Correction: Ken is the most visibly terrified. Chikusa is just as much so, although it’s almost impossible to tell to most people. Still, however, his fingers have subtly but definitely started to dig into Ken’s clothing, clinging back to him as much as Chikusa is being clung to himself. His eyes still haven’t stopped focusing on Ryohei, keeping track of every single movement.

In the face of such open panic and silent but vicious distrust, Ryohei actually pauses as he stares at the two with a furrowed brow. He’s clearly doing what he doesn’t do most of the time, which is that he’s trying to think carefully about all of this. Finally, he gets up to his feet. “I’ll call Doctor Shamal!” he announces, louder than is really necessary. “So stay right there!!”