They ran.
Not far. Just far enough to let Kori and Kenzo stand there for a beat with the air of two people who had been left at the punchline of a joke and had not decided who was funnier. Kenzo glanced down at his ledger like it had turned into a stranger. "We could start with the east row. Those back alleys flood. The valves rust."
Kori nodded because the city never stopped asking for checks. But really, she couldn't do anything but nod…
The eight of them ducked behind a lantern post that had absolutely no intention of hiding anyone. Keahi peeked around it like a cat. Hikari stood on her toes and tried to be a shadow. Ichiro adopted the posture of a statue who had grown tired of being alive. Esen pretended to read a posted event flyer about a late show. He seemed way too invested.
"They're walking" Feris whispered.
"Incredible" Esen said. "Feet. In use."
"Stop" Arashi whispered. "Lowkey, they look good."
