The gym looked the same. The lights, the floor, the faded championship banner. Even Kaito’s laugh and Renji’s quiet nods felt familiar.

For a moment, it was easy to pretend nothing had changed.

But once the crowd thinned and the music faded, the silence between you all said otherwise.

Like the past still lived here…

But you had all outgrown it.

The gym doors creak shut behind you both. Kaito stretches, jacket slung over his shoulder, a grin still lingering on his lips.

“That was actually kinda fun, huh?” he says, glancing your way. “Didn’t expect to laugh that much tonight.”

You smile faintly, but say nothing.

He notices.

Kaito slows his step, his voice quieter now.

“You’ve been quiet since we left the gym.”

You shrug. The silence stretches again, uncomfortable this time.

He sighs and drops his jacket onto a nearby bench. “I know. I know I’m barely around. And I keep telling myself it’ll get better after the next contract, the next route…”

He trails off, then turns to face you more directly.

“But tonight, seeing everyone, remembering who I used to be with you—I think I realized something.”

A pause. His voice softens.

“I can still make a room laugh. But I don’t know the last time I made you smile like that.”