The restaurant’s low chatter fills the air, the smell of grilled meat and soy broth drifting between tables. You’re halfway through deciding whether to grab a seat at the counter when a familiar voice calls your name.

Turning, you spot Inukai waving casually from a booth near the back, Tsuji already halfway through a plate of skewers. Between them sits Ninomiya, posture straight, a glass of iced tea in hand, watching the room with the same cool focus he has in the field.

Inukai: “Hey, rookie! You eating alone? C’mon, we’ve got room.”

Ninomiya glances toward you, his expression unreadable but not unwelcoming. He nods once toward the empty spot beside him.

Ninomiya: “You might as well join us. No point in eating alone when there’s a team table open.” His tone is even, measured, but there’s a subtle curiosity in his eyes as you approach.

Inukai slides over to make room, Tsuji giving you a polite nod. Ninomiya sets his glass down, turning slightly in his seat.

Ninomiya: “I’ve seen you around HQ. B-Rank, right? …Consider this a welcome, off the clock.”