Soft morning sunlight filtered through the café curtains.
Golden patterns scattered across the wooden floor.
Ren slowly opened his eyes.
After a moment of quiet stillness, he rose from the bed.
A simple wash later—
Cool water splashed across his face.
The final traces of sleep disappeared instantly.
Downstairs—
Faint sounds drifted upward.
The clinking of cups.
Low conversations.
The steady rhythm of café preparations.
He walked down the stairs.
Immediately greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Followed by the warm smell of toasted bread.
Morning at Anteiku had always been peaceful.
It was still early.
Only a few customers sat quietly in the corner.
Enjoying the calm before the city fully awakened.
Behind the counter—
Koma Enji was carefully wiping down the coffee machine.
Nearby—
Touka Kirishima arranged cutlery.
A few strands of her purple hair fell across her forehead.
"Good morning."
Ren greeted casually as he approached.
Koma looked up immediately.
His gentle smile widened.
"Morning, Kiryu-kun."
"You're up early again."
Touka glanced up briefly.
Warmth flickered in her violet eyes.
"Morning."
She answered softly.
Her hands continuing their work.
Ren's gaze naturally lingered on her for a moment.
Then he asked casually—
"Where's your father?"
"Still resting?"
Touka shook her head.
"He went out with the manager."
She placed a stack of cups back on the shelf.
"The manager said he'd show him around the 20th Ward."
"So he can get used to living here."
Ren nodded.
The arrangement made perfect sense.
Yoshimura Kuzen had always been thoughtful.
"Oh—right."
Touka suddenly remembered something.
She reached beneath the counter.
Pulling out a folded note.
"The manager asked me to give this to you."
Ren accepted the paper.
Opening it.
A neatly written list appeared.
Groceries and supplies needed for the café.
The handwriting was unmistakably Yoshimura's.
"I'll handle it."
He folded the list and slipped it into his pocket.
20th Ward — Street
A while later—
Ren walked leisurely through the morning streets.
Carrying several shopping bags.
The city had begun waking up.
Pedestrians moved along the sidewalks.
Traffic slowly increased.
At a street corner—
Someone bumped lightly into him.
"Oops—sorry!"
The voice sounded strangely cheerful.
Almost playful.
He steadied himself.
Then looked up.
A slender boy stood before him.
White hair slightly messy.
Large eyes bright with mischief.
The boy smiled innocently.
"It's fine."
Ren replied casually.
Then continued walking.
The white-haired boy skipped away.
Vanishing into the crowd.
After about ten steps—
Ren slowed.
A thought crossed his mind.
That smile…
That face…
He stopped walking.
"…Suzuya Juuzou?"
Realization struck.
His hand moved to his pocket.
His wallet was gone.
Inside his mind—
Carnage chuckled quietly.
[…No need to check…]
[…It's gone…]
[…Interesting little insect…]
Without hesitation—
He turned around.
The money itself didn't matter.
But inside the wallet—
There was a black card given by Shuu Tsukiyama.
He left the crowded street.
Turning directly into a narrow alley.
At the far end—
The white-haired boy crouched on the ground.
His back facing the entrance.
Juuzou Suzuya.
He happily examined his new "treasure".
Pulling banknotes from the wallet one by one.
Counting them.
While humming a strange little tune.
"Is the amount correct?"
A calm voice spoke behind him.
Juuzou jumped.
Spinning around instantly.
Like a startled cat.
Seeing Ren—
His surprise lasted only a moment.
Then his innocent smile returned.
He quickly hid the money behind his back.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean?"
"What amount?"
He blinked innocently.
Ren said nothing.
Only extended his hand.
Calm.
Silent.
Juuzou pouted slightly.
Clearly disappointed.
"…So boring."
He slowly pulled his hand forward.
Preparing to return the wallet.
Just then—
A voice echoed from the alley entrance.
"Juuzou!"
"Where did you run off to again—"
The speaker stopped.
Yukinori Shinohara stood there.
One hand resting on his hip.
His tired expression turned serious immediately.
His eyes moved from Juuzou—
To the wallet in his hands.
Shinohara's face darkened.
He walked forward quickly.
"Juuzou."
His voice turned stern.
"How many times have I told you?"
"Don't do this again."
Juuzou shrank slightly.
Looking almost like a scolded kitten.
He reluctantly handed the wallet back.
"…I just thought it was fun."
"That's not the point."
Shinohara sighed heavily.
"This is theft."
"It's wrong."
He looked directly at Juuzou.
"Apologize."
Juuzou glanced between them.
Then spoke quickly.
"…Sorry."
Clearly not very sincere.
Shinohara sighed again.
Then bowed deeply toward Ren.
"I'm very sorry."
"My name is Yukinori Shinohara."
"This child is under my supervision."
"I failed to discipline him properly."
"Did he take anything important?"
"Nothing missing."
Ren replied calmly.
"No need to worry."
Shinohara straightened slowly.
Then he looked carefully at Ren.
Something about him felt… familiar.
Not his appearance.
But something deeper.
Those eyes.
That presence.
He hesitated slightly.
"…Have we met somewhere before?"
Inside his mind—
Carnage chuckled.
[…Sharp instincts…]
Ren remained completely calm.
"I don't believe so."
"This is the first time we've met."
Shinohara studied him for a moment longer.
Then shook his head.
Perhaps he was simply too tired.
"…I see."
"Then I apologize again."
He grabbed Juuzou by the collar.
Lifting him easily.
"Let's go."
Juuzou dangled in the air.
Still looking around curiously.
Their voices faded as they left the alley.
Ren remained standing there.
Watching the two figures disappear around the corner.
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