Shion and Satoru returned to the vocational high school when Shoko sent them a photo.
In the image, Geto Suguru was holding the hands of two little girls, with a pretty young woman beside them, chatting and smiling. The scene looked like a parent taking children shopping, and the cheerful atmosphere practically gleamed from the picture.
Kairi Glass's message followed:
"I bumped into him by chance on the streets of Ginza. I wasn't sure it was him, so I didn't dare say hello!"
"And that girl with him really looked like they were a couple! Don't you think so?"
Shion and Satoru's expressions immediately twisted with jealousy.
"Are they dating? They must be."
"That despicable Geto — abandoning our bond like that!"
"This guy deserves to be taught a lesson!"
Driven by jealousy, the two teleported after receiving the location Shoko sent.
Ten minutes later…
"Sunshine Coffee Shop?" Shion and Satoru stood silently in front of the café's sign, glaring at it.
"That gloomy guy Geto has nothing to do with the word sunshine, does he?"
They pushed open the door. A waitress in uniform stepped forward and said, "Welcome, please come in!"
"Thanks…" Shion and Satoru began to respond, but then they looked up and saw Geto Suguru chatting with the same pretty woman from the photo.
In an instant, Shion and Satoru melted into this twisted crawl, rushing toward Geto like bizarre creatures. Before he could react, both flung themselves into his arms, whining.
"My dear Geto, have you forgotten that night we spent together?"
"Let go of me, you flirt! I'm taking Suguru to violin practice! Come on, Suguru!"
Geto's face darkened. "This is humiliating! Please stop."
"Geto doesn't love me anymore!"
"Shut up! Geto's love is only mine!"
"Die, you two idiots!"
"Oh dear, Bro, no…" the girl beside them whimpered.
Haruko Shinohara laughed quietly at the spectacle. "You two must be Geto's friends."
Geto looked horrified. "Being friends with them was my worst decision ever."
"Oh Bro Geto, you're so heartless!"
"Stop being normal, you jerks!"
Shion smirked and handed Haruko a magenta camera. "Miss, actually our Geto here used to be a complete drama king."
Geto panicked. "Shion, stop it!"
Held in place by Satoru, he could only watch with a pale face as Haruko flipped through the embarrassing photos.
"Wow…" she was speechless at the first shot. Then she beamed like she'd found treasure, going through every picture.
"Mr. Geto looks so cute in that maid outfit!"
"Huh??" Geto protested even harder.
---
Later, seated with their drinks…
"So you stole money from the Star Plasma Cult and bought this café?" Shion took a sip. "Sunshine Coffee Shop. Such a childish name. It doesn't suit you at all."
Haruko raised her hand timidly. "Um… I named it. I wanted customers to feel a sunny smile when they drink our coffee."
"Well, although the name is a bit childish, it does have a nice feeling after you get used to it," she added with a shy smile.
Shion glanced at Nanako, Mimiko, and Negi Riku helping with part‑time work. "They're kids with talent in sorcery. By the way Geto, isn't this illegal child labor?"
Geto shrugged. "If I don't pay wages, it doesn't count."
"Hmm… I feel like I've heard that somewhere before."
Nearby, Shion shrank back into a corner to lower his presence.
"I really envy you. You own a relaxing café, have a lovely partner, and seem to live a peaceful life."
Haruko blushed. "Um… Geto and I aren't…"
Geto scratched his head. "Haruko only works here during summer vacation."
"Right…" Shion trailed off.
---
That evening, the café closed. Haruko waved goodbye and boarded a bus.
At the entrance, Satoru chatted with Nanako, Mimiko, and Negi Riku, carrying the confident air of an older brother among them.
The waitress Manami Suda sighed, "Mr. Satoru, don't give them too many sweets!"
Shion and Geto leaned against the wall together.
"You look much happier now," Shion observed.
"Yeah."
Geto gave a faint smile. "Probably because… I've finally found my own answer."
"Oh? What's that?"
"You were right. I shouldn't have shackled myself with 'protecting the weak.' That wasn't my goal."
"Now I have a family."
Geto looked at Manami and Nanako and smiled warmly.
"What I truly want now is to protect my family."
Shion nodded, a small smile forming. "It sounds cheesy, but it's sincere."
Geto rolled his eyes. "Right, they all have good techniques. Maybe they can go to a higher vocational college."
"They're still young and need school. They can stay with me for now, and I'll teach them what I know," Geto continued.
"Manami's talent is similar to the Reversal Technique. She'd be perfect for learning from Shoko Ieiri. Please tell Shoko about it."
Shion rubbed his chin. "Shoko hates trouble. I don't know if she'll agree. But I'll ask."
Then he paused thoughtfully. "So now you have three disciples. Satoru also took in Toji's son, Megumi Fushiguro"
"Do you think I should take on a disciple too?"
Shion suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Oh right! I almost forgot about him!"
---