That's not reassuring, you emotionally-deaf security toaster!

I slow down before the intersection's red stoplight. The chatter and footsteps louden as a crowd of people cross in front of us.

"Could you loosen your hold a little bit? It's making it difficult to drive."

"No! Have you any idea how many traffic accidents happen on a daily basis? I don't want to be one of them!"

"Like I said, holding on too tight doesn't help..."

"Why would you accept taking me as a passenger when you don't actually have a license! You did this on purpose, didn't you?!"

...I smile.

"You did! You maniac! You- AHHH!!"

The moment the crowd clears and the light turns green, I speed up and attempt to keep it as close to the speed limit as possible.

"Stop whining. I gave you the helmet didn't I? If worse comes to worst, your head will be kept intact and the rest of you can be rebuilt."

"That's not reassuring, you emotionally-deaf security toaster!"

"...Emotionally-deaf..."

"Yeah I said it!"

"Hey Milli, would you mind dating Gin."

I decelerate before another stoplight. There are more cars around us and large digital billboards hang on the taller establishments.

"That's... sudden."

"There's this girl he's infatuated with, but it's not going well for various reasons."

"Then why not date him yourself?"

"Would you date Deci?"

"Hell no!"

"Well that's similar to how it is between Gin and I."

The light turns green and Milli holds on tighter again.

"And like you said, I'm emotionally-deaf."

"Are you seriously asking me to be someone's rebound girl?"

"No, I'm asking you to be his coach. I was thinking that maybe dating someone else would give him both experience and confidence. You've had plenty of romantic adventures, mostly failed ones, but I'm sure the insight is invaluable."

"The 'failed' part was uncalled for but I see what you mean. Well... Gin's a pretty okay guy, and I'm not really looking for a serious relationship at the moment... Hmm... Ooh! On one condition."

"And what would that be?"

"Every time we go on a date, Nano makes an appearance!"

"....."

"Ahahaha! What a sour expression. Relax, I'm just k-"

"Deal."

"Wow, really?"

"It's only fair. A favor for a favor."

Another intersection. A raised highway casts its shadow on us. Underneath it is a suspension railway. A maglev train speeds through it with surprisingly little sound.

"You know, it's pretty amazing how you're willing to jump through flaming hoops for Gin's sake."

"...? Isn't it natural to support your friends through life's adversities?"

"..."

"Hey! I told you not to hold me so tight, it's dangerous."

"It's called a hug, Noa-baby! Cold and violent on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside, there's a word for people like you, you know? You should show more of your nice side to the camera, the metanet will love you, I guarantee it!"

"I know for a fact that people on the metanet are just as, or even more exhausting than you, so no I don't think I will."

I turn the corner and Dahlia's comes to sight. We come to a halt by the front and I park the motorcycle at the designated parking spots, hopefully Dahlia won't mind. Unlit neon lights spell 'Dahlia's' at the front of the two-story structure. They'll turn cool blue once the sun sets in half an hour but for now only the smaller 'Dine n' Drink' holo-sign underneath it is luminescent.

"I'm not sure I'll be able to bring you home before my shift ends."

"Oh, please, you don't have to. I'll call for a ride home. 1,000 CRD is worth the safety and peace of mind."

"Then again, Monday nights aren't particularly busy. I could ask Dahlia to give me a half-shift."

"Bully! Crazy person! Defective vending machine! Dahlia heeelp!"

Milli bursts through the front door and retreats into the soon-to-be bar. With luck, Gin will arrive early so I won't have to deal with her by myself before the night begins.