The Ryuto duo sat down at the bar.

"......"

Both sides remained silent, and the stalemate continued for several seconds. Perhaps they couldn't resist anymore.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Sazo Setosa suddenly asked.

Indeed, it would be strange to sit here and not drink anything, so Ryuto answered without hesitation.

"Then, a cup of milk tea."

"Sorry, we don't have milk tea."

That was the reply received.

True, it would be even stranger to come to a bar and drink milk tea. So what should they drink? Ryuto never drank alcohol, so honestly, he didn't know what to say.

"......"

They fell into silence as they contemplated.

"Um..."

Sazo Setosa sighed slightly seeing this.

"In that case, how about some non-alcoholic drinks?"

"Oh, that would be great."

"The same for the gentleman over there."

"Hmm? Yes."

Hiyori nodded repeatedly, not really understanding, but pretending to.

Before long, two green unknown drinks were served. Since they were said to be non-alcoholic, Ryuto didn't hesitate and drank it straight away.

"Ryuto-sama, this is so tasty."

"Yes, it's really good."

Just as the two of them marveled at the taste, Sazo Setosa suddenly said something that surprised Ryuto.

"It's Amagi Ryuto and Tsuchimikado Hiyori, right? What are you doing here?"

Sazo Setosa said, looking at Ryuto with sharp eyes.

Since this was an undercover investigation, they couldn't tell the truth, so Ryuto came up with an excuse.

"Well, nothing much, just came here to hang out."

But it seemed like the other person wasn't easily fooled and ruthlessly made fun of Ryuto.

"Hang out? You don't even know what to drink here?"

Cough, cough, that struck right at the point. There was no way to argue.

"Well... uh, because it's my first time here."

Ryuto tried to come up with a clumsy excuse, but before he could confess, the other person spoke up.

"In reality, you came to verify the rumors, didn't you?"

"......"

Ryuto was rendered speechless by this development. Seeing Ryuto's reaction, it seemed like the other person's suspicion was confirmed. Then, Sazo Setosa closed her eyes, adopting an indifferent stance.

"Let me just say it. Just as the rumors say, I work here in the evenings. If you want to inform on me, go ahead. I'm about to be fired anyway, and maybe I'll get some kind of reward if you report me."

"In fact, we went to the hospital before coming here."

"......"

Upon hearing Ryuto's reply, Sazo Setosa, who had been calm all along, wavered.

"I also saw the gift you bought. It seemed today is your mother's birthday, right?"

Although she was somewhat shaken, Sazo Setosa quickly regained her composure, as usual.

"So, are you here to persuade me? Or are you here to help me figure something out? Don't pretend to know everything and play games with me."

Sazo Setosa's words sounded a bit agitated and attracted the attention of a few people nearby once again.

Sazo Setosa seemed to have noticed this as well. So she stopped and after a short pause, she said:

"You should just go back. I have nothing to say. The fact is what it is, and you're just wasting your efforts because... nothing will change."

What frame of mind did Sazo Setosa say this in? She didn't need redemption, didn't need help from others, she just silently faced that so-called reality, helpless and resigned.

"Then, when do you get off work?"

"Why are you asking that?"

Sazo Setosa felt a bit perplexed by Ryuto's strange question.

"Now is not convenient, of course, I'll find another time."

"You..."

Sazo Setosa seemed annoyed, but Ryuto didn't pay much attention.

"What time is it exactly? Don't tell me, or else I won't leave," Ryuto said with a hint of threat.

"......"

Setsu Saki remained silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"It's twelve o'clock."

"I see. Well then, see you later. We'll go now. Let's go, Hiyori."

"Okay, Ryuto-sama."

After leaving some money, Ryuto and Hiyori left the bar.