Do cats come back?

I just moved into my friends apartment due to DV, but he’s allergic to cats so unfortunately I couldn’t bring my cat inside. I had him in a kennel on the balcony but he escaped in the night and got off 😭 (second floor omgg) i woke up the next morning to him meowing at the door luckily, so to prevent another fall from the balcony, I just left him down there. I stayed outside with him that whole first day, explored the area with him following me to get him accustomed to the surroundings. I go down there and hang out with him. Every time I went outside and called him he’d run up. So I was pretty sure he’d be okay. But now it’s the 3rd day here and he’s been missing for about 7 hours. I’m really worried someone may have taken him in since he’s friendly, but there’s tons of strays already out here. Maybe scampered off somewhere, but maybe he’s exploring and will come back? He does just come and hang by the door and meow when he wants me so he knows where I stay?

I’m hoping in the morning he’ll be around for his breakfast, as the last time I saw him was his 3rd meal of the day and he was laying on the steps. But I’m really worried since it’s a new area he may have just taken off? What do you guys think? 😭

I went around calling for him like I normally do but it’s to no avail. I’m just so scared. I really don’t like keeping him outside. He’s only been an outside cat for a month or two until I could collect him from my exes place because he threw him out. Please pray that he comes back 😭