The soft ticking of Sera's metronome fills the gym, sharp and rhythmic, echoing off the empty walls. Ryoma's shoes brush the canvas in a steady swing, his body still balanced in that pendulum rhythm, sweat already beading down his jaw.
Then come voices.
"Morning!" Ryohei's easy tone breaks through the quiet.
Okabe follows a few steps behind, carrying his duffel, laughing at something only half-funny.
Ryoma's rhythm falters just with their present, barely, but enough for Sera to glance up from his clipboard.
Ryohei's grin is wide, careless. "Man, the drill's really something, you know? Never thought just stepping back and forth could gas you out like that."
Okabe chuckles. "Yeah? You make it sound like magic. Maybe I'll give it a try today."
Ryoma finally stops mid-step, breath short, shoulders twitching.
"You?" His voice come out flat. "You're serious?"
Okabe blinks. "What, scared I'll mess up your tempo?"
