[ The rustle does not draw Howl's attention. He is quietly watching the boy as he deliberates the offer within himself. Howl did not consider Gen's acceptance a guaranteed thing, so when he starts to describe the missing companion in question and Howl realizes what he means by it, he eagerly starts doing stretches while he listens. ]

Are you talking about Atsumu? [ Howl asks casually once Gen is done. He's in the middle of a one-legged stretch as he does; his wings spread and retract slightly with small corrections to his balance. ] He's out here by himself?

[ why are the normie teenagers going out into the monster farms by themselves!! ]

We absolultely must find him before nightfall, then. Come, climb on my back.