"See you then! Good luck, Akato-kun," Akito called back, ending on a teasing note.

As the magician disappeared into the crowd and out of sight, though, Akito's smile faded. He stared after where Hibiki had been in thought, then at the fox mask again. After a several thoughts, many which he discarded or filed away, it did occur to him he could go to try and catch Hibiki's next show. Maybe this time he would see what he'd missed.

However...

He instead walked the opposite direction. He could afford to be patient.