Eto Yoshimura studied Akira Mado with keen interest.
A new… and rather promising candidate for a "helper."
And judging by the look of it, her first impression of Rei Ao wasn't bad, either.
Since she and Touka couldn't quite keep up, perhaps it was time to expand the "team"?
Besides, this godly gentleman didn't seem the type to turn anyone away.
A faint, mischievous smile—like someone plotting a prank—curved at the corner of Eto's mouth.
Before she could finish sketching out a plan, the café bell chimed again.
This time in walked a fashion-forward teen with a touch of punk to him—streaks of dyed hair, earrings, and a defiant scowl.
The moment he stepped in he swept the room with a bold stare, quickly locking onto Touka in the corner booth.
His brows knit.
He strode over in long, impatient steps, ignoring everyone else, and stopped in front of her.
"Hey! You text me out of nowhere to come here and tell me you're introducing me to a brother-in-law?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
"I'm busy, okay? Can you stop dragging me into dumb stuff like this?!"
Touka looked at her rebellious little brother, the corner of her mouth twitching helplessly.
Yes—this was Ayato Kirishima.
Whether as the edgy ghoul kid who idolized Aogiri Tree back then or now as a human, that chuunibyou swagger hadn't changed a bit—only the outlet had shifted from brawling to arcade games and eccentric fashion.
Touka shot a mortified glance at Rei Ao and whispered to Ayato, "Keep your voice down—this is…"
That shy, reliant look she gave Rei Ao was instantly caught by Ayato.
He turned a hostile stare on the man who had been sitting quietly all along, gave him a once-over, and looked even more annoyed—maybe with a pinch of jealousy at how good-looking he was.
"Hah? So it's you?"
Chin lifted, Ayato all but challenged Rei Ao:
"You're the pretty boy tricking my idiot sister?"
He took a step closer, trying to win on presence alone—though he didn't have the height for it.
"I'm telling you, my sister's naive. Don't you dare get any funny ideas!"
"If you don't want a beating, you'd better know your place and back off!"
"Ayato! What are you saying—shut up!"
Touka went white and jumped up to cover his mouth.
She knew exactly how strong Rei Ao was, and she feared consequences her brother couldn't handle.
Besides, traditional as she was, she'd already decided Rei Ao was her man.
Even Akira, who had just sat down, couldn't help glancing over at the commotion. Hearing the delinquent announce that Rei Ao already had a girlfriend—apparently the delicate-looking girl—left her with a faint, inexplicable pang. Of course… a man like that wouldn't be single.
Faced with Ayato's childish, hotheaded challenge, Rei Ao showed no anger—if anything, he seemed amused.
He stood, looked down at the boy trying to shield his sister, and smiled.
He didn't say a word to Ayato—just walked toward the door.
As he passed, he dropped a single line:
"Want to teach me a lesson? Then come with me."
"Hah?!"
Ayato was furious at being so thoroughly dismissed.
"Pretty cocky, aren't you!"
Teenage temper flared. He snorted and, without thinking twice, stormed after Rei Ao out of the café.
"Uh…"
Touka's heart seized. She wanted to chase after them—her brother didn't stand a chance against Rei Ao.
"Don't worry."
Eto lightly caught her wrist and shook her head. "He knows his limits," she said evenly. "And letting your brother learn something might not be a bad idea."
Touka hesitated, then sat back down, still staring anxiously at the door.
Most customers barely noticed the blip. Kotaro Amon frowned on principle, but decided it was a family matter and returned to his cookbook. Akira watched the doorway, oddly worried that the flippant man might actually get beaten—though his attitude did make you want to slug him.
It wasn't long.
A few minutes later, the door opened again.
Rei Ao walked in first, as calm as ever—clothes unrumpled, as if he'd just taken a short stroll.
Trailing him was Ayato—like a different person.
Head down. The cocky glare was gone without a trace, replaced by a dazed awe and a deep, gnawing self-doubt.
He followed in small, careful steps, meek as a quail.
Under Touka's stunned gaze, Ayato stopped in front of her,
then bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Sis!"
"Before… I was way too headstrong!"
"And… I've been disrespectful to you for a long time. I'm really sorry!"
His voice was still a little awkward,
but it was more serious—and more shaken—than she'd ever heard.
Touka was completely floored.
Mouth slightly open, she stared at the brother who had just done a 180. Her brain stalled.
Was this really her rebellious, sharp-tongued, contrary little brother?
What on earth had Rei Ao done to him?
Brainwashing?!
Rei Ao slid in beside her, casually slipped an arm around her shoulders, and, smiling at her astonished face, said lightly:
"Well? I gave that clueless kid brother of yours a quick lesson. Not bad, right?"
"Uh…"
Touka glanced from her brother's timid, fearful look to Rei Ao's easy smile, the corner of her eye twitching.
"Not bad?" This was a whole new person!
In the end, she could only manage a complicated little smile, tinged with gratitude. "Th-thanks…"