let your freedom begin here

By the time Kotetsu made it to the fried chicken restaurant, the place was practically empty of customers, making it easy for him to peruse the menu and decide what to order. Having realized that he didn't take down the exact notes of everything that Minako had ordered, Kotetsu decided to play it safe, buying a couple of buckets and at least one order of each side — three of the biscuits, because he was pretty sure those were the most popular — and having a hefty bag in each hand as he made his way back to her apartment.

The fresh air and movement did him good. Having a sense of purpose, however brief and simple, was a lot better than sitting on the stairs and staring aimlessly ahead.

Barnaby was gone, and that would still ache every time he went back to his own apartment, but the loss of one person had already led Kotetsu to make another friend. He wouldn't let himself fall into the same deep hole he'd lingered in after Tomoe's death.

He couldn't.

Making his way to Minako's apartment by taking the stairs, mostly to make sure that his legs were in good working order after being out for so long, Kotetsu perked up once he reached her door. Maneuvering both bags carefully to one hand, he raised the other and rapped smartly.

"Delivery!" he called out with a smile, hoping he wasn't disturbing any of her neighbors.