Slow, lazy gospel music played, matching the lethargic atmosphere of the afternoon.
The bar wasn't very crowded; only a few tables of the Mercenaries Jessica had seen earlier were sitting there.
These must be the gang members. What were they called? Uh, Honey?
Oh, right, Honeycomb.
Jessica only remembered the group's name after looking at the mural on the wall.
She walked over to the empty bar counter, where a tall woman in a military green parka was wiping glasses.
She was also part of the gang.
Seeing the Honeycomb tattoo on the other person's forearm, Jessica confirmed it.
"An old-fashioned tequila."
Sitting on a high stool, Jessica tapped the bar counter, catching the attention of the distracted Bartender.
"Tequila, alright. vodka is on special today, would you like a glass?"
"vodka? Get out of here. Even dogs won't drink that kind of alcohol blend."
Jessica waved her hand, as if shooing a fly.
Everyone has their preferences, and alcohol is no exception, but Jessica's blunt words caused a Honeycomb Mercenary at a table behind her, who was holding a glass of vodka, to clench his cup tightly.
"Fine, old-fashioned tequila."
The ponytailed Bartender raised an eyebrow but poured a glass and placed it in front of Jessica.
After all, she was just someone pulled in to fill the Bartender role, and she had no reaction to Jessica's prejudice.
"What about you, Girl?"
After serving the blonde woman, the Bartender turned her attention to the silent purple-haired Girl who had followed and sat down.
"Ah, well, do you have juice? Non-alcoholic, sugar-free kind."
Veronica clearly hadn't expected to be addressed.
Due to her former profession, she never drank alcohol, so when asked, she stammered out 'juice'.
"Juice? And it has to be sugar-free? Pfft!"
"I swear, are you a saintess who just stepped out of a convent? You're so pure."
Hearing Veronica's strange request, Jessica burst out laughing instantly.
It wasn't just her; a few Honeycomb Mercenaries at the table behind them also laughed.
But the laughter sounded like mockery to Veronica, and in her torment, she clenched her fists and lowered her head.
"We have whole cans. Is that okay if I don't pour it into a glass?"
Only the Bartender, still unconcerned, took a can of sugar-free fruit-flavored drink that met Veronica's requirements from the cooler and placed it in front of her.
She even thoughtfully opened the lid.
"Thank you..."
Veronica whispered her thanks... Two beautiful Girls with completely different styles arriving at the bar counter clearly caught the attention of the relaxing Honeycomb Mercenaries in the bar.
"If you ask me, the blonde Girl is the hotter one."
"Get lost! How can anyone compare to the purple-haired Girl? Damn, her face is smoother than a protein bar."
"Eh, I think the Boss looks better..."
A few young Mercenaries were arguing over who was prettier, but the guy among them wearing a black vest and bulletproof armor remained silent, staring intently at the profile of the purple-haired Veronica.
"Hey Dixi, no matter how pretty she is, you shouldn't stare like that. Don't scare the Girl."
The Mercenaries burst into laughter upon seeing their companion's pathetic, wide-eyed stare.
"Go, go, go, stop messing around."
But the guy named Dixi was in no mood to joke with his companions. His gaze towards Veronica grew hotter as his suspicion was confirmed.
"Seriously, damn, I definitely wasn't mistaken."
Finally, he stood up in a daze, forgetting his drink, pulled back his chair, and walked straight toward the bar counter.
"Veronica?"
When her name was called out from behind her, Veronica, who was sipping her juice, froze.
The excited voice and footsteps behind her grew more urgent, blocking her path before Veronica could manage to escape.
"It really is Veronica! Damn, I—I'm so excited!"
The young Dixi grabbed his head, his wide-eyed expression more excited than a believer witnessing the resurrection of Jesus.
"Don't be scared, I'm your fan! I've been listening to your songs since high school!"
"'Angel's Tear'—that song was a massive hit across Watson! I bought four copies of the collector's edition album alone!"
The young Dixi spoke excitedly, unaware that Veronica's body was trembling uncontrollably.
She lowered her head, her pupils shaking wildly, denying it weakly.
"I'm not... I'm not..."
But in her panic, her voice was barely a whisper.
Except for Jessica, who was holding her drink nearby, no one heard her.
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