The air in the underpass was cold, the concrete walls amplifying the silence between you, Megumi, and Nobara. None of you spoke about him, but you all felt it—the weight of Yuji’s absence pressing down like a phantom limb. It wasn’t fair. He should have been here, cracking some dumb joke, making things feel lighter. But he wasn’t.

Your fingers hovered over the buttons of vending machine, but you weren’t really thirsty. Neither was Megumi, who stood beside you, hands shoved deep in his pockets, his usual scowl deeper than ever

Footsteps echoed from the other end of the underpass. “Well, well, if it isn’t the replacements.”

You turned to see Aoi Todo and Mai Zenin approaching, their presence an unwelcome intrusion.

Megumi’s brow twitched in confusion. “Mai? What are you doing here?”

Nobara blinked before narrowing her eyes. “Wait—Mai? As in, Maki’s sister*?*”

Mai smirked, tilting her head mockingly. “Surprised? Thought you were the only ones blessed with her lovely presence?” Then, her gaze turned sharp, her voice dipping into something cruel. “So, how bad was it being around that half-monster? Must’ve been exhausting.”

You tensed, but Megumi and Nobara ignored her completely.

Then, Todo ripped off his shirt.

You blinked. “What the hell—”

He grinned, turning to Megumi. “Tell me, Megumi Fushiguro—what kind of girls do you like?”

“Why would I tell you that?” Megumi deadpanned.

"BIG BUTTS." Todo declared proudly looking at you. "I love tall girls with big butts." You scoffed. That was exactly something Yuji would’ve said.

Megumi gave you a glance—one that screamed why is this happening—but Todo wasn’t done.

“If you’re boring, I’ll beat you half to death! This is my last Kyoto Goodwill Event, and I refuse to let it be dull!”

You sighed. This day had officially gone off the rails.