18

As they walked, the morning sun peeked through the gaps between buildings, casting long shadows on the pavement. The city was quiet, but not unnervingly so- just the usual stillness of a slow morning.

Kaede had long since abandoned walking properly, instead skipping ahead, spinning around, and occasionally hopping onto the curb like a balance beam.

Tsubasa watched her with mild exasperation. "You're gonna trip."

Kaede grinned. "And you're gonna catch me, right?"

Tsubasa opened his mouth, then closed it, knowing full well that yes, he probably would. He just sighed instead.

Kuroya, walking a little behind them, didn't seem interested in their antics. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his gaze drifting between the rooftops and the alleys they passed, still alert despite the lack of anything suspicious.

"See?" Kaede spread her arms. "Nothing weird happening! Just a boring ol' patrol like Yuna planned. Maybe we should stop for snacks."

Tsubasa checked the time. "We're supposed to meet back in forty minutes. We don't have time to sit and eat."

Kaede pouted. "You're so responsible."

Kuroya finally spoke up. "There's a vending machine over there." He tilted his head toward the end of the street, where a slightly rusted machine stood in front of an old convenience store.

Kaede's face lit up. "Ooooh, nice! See, Tsuba? Even Kuroya wants a break."

Tsubasa sighed but followed as Kaede skipped toward the vending machine.

The selection was decent, though some of the labels were faded. Kaede pressed her hands against the glass. "What should I get? Melon soda? Energy drink? Mystery can with no label?"

"Not the mystery can," Tsubasa said immediately.

Kaede laughed, but she chose the melon soda anyway. Tsubasa grabbed a green tea, and Kuroya, after staring at the machine for a full ten seconds, got an energy drink.

Drinks in hand, the three of them stood by the sidewalk, taking a brief pause before resuming their patrol.

"See?" Kaede said, popping open her soda. "Nice, easy, peaceful patrol. Nothing spooky, no sudden fights. Just a regular day."

Tsubasa took a sip of his tea, adjusting his glasses. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't jinx it."

Kaede rolled her eyes. "Please. What could possibly-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Kuroya muttered, cutting off what she was about to say. They all knew, when someone in the movies says that, something's bound to go wrong.

Kaede laughed and took a sip of her soda, kicking at a loose pebble on the sidewalk. For once, there really was nothing to worry about.

At least, not today.