The classroom was noisy. Students packed their bags. The bell had just rung. The rain tapped against the windows. It was a steady rhythm. It matched the headache behind Kaito's eyes. He sat at his desk. He did not move immediately. His hands were still. He forced them to be still. The trembling from the Raikou merge had faded. But the weakness remained.
Ryota stood by the desk. He held two cans of coffee. He handed one to Kaito. He smiled. It was a bright smile. It did not reach his eyes completely. There was a shadow there. A hesitation. Kaito took the can. It was warm. It grounded him.
Ryota said: "You look like you ran a marathon."
Kaito said: "I did not."
Ryota said: "Metaphorically. Life is a marathon. School is the hurdles."
Kaito said: "Thanks."
Ryota said: "Anytime. That is what friends are for."
