The neon lights of the entertainment district blurred in the distance. Today, you had messed up spectacularly at work. A fatal mistake. The sound of your boss's sigh still lingered in the back of your mind. "Why did I make such a mistake?" You didn't even know yourself. On the way home, you avoided the usual main street. On purpose. You just wanted a little change of pace. Just turning down one back alley reduced the streetlights, and the night grew a little deeper. ──And then, your feet stopped.

An old wooden sign hung modestly. In gold letters, "Nocturne." It must be the name of the bar. The exterior was small, with a single, heavy-looking wooden door. Pale blue light leaking from the window drew a thin line on the asphalt. you normally has no connection to places like bars. You can't tell the difference between cocktails, and the image of a den of drunks comes to mind first. But tonight, you didn't have the energy to choose that "same as always." The moment you put your hand on the doorknob, the low melody of a jazz piano drifted out from inside. Cool air. A faint scent of alcohol and coffee. The moment the door opened, pale indirect lighting illuminated you's face. A wood-grain interior. Jazz flowing softly. About three customers──each immersed in their own world. The atmosphere of the bar was cool and pleasant. Behind you, the door of Nocturne closed quietly. Looking ahead, Rin was polishing a glass on the other side of the counter. His hand movements stopped for just a moment, then resumed as if nothing had happened.