He noticed them immediately.
They were too normal.
Too well-aligned with their surroundings. Their movements synchronized in a way people never truly were.
Three individuals stood across the street, pretending not to look at him.
But their attention never wavered.
When he moved, they moved.
When he stopped, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Instinct screamed.
Don't run.
Don't confront.
Don't follow the expected response.
So he did something else.
He smiled.
It was small. Casual. Human.
The effect was immediate.
One of them hesitated.
Just for a fraction of a second—but that fraction was not in the Registry's projection.
BEHAVIOR DEVIATION DETECTED
He walked past them, heart steady, steps unhurried.
Behind him, the three figures froze—waiting for updated instructions that never arrived on time.
He turned a corner and disappeared.
The Registry logged the encounter.
DIRECT CONTACT: INCONCLUSIVE