The ride was without incident. Soon, though, Tomoko noticed that they were cruising on an unfamiliar road, and she looked around them, careful not to loosen her grip. The wind was fierce and cold on her skin, and she wished she brought a jacket or at least a shawl, but there was no time to get one before Ryusei arrived on her doorstep. Silently, she wished the restaurant had a fireplace and that it was warm.

Please humor me a little while longer.

Her instincts were right, then.

She bit her lip, tried to ignore the worry gnawing at her insides, and focused on the scenery as they passed them by.