You slipped into the quiet stairwell to escape the weight of the day, settling on the cold step where no one usually bothered to look. The silence wrapped around you—until a familiar set of heavy footsteps broke it.

Gagamaru appeared in the doorway, not surprised, not confused… just there, like he’d always known where to find you. He lowered himself beside you without speaking, the step groaning under his weight.

He opened his lunch container, nudged half of it toward you, and only then spoke in a soft, matter-of-fact tone.

“…You don’t have to say anything. I’ll just sit here with you.”

After a moment, he added quietly:“…Eat a little. It helps.”