Inside a restaurant decorated in a fresh, minimalist style, Fushimi Kyo and Rize Kamishiro sat facing each other.
"Miss Rize, do you like reading novels?"
Kyo asked while cutting into his steak, his gaze drifting toward a book lying on the table.
The author's name on the cover was unmistakable
Takatsuki Sen.
"Yes, very much," Rize replied with a smile.
"I really like Takatsuki Sen's works, especially her debut novel."
"The writing style didn't feel like something a beginner could produce at all. It was passionate, yet delicate at the same time. Honestly, it's hard to believe she was only in her teens when she debuted."
As she spoke about Takatsuki Sen, admiration filled Rize's face.
"If you admire her so much," Kyo said with a gentle smile,
"then I should definitely read more of her work in the future."
"That way, when I spend time with you, Miss Rize, we'll have more topics to talk about."
Hearing such a straightforward comment, Rize's cheeks flushed slightly.
Suddenly, she lowered her voice.
"Kyo… don't move."
She pulled a tissue from the table, leaned forward, and gently wiped the corner of Kyo's mouth.
Because her neckline was rather low, Kyo inevitably caught a glimpse of some scenery as she leaned in.
"Miss Rize," Kyo said calmly,
"It's already dark outside. After dinner, let me walk you home."
"The 20th Ward hasn't been peaceful lately; there have been frequent ghoul attacks on humans."
"If I walk you back, I'll feel much more at ease."
Kyo's eyes were locked onto Rize, flames seemingly burning within them.
"Kyo, you're really such a gentleman," Rize said softly, delight blooming in her heart.
"Then I'll have to trouble you later."
She had been planning to find an excuse to make him escort her anyway.
She hadn't expected him to offer so willingly.
Outside the restaurant, hidden behind a pillar, Touka Kirishima watched everything that happened inside.
"Idiot…" she muttered.
"You're already standing on death's doorstep and you don't even realize it."
"I must be crazy to care so much about whether you live or die."
After dinner, Kyo kept his promise and walked Rize home.
Halfway there, a trace of mockery appeared at the corner of Rize's lips.
"Kyo," she said casually,
"It seems like someone is following us."
"I'm scared… what if we're being targeted by something dangerous?"
She clung to Kyo's arm, looking pitiful and vulnerable.
Kyo had long since noticed Touka following them and had already decided to shake her off.
"It's fine," he said calmly.
"We'll go through that commercial street. There are a lot of people there. It'll be easy to lose whoever's tailing us."
"Kyo, you're so clever," Rize praised.
Kyo took Rize's small hand and led her into the bustling commercial street, weaving swiftly through the crowd.
Rize glanced back and even made a provocative expression.
"So they're trying to ditch me…"
Touka instantly understood their intention.
She quickened her pace, but after chasing for less than a hundred meters, the two had completely vanished from her sight.
"…Forget it."
"His fate is sealed. What else can I do?"
"I've already done everything I could."
This was a rather secluded area.
Under the cover of night, a young man and woman walked slowly side by side.
"Kyo," Rize said softly,
"Once we pass that underpass, my place won't be far."
"Is that so?" Kyo replied.
"Then let's pick up the pace."
Soon, the two arrived beneath the bridge.
At that moment
Rumble !
A train thundered overhead, shaking the air.
"Kyo!" Rize suddenly called out.
"Hm? What is it, Miss Rize?"
Kyo turned to face her.
"I… I know you like me," she said shyly, lowering her head.
"And I… I like you too."
If it were anyone else, they would surely be fooled by Rize's Oscar-worthy performance.
But Kyo knew her far too well.
He understood that this was simply her pre-meal ritual.
Since he had already played along with her lover's act for this long, continuing a little longer wouldn't hurt.
"Really?" Kyo said excitedly,
"So you like me too?"
He pulled Rize into his arms.
At that moment, the distance between them vanished.
"Yes," Rize whispered.
"I really like you, Kyo."
"Then promise me one thing…"
"Let me… eat you."
As she spoke, red powder drifted into the air.
Two Kagune slowly emerged from her back.
At the same time, she bit fiercely toward Kyo's neck.
But
Kyo was faster.
Rize suddenly felt sharp pain explode from her delicate neck.
She froze for an instant, then violently shoved Kyo away.
Looking up, she saw him standing opposite her
His eyes burning with fervor.
Fresh crimson blood stained his lips, making him look terrifying in the darkness.
Rize touched her neck.
The wound was already slowly healing.
But when she looked at Kyo again, her expression turned grave.
A ghoul's skin was incredibly tough.
Under the influence of high-density RC cells, ordinary needles and tools couldn't even pierce it.
Yet this human had bitten through her skin.
"What… exactly is this guy?"
Kyo extended his right hand.
The Katana "Bloodsong" appeared in his grasp.
Step by step, he approached Rize.
"Miss Rize," Kyo said calmly,
"I've played along with you for long enough."
"Now hand over your Kakuhou."
The intoxicating scent continued to flood Kyo's senses.
He swallowed hard.
Earlier, when they were together, the restraint had been unbearable.
Now
There was no need to hold back.
"That look…"
Rize's pupils shrank.
She knew that gaze all too well.
It was the look a ghoul wore when hunting humans.
"He's treating me as prey."
The absurdity of it struck her like a blow.
Then came humiliation, searing and violent.
Being hunted by what should have been food filled her with uncontrollable rage.
"Die!"
Behind her, two bright-red Kagune covered in fine scales shot forward explosively straight toward Fushimi Kyo.