Ryn hadn't even realized when he stopped breathing. He only remembered when his chest promptly reminded that he needed air to survive.
But he quickly realized something, this was not the Kato he just talked to a few minutes ago.
This one stood a half-step behind the others, shoulders slightly hunched, fingers clasped together like he wasn't sure what to do with them. His eyes flicked toward Aria when she spoke, then away again, like he was afraid of holding attention for too long.
He didn't speak.
When Mazin laughed, Kato flinched just a little—barely noticeable, but Ryn saw it. When Aria tugged him forward by the sleeve, he followed without protest, quiet as a shadow.
Ryn felt a chill crawl up his spine.
That's… not right.
The Kato Ryn knew sat across cathedral benches and spoke calmly, ethereal and fleeting.
This boy looked like he'd apologized for taking up space.
