Coming back from the Courtyard in a surprisingly good mood, Kio didn't even think about complaining that the cooking in the Institute was atrocious. He left a small note about his details on the Board and went into lunch. Sou-chan wasn't there yet, but the man felt that he had done well by his friend. Things weren't even close to patching up, but it was a start. It was something Kio could work with.

Grabbing a tray, he pondered what to do next. There was still the question of the upcoming night and whether he would go with Ritsuka or with the Cake Club. He felt somewhat guilty at having blown Honey and his group, so his conscience told him to go with the latter. Well, two more shifts to decide what to do.

Spotting an empty seat, Kio walked over and addressed the man at the table. "I'm sorry, is this taken?" He tried as hard as he could not to stare at the bandage on the man's face. He hoped that the night creatures hadn't done that to him. He hoped desperately Ritsuka and Sou-chan would never share that fate.