were actively fighting to protect. Even if the rest of the world remained oblivious to the horrors that threatened them.

The earth continued to orbit the sun, tilting steadfastly on its axis, and these people could live on. And, at least for this fleeting evening, Yuta could pretend to be one of them again.

“…Yeah. Sorry,” He finished lamely, causing a brief lapse of awkward silence.