When ghouls see something delicious, their bodies instinctively react with hunger. It's a natural signal: time to eat, time to feed. This applies not only to humans but to ghouls as well.
The moment Tsukiyama saw Hayashi, his mind didn't have time to think. Yet the faint fragrance in the air instantly triggered his ghoul instincts.
Gulp~
Tsukiyama swallowed, feeling his stomach stir with hunger. Even though he had just eaten, the sight of Hayashi now made him feel famished. It was impossible to resist — Hayashi looked too enticing, like a delicacy perfectly presented.
"Oh~ My god… how can such a delicious thing exist in this world~" Tsukiyama murmured softly, his eyes filled with incredulity.
But he quickly composed himself and walked over gracefully.
"Sir, may I sit across from you?" Tsukiyama gave a gentlemanly bow, his voice gentle and his movements elegant.
"Of course. Please, have a seat." Hayashi nodded, unsurprised. After all, his angel-demon aura naturally attracted ghouls. As the Gourmet, Tsukiyama was incapable of resisting such a unique aura.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Shuu Tsukiyama. I look forward to your guidance~" Tsukiyama sat down, extending a hand gracefully.
"Hayashi." He nodded and shook his hand. As he moved closer, a subtle fragrance enveloped him, and the warmth of his hand was soft and inviting. In that instant, Tsukiyama felt a wave of pleasure and satisfaction.
'Yes… this was the feeling — exquisite, perfect~'
"Mr. Tsukiyama, may I ask why you came to see me?" Hayashi sipped his coffee, his eyes showing curiosity.
Tsukiyama's gaze quickly fell on the Black Goat novel lying nearby.
"You may not realize it, but I am a devoted fan of Takatsuki-sensei. I truly enjoy her works~ What you don't know is that my favorite is Black Goat. To meet a fellow reader here fills me with unexpected joy. I apologize for disturbing you suddenly, Mr. Hayashi~"
His voice was gentle and lively, laced with a subtle politeness. His elegant demeanor made him seem naturally approachable.
However, Hayashi knew it was all lies. Tsukiyama had likely never heard of Takatsuki, let alone read her books. In truth, Hayashi himself hadn't read the book either — it had sat untouched beside him for a long time.
"I see…" Hayashi nodded, feigning surprise. "Mr. Tsukiyama enjoys Takatsuki-sensei's books too… I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised."
"Yes, her writing is elegant, her style comforting, giving a natural sense of closeness." Tsukiyama nodded, speaking gracefully, behaving as if sincere. It was hard to detect that he was making everything up.
"I feel the same. Truly remarkable." Hayashi nodded in agreement.
And so, two "book lovers" who hadn't actually read Takatsuki's works carried on their conversation back and forth.
"That's enough. The café is a quiet place. Stop talking so loudly." Perhaps unable to tolerate it any longer, Touka interrupted.
"Miss Kirishima, Mr. Hayashi and I share similar tastes. It feels as though we were destined to meet late in life. Our voices can be softer, but could you please not disturb us?"
Tsukiyama lightly nodded, his gaze carrying a subtle, elegant smile. This was clearly his way of saying: This is my prey — do not interfere with my hunt.
"No. You've already disturbed others. So leave, Tsukiyama!" Touka's words showed she understood his implication but showed no sign of backing down.
"You make it difficult for me, Miss Kirishima~" Tsukiyama narrowed his eyes, his gaze carrying a subtle threat.
"Difficult? Then don't bother!" Touka laughed lightly, a cold gleam in her eyes.
Just as the tension seemed ready to ignite, Tsukiyama chose to yield.
"Miss Kirishima, I apologize for my earlier words. I will leave now. But…" He paused mid-sentence, his gaze landing on Hayashi.
"Then Mr. Hayashi… shouldn't you leave with me as well?" About to protest, Hayashi was stopped.
"Mr. Hayashi is always quiet because you approached him first. So this isn't his concern." Touka nodded, her calm eyes filled with subtle provocation. Her words essentially labeled Hayashi as her prey — something she had chosen.
Surprised by her protectiveness, Tsukiyama found himself intrigued by Hayashi even more.
"In that case, I shall take my leave~" Tsukiyama bowed courteously to everyone in the café.Before turning, he fixed his gaze on Hayashi.
"Mr. Hayashi, since we couldn't fully enjoy our discussion today, perhaps we may discuss it again in the future~"
With that, he left with unmatched elegance.
"Hayashi, huh?" Leaning against the door, Tsukiyama smiled faintly.U nbelievable… such a delicious prey existed in the world. The lingering, sweet, exquisite aroma made his gaze dazed and intoxicated.
Yet this delightful encounter had been interrupted.He recalled Touka's composed, delicate face and her protective tone.
"To make the usually ghoul-disliking Miss Kirishima stand up…I find you increasingly fascinating, Mr. Hayashi~"
Licking his lips, his eyes glimmered with excitement and pleasure. It had been a long time since he had encountered such an exhilarating prey…