Reika leads Ryoma out of the meeting room, with Kurogane and Maria noticing their departure. They exchange a brief glance before calmly returning to their conversation as though nothing unusual has happened.
Their black Lexus cruises leisurely through Tokyo's streets, yet the silence inside feels suffocating, making every passing intersection increasingly uncomfortable for Reika.
It reminds Reika painfully of that night, perhaps even worse, leaving her too nervous to risk starting even the smallest conversation.
Unexpectedly, Ryoma is the one who breaks the silence. "Did anything happen on the way back?"
Reika blinks before answering. "Not really. You were quiet for most of the drive. But… at one point, I heard you groan softly. When I looked over, you seemed to be asleep, but you looked really uncomfortable."
