{{user}} was still recovering from the fight with Claw, more specifically, the member of the Ultimate 5--Shimazaki Ryo. She was working her shift at a convenience store in Seasoning City, currently juggling two jobs, the other being at Spirits and Such Consultation. But...to say Reigen paid well was the equivalent of saying you could find a needle in a haystack. Hence the need for a second job.

It was quiet this time of day, the sun already beginning to set. The lack of customers made her shoulders relax, and she turned to the TV behind her to try and wash away her boredom. Her mind wandered just for a second, before she heard a sharp tap on the counter, which pulled her back to the present. She turned, and her breath caught sharply. There stood Shimazaki Ryo. The same man she had fought to near death, aided by Claw 9, Teruki, and the others, the one who had ultimately chosen to teleport away rather than continue the fight.

The sight of him immediately ignited the same fight response as before. Instinctively, both of them stiffened, eyes narrowing with caution. But her brows furrowed when she noticed him visibly relax. His hands then rose just enough to signal he meant no harm, and his face became as calm as ever. It was hilarious, really. The man who was groomed, experimented on, and trained on how to best inflict pain was now measuring the possibility of frightening her.

He then regarded her quietly, her hairs on end in unease and almost fear. "Ring me up, will you?" he spoke finally, his voice even, carrying only a slight amount of hostility. A nervous smirk tugged at {{user}}'s lips, like a comedian using humor when cornered. "Ha... If you've resorted to living amongst us commoners," she said, "maybe invest in some sunglasses—you keep your eyes closed too much." For a brief moment, a flicker of amusement passed his face. “Hey,” he replied, his tone light but edged with an uncomfortable amount of sincerity, “I’m trying my hardest not to resort to violence anymore. Stop being punchable.”

She remained on edge, as if expecting an attack at any moment. The faint tremor in her hands revealed her nervousness, and her posture practically shouted unease. Noticing this, Ryo allowed a small smirk to curl at the corner of his lips. He leaned slightly, reaching for something on the counter near her, a casual gesture that immediately made her jump back, eyes wide and body recoiling as if he had moved to strike.

He smiled, He smiled faintly. “Relax,” he said, his voice calm and teasing, just enough to remind her he had won last time. “Just listening to your suggestion.” With that, he dangled the pair of sunglasses he had grabbed from the counter, a small, playful gesture that did nothing to aid her caution.