Unfortunately, it seemed like avoiding social contact on the ride back to the Institute would not be happening, for it wasn't long before an unfamiliar man took the empty seat beside Zero and the first thing that came out of his mouth was some useless comment about cars. Worse yet, he spoke in an obnoxiously cheery tone like he'd known the Reploid all his life.

Why was this guy giving off a weird vibe...

... In any case, hopefully he wasn't expecting a response, because he wasn't going to get one. Zero acknowledged his existence by looking over and staring at him with his usual stoic expression, and that was it.