Shiba let out a short, half-derisive laugh. He knew that Neku was telling the truth, that Shiba hadn’t–didn’t want to have–been in control… but a part of his ego still stung. Being on top of the world for so long, only to crash down so utterly, was an embarrassment he couldn’t forget.
“You are correct.” Shiba paused, eyes lowering for a moment. He had almost decided to ask Neku if he had any memories of Kubo. But the exorcism would have taken care of his, too. So, instead, he pivoted topics. “Where were you, then? I tore Shibuya apart looking for you.”
“Were you watching?”
Honestly, Neku’s silence probably could’ve spoken for itself as he’d paused and let his expression drop. Something about Shiba’s retort just didn’t sit right with him -- and probably never would as long as he could talk about ripping Shibuya apart at its seams so effortlessly like he was.
“ Somewhere that wasn’t here, ” Obviously, but would Neku give Shiba the satisfaction of answering every question of his on cue? No, not right then anyway, so hopefully Shiba hadn’t expected as much.
“ But you got my attention though, didn’t you? I just can’t believe you’d go through that much trouble just so you could lure me out. ”