Osomatsu was obviously hiding something. They all were, including Karaboy. I just didn't know what. Karamatsu seemed surprised to see his brothers here. He had already eaten, though not much, and he didn't even order any beer!

The rest of them all came to sit down on the bench, with Karamatsu on the far were talking amongst themselves, and to me it seemed like they were trying to make it look like they'd been having conversations rather than hiding in the bushes.

As usual, they all barely managed to fit on my bench. I should probably buy a new one soon, especially if they start actually paying like Karaboy did today. They never really complained though. Well, until today.

"There's not really really room for six, is there?"

All six of them froze at that. I watched four sets of eyes fix blank looks at Todomatsu, whose eyes just went wide, staring at nothing in front of him. What kind of reaction was that? What was wrong with what he said?

Karamatsu cleared his throat, calling all of our attention instantly. He stood up and took out his wallet, handing me enough to pay for all the rest of them, even though he'd already paid for himself. I took it, confused. Sure, it wasn't unusual for him to pay extra, he usually did when he came alone. He'd pay for his meal, then a bit more to help with their tab. But paying for six people in full without prompting?

Something was clearly wrong. I knew that as soon as he sat down and just asked for a plate of oden and handed me money right away, but the feeling of wrongness just grew as time went on.

"I'm actually done. I'll be at home. I'll have the futon set up," he said emotionlessly, and walked away.

Bafflingly, everyone called after him. They'd never done that before. They were all talking over each other, 'No, no, it's fine-' 'W- Come back!' 'There's still plenty of room!' 'I didn't, I didn't mean-' 'W-wait…'

If even Ichimatsu was calling out to him…

I wasn't sure what the hell was going on. They'd usually be happy to not only have more room on the bench, but also not have to deal with Karamatsu.

They often couldn't even care less about him. We all know I found that out the hard way.

Maybe this had something to do with the way he'd been acting tonight.

After realizing he wasn't coming back, they all turned back to the cart and ordered their food. No one asked for beer. There wasn't even any talking. Osomatsu looked frustrated. Choromatsu looked like a nervous wreck. Jyushimatsu was only barely smiling and his energy was at normal-person levels. Ichimatsu looked annoyed, and directed those glances to the person next to him: Todomatsu, who looked like he was going to cry.

They finished eating, thanked me in unison, and left.

As much as I wanted to say something, shake answers out of them… I got the feeling I wouldn't be able to help.

Whatever was going on, they have to work it out themselves.