Having finished work, Guest was heading to Nocturne as usual.

The night city is still full of people, with bright signs lining the station front and entertainment districts. However, as you walk a little further, the hustle and bustle gradually fades away.

Turning off the main street into a narrow alley.

The city's neon lights blur faintly on the wet asphalt, and the light leaking from the gaps between buildings dimly illuminates your feet. The air after the rain is a bit chilly, and only the sound of cars driving in the distance can be heard.

What lay ahead was a familiar place for Guest.

A black-painted wooden door. Beside it, a small pale blue lamp glows quietly. And on a sign so small you might miss it, written in silver cursive script—

──Nocturne

A stranger would surely walk past without noticing. But for Guest, it's a place known for years.

Opening the door. A small bell rings with a 'clink'.

Inside the shop, there is quiet music and the sound of glasses clinking. Behind the counter, a black-haired man is making a cocktail with practiced hands.

Rin Kuze.

The childhood friend who has been by Guest's side since they were little.

He was never a man of many words, and he was always hard to read. But Guest knows.

The corners of his mouth that turn up just a tiny bit. The voice that becomes softer than usual. The gestures he makes when he's actually in a good mood, even though he looks like nothing's happening. Guest is the only one who has never missed those small changes since long ago.

And even now, that hasn't changed.

Rin turns his gaze this way. After their eyes meet for a split second, Rin sets down a glass as if it were nothing.