The conversation was still going when Takeru suddenly walked over to the coffee machine.
No warning.
No explanation.
Yuji blinked.
"…What are you doing."
Takeru placed a hand on the machine.
"Inventory expansion."
Before anyone could question that statement—
the entire coffee machine sank into his shadows.
Gone.
Silence.
Megumi stared.
"…You stole the coffee machine."
Takeru shrugged.
"Correct."
Nobara pointed aggressively.
"…YOU CANNOT JUST POCKET AN ENTIRE MACHINE."
Hakari looked impressed.
"…Actually that's kinda genius."
Kirara sighed.
"…No it isn't."
Takeru started walking toward the exit casually.
"Well?"
A grin.
"Shopping trip."
And somehow—
everyone followed.
The group moved through the halls in complete chaos.
Yuji and Haibara arguing about snacks.
Gojo annoying Utahime again.
Nobara planning purchases already.
Kashimo trying to convince people fighting in malls should be legal.
Meanwhile—
near the back—
Nanami walked beside Higaruma quietly.
After a moment, Nanami glanced at Takeru.
"…Since you technically have infinite coffee now."
Higaruma nodded slightly.
"…Could we have refills sometimes?"
Takeru looked genuinely happy about the request.
"Of course!"
Immediately—
he reached into the shadows.
Pulled out the coffee machine halfway.
Refilled his own cup.
Then Nanami's.
Then Higaruma's.
Nanami took a sip.
Paused.
"…Convenient."
Higaruma nodded.
"…Extremely."
Yuji looked horrified.
"…HE ACTUALLY MADE A MOBILE COFFEE BUILD."
Megumi sighed.
"…We've evolved backwards as a society."
Eventually—
the giant chaotic group arrived at the mall.
Instant noise.
Bright lights.
Stores everywhere.
Absolute danger to everyone's wallets.
Geto walked over toward the coffee trio almost immediately.
"…You still have the machine?"
Takeru nodded proudly.
"Portable caffeine."
Geto was quiet for a moment.
Then held out his cup slightly.
"…Can I join this arrangement?"
"Absolutely."
Another refill.
And just like that—
Takeru, Nanami, Higaruma, and Geto became a strangely calm subgroup inside the disaster that was the main shopping party.
While everyone else scattered through stores—
the four simply walked together with coffee cups in hand.
Nanami looked the most relaxed he had all morning.
Higaruma actually seemed comfortable.
Geto looked oddly at peace.
And Takeru was happily sipping coffee like he hadn't accidentally started an entire caffeine alliance.
Yuji pointed from across the mall.
"…WHY DO THEY LOOK LIKE BUSINESSMEN."
Nobara squinted.
"…That's actually intimidating."
Gojo grinned.
"…The coffee council."
Hakari laughed loudly.
"…That sounds way too powerful."
And the four of them continued shopping together
quietly.
Calmly.
Caffeinated.