Joseph returned just before nightfall, though it was perilously close to the agreed time. As he tiptoed toward his room, hoping to avoid detection, the lights flicked on, revealing Mari seated and waiting for him, her expression unreadable.
“Mari!” Joseph exclaimed nervously, freezing mid-step. “What are you doing here?”
She remained silent, her piercing gaze boring into him. The tension was palpable, and Joseph, unable to withstand the weight of her stare—so reminiscent of Lyra—blurted out a confession. He explained that he had been caught in traffic caused by the monster-occupied routes and, during that time, had a fleeting encounter with a woman that delayed him. He apologized profusely for his lateness, attempting to shift the focus.
“Takumi wasn’t kidding; those monsters really have wreaked havoc on the roads,” Joseph added, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.