After the brief meeting—
The members of Anteiku dispersed quietly.
Touka Kirishima returned to her room without saying a word, clearly preoccupied.
Kuzen Yoshimura led Renji Yomo and Arata Kirishima upstairs, seemingly needing to discuss something privately.
Meanwhile—
Koma Enji and Irimi Kaya hurriedly left.
As former leaders of the ghoul groups Demon Ape and Black Doberman, they needed to return immediately and gather their people.
The coming battle—
The Owl Suppression Operation—
Would determine the fate of the 20th Ward.
Inside the empty café—
Silence slowly returned.
[…I didn't expect you to stay…]
Carnage's voice echoed inside Ren's mind.
"What, surprised?"
[…Considering your personality…]
Carnage replied.
[…I assumed you would hide… like the others…]
"Actually,"
Ren Kiryu said calmly while preparing a cup of coffee,
"That was my original plan."
Hot water poured into the cup.
The rich aroma of coffee spread through the quiet shop.
"It was the safest option."
He lifted the cup and looked out the rain-streaked window.
Streetlights outside shimmered through the falling rain.
"But honestly…"
He murmured.
"I'm tired of being cautious."
For a long time—
He had been extremely careful.
Always hiding.
Always calculating.
But the reality of Tokyo remained unchanged.
As long as the Washuu Clan ruled from the shadows—
The conflict between humans and ghouls would never end.
Hatred passed down from one generation to the next.
An endless cycle.
[…Good…]
Carnage laughed quietly.
[…You finally understand…]
[…We are one.]
"…If we're going to overthrow the Washuu…"
Carnage whispered darkly.
"…then we'll tear apart anyone who stands in our way."
"…There is nothing we cannot destroy."
Ren took a sip of coffee.
The bitter taste spread across his tongue.
He had been waiting for the right moment.
And now—
The opportunity had arrived.
If everything went according to plan—
The rule of the Washuu clan would fall.
Carnage's voice suddenly changed.
A hint of teasing appeared.
[…Your little girlfriend seems unhappy…]
[…Aren't you going to comfort her?]
Ren set down his cup.
Without answering—
He turned and walked toward the staircase.
Second Floor
The hallway upstairs was dim.
Only a single wall lamp illuminated the corridor.
The sound of rain striking the roof was clearer here.
Soft.
Persistent.
Ren stopped outside Touka's room.
He knocked gently.
For a moment—
There was silence.
Then a quiet voice replied:
"…Come in."
He opened the door.
The room was dark.
Only the streetlights outside filtered through the rain-streaked window.
Touka sat on the floor beside the window.
Her arms wrapped around her knees.
Her face buried against them.
She looked small.
Fragile.
Ren walked over and sat beside her.
Without speaking.
They sat quietly together.
The room filled with only two sounds:
The rain.
And their breathing.
After a long time—
Touka slowly lifted her head.
Her gaze remained fixed on the blurred lights outside.
"…Am I useless?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Ren sighed softly.
"I can't help at all…"
Her voice trembled.
"Everyone has to protect me."
"The manager."
"My parents."
"Mr. Yomo."
"And now even you…"
Two silent tears slid down her cheeks.
She didn't sob.
She simply let them fall.
Ren looked at her quietly.
The usually sharp, stubborn girl—
Now looked painfully vulnerable.
He didn't know what words to say.
So instead—
He acted.
He gently pulled her into his arms.
Touka stiffened slightly.
Like a startled cat.
But soon—
She relaxed.
Leaning into him.
Her forehead rested against his shoulder.
Warm tears soaked into his collar.
Ren held her more tightly.
Resting his chin gently against her head.
Slowly—
Her trembling began to calm.
After a while—
Her fingers lightly gripped the hem of his shirt.
"…Thank you."
Her voice was muffled against his chest.
Still hoarse from crying.
Ren looked down at her.
But Touka buried her face deeper into him.
"…If I could…"
She whispered softly.
"I wouldn't want you to stay."
"I'm afraid you won't come back."
"Just like when I was little…"
"When my parents suddenly disappeared…"
Her fingers tightened.
"I don't want to lose you too."
After a pause—
She spoke again.
Her voice filled with fragile hope.
"Promise me…"
"…You'll come back safely."
"…Okay?"
Ren opened his mouth to answer—
But Touka suddenly cupped his face.
Her hands were cool.
Still damp with tears.
She looked at him quietly.
For a long moment.
Then—
She leaned forward and kissed him.
Unlike the brief kiss before—
This one was intense.
Determined.
Her lips pressed against his.
Awkward at first.
But soon filled with desperate emotion.
Ren paused briefly.
Then closed his eyes.
His arms wrapped around her waist.
Pulling her closer.
The kiss deepened.
Touka's fingers slid into his hair.
Gripping tightly.
Outside—
The rain continued falling.
But inside the room—
Only their quiet breathing remained.
Eventually—
They slowly separated.
Touka's face was completely red.
Her breathing uneven.
She lowered her gaze shyly.
Still clutching his collar.
Refusing to let go.
"I'll bring everyone back."
Ren said softly.
"I promise."
"…Mm."
Touka replied quietly.
She buried her face in his chest again.
Outside—
The rain gradually stopped.
Streetlights shone through the wet glass.
Their shadows merged together—
Stretching softly across the floor.
[…Oh…]
Carnage whispered.
[…How touching…]
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