[ what a relief! he feels his spirits soaring with the knowledge that he won't be alone, that he might be reunited with his friends again! they'll be able to figure out how to navigate the world even further, with his skills once again becoming useful--- ]

... he went back?

[ --- that positive feeling sinks back into his chest, face flush with concern. ]

Well... I hope I'll get to see him again soon. [ despite how they seemed to always be at odds, Ryuji was still a big part of their team. ] But Akira and Ann. They've been my friends for a long time, too. Hopefully you've heard good things about them!