Yukinori Shinohara finished the last sip of his coffee.
The cup touched the table with a soft clink.
He stood up slowly.
A relaxed smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you for the hospitality."
"The coffee was excellent."
He glanced toward the white-haired boy beside him.
"Juuzou."
"We should go."
"Eh—?"
Juuzou Suzuya stared down at the half-finished parfait in disappointment.
"So soon?"
"I haven't finished yet."
Despite the protest—
He obediently slid down from the chair.
"I'll bring you here again next time."
Shinohara patted his shoulder gently.
Then he nodded once more toward Ren Kiryu.
Before leading Juuzou out of the café.
The wind chimes above the door swayed softly.
Their delicate ringing faded gradually.
When the door closed—
The atmosphere inside Anteiku seemed to relax noticeably.
20th Ward Streets
Walking through the quiet streets—
Shinohara's brows slowly furrowed.
Years of experience as an investigator had sharpened his instincts.
Those instincts now pricked at him like a thorn.
The young man named Ren Kiryu.
His calmness.
His flawless composure.
And that waitress's vaguely familiar figure.
Individually—
They meant nothing.
But together—
They formed a faint sense of unease.
Just then—
His phone rang.
Shinohara answered immediately.
"Shinohara speaking."
"Senior Investigator."
A subordinate's voice came through the line.
"A woman is here requesting an interview with you."
"An interview?"
Shinohara frowned.
"That violates CCG regulations."
"The other party is a well-known author."
The voice continued.
"She insists on speaking with you personally."
Shinohara paused.
Then sighed quietly.
"…Understood."
"I'll return immediately."
He ended the call.
Before leaving—
He glanced once more in the direction of Anteiku.
Then turned away.
For now—
His suspicions would have to wait.
Anteiku — Inside
Back inside the café—
Touka Kirishima finally spoke.
Her purple eyes fixed on Kiryu.
"Who were they?"
She had sensed something unusual.
Their presence—
Their conversation—
The subtle tension in the air.
"CCG investigators."
Kiryu answered calmly.
"We met on the street before."
He wiped the cup Shinohara had used.
"So they came to visit."
Then he added casually—
"The white-haired one stole my wallet once."
A flash of wariness crossed Touka's eyes.
CCG investigators visiting the café—
Was never good news.
Seeing her concern—
Kiryu placed the cup down.
Then walked closer.
"Don't worry."
His voice softened slightly.
"It was probably just routine patrol."
He raised his hand.
Gently brushing aside a strand of hair that had fallen across her forehead.
Touka froze.
A faint blush crept toward her ears.
She didn't push him away.
But she turned her gaze aside.
"…Don't touch me here."
She muttered quietly.
"Ahem."
A cough suddenly came from the staircase.
Both of them turned at once.
Standing there was Arata Kirishima.
His gaze lingered briefly on Kiryu's hand.
His expression carried a mixture of curiosity and embarrassment.
The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Touka's face turned bright red.
She spun around immediately.
"Mr. Kirishima."
Kiryu spoke first.
"How are you feeling?"
"Any discomfort?"
Arata stretched his shoulders lightly.
"I'm recovering quickly."
He replied with a reassuring smile.
"I feel much better now."
His eyes shifted between Kiryu and Touka.
"I just came downstairs for a walk."
"You two carry on."
With a gentle smile—
He turned and walked slowly back upstairs.
Kiryu returned to the counter.
Placing the cups into the sink.
Then he suddenly remembered something.
"By the way…"
"I haven't seen Ken Kaneki or Hide much lately."
"Are they busy?"
Touka was organizing sugar jars.
Her blush had not fully faded yet.
"They have final exams soon."
She replied softly.
"Hide has a report to finish."
"And Kaneki…"
She paused slightly.
"Probably in the library again."
"…Final exams?"
Kiryu murmured quietly.
Only then did he remember—
He had not attended school in quite some time.
Touka suddenly looked up.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…Wait."
"You didn't forget you have final exams too…"
"…did you?"
She stared at him in disbelief.
"You attend Kamii University."
"Do you know how many people desperately try to get into that school?"
"And you just ignore it?"
Despite the scolding—
Concern was hidden beneath her words.
Kiryu stepped closer.
Closing the distance between them.
"Don't worry."
He said calmly.
Then he smiled slightly.
"But if you have any problems with your studies…"
"You can ask me."
He reached out.
Gently ruffling her hair.
"I can tutor you."
Touka's entire face flushed red.
Even her ears turned bright crimson.
For once—
She didn't push his hand away.
Instead—
She lowered her head slightly.
After a few seconds of hesitation—
She spoke in a voice barely louder than a whisper.
"…Then…"
"…tonight…"
"…come to my room."
The words were soft.
Shy.
Almost trembling.
Immediately afterward—
She turned and rushed toward the kitchen.
Nearly stumbling in her haste.
Her retreating figure revealed a mixture of embarrassment…
Shyness…
And anticipation.
Kiryu remained standing where he was.
His hand still raised in midair.
Surprise flickered in his eyes.
"…Did I hear that correctly?"
He murmured.
Inside his mind—
Carnage answered slowly.
[…She told you…]
[…to go to her room tonight…]
The symbiote paused.
Then added curiously—
[…Why is your heart beating…]
[…so fast?]
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