17

"Sir?"

Ezra tried to address him, afraid he might be mistaken, but the man's glasses and face looked familiar. "Sir, why are you here? Do you live nearby?"

As if taken aback by his question, the man adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, sounding a bit hesitant.

"....Yes I am, I live nearby."

"Really?"

"Do you want me to accompany you on your way back?"

Hearing that, Ezra instinctively furrowed his eyebrows. He wasn't a woman, so the offer didn't seem particularly necessary. But even if he were a woman, it would still be strange for a complete stranger to approach and offer to escort her home ... Although the man was a frequent visitor to the cafe, Ezra didn't really know him. They were basically strangers.

Or perhaps the offer was just a polite gesture. It could be.

"No, it's alright. Besides, I don't live far from here. So, I'll be on my way, sir..."