After the reunion of the Fueguchi Asaki family, life inside Anteiku returned to its usual rhythm.
But compared to before—
There was one obvious change.
The café was often filled with the bright laughter of Hinami Fueguchi.
Her cheerful voice echoed like a small bell.
Adding warmth to the quiet café.
4:00 AM
Ren slowly turned the final page of a novel.
The book in his hands was "The Black Goat's Egg."
Written by the famous author Sen Takatsuki.
He gently closed the book.
This copy—
Was borrowed from Ken Kaneki.
Since tomorrow was his day off—
He allowed himself to stay up unusually late.
"How was it?"
He asked inside his mind.
Carnage answered slowly.
[…Not bad…]
For a symbiote that enjoyed violence—
This novel was surprisingly appealing.
The story centered around a twisted relationship between a serial killer called "Black Goat" and his son.
The narrative blended brutal imagery with deep psychological exploration.
As bedtime reading—
It was strangely suitable for Carnage's taste.
Ren turned off the light.
Pulling the blanket over himself.
"Goodnight."
Carnage replied lazily.
[The symbiote doesn't need sleep…]
Then after a moment—
[…But… goodnight…]
Darkness swallowed his consciousness.
5:00 AM
"Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!"
Birds screamed.
The sharp sound stabbed directly into his brain.
He buried his head deeper into the pillow.
But the noise persisted.
Finally—
He grabbed his phone.
The screen lit up.
5:00 AM.
"…Where did this bird come from?"
He cursed quietly.
He had lived above the café for quite some time.
This was the first time the place had been this "lively."
Carnage spoke.
[Hinami's… stupid bird…]
Then he remembered.
A few days earlier—
Hinami had rescued a bird with a broken wing.
She placed it in a cage inside the café.
And named it—
"Stupid Bird."
Ren jumped out of bed.
Stormed downstairs.
And found the cage.
Inside the dark café—
Crimson symbiote matter spread across his face.
Carnage's monstrous features emerged.
He leaned close to the cage.
"Scream again…"
"…and I'll turn you into soup."
The bird froze instantly.
Its feathers trembled violently.
It pressed itself into the corner of the cage.
Completely silent.
He nodded with satisfaction.
Then returned upstairs.
Collapsed onto the bed.
Finally—
Peace.
7:00 AM
"Knock knock knock!"
The knocking was violent.
Ren's eyes snapped open.
His phone displayed—
7:00 AM.
"F**k."
He rolled out of bed angrily.
If the person outside was Nishio Nishiki, he would absolutely teach him a lesson.
He opened the door.
"Good morning, Kiryu-nii!"
The cheerful voice exploded immediately.
It was Hinami.
Her face was glowing with excitement.
Behind her stood Kaneki.
"Good morning, Kiryu-nii."
Kaneki bowed politely.
Seeing them—
He barely suppressed the murderous aura surrounding him.
"What is it…?"
His voice sounded like sandpaper.
Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
"Today there's a signing event!"
Hinami waved her arms excitedly.
"Takatsuki-sensei is holding a book signing today!"
"At the big bookstore in the city center!"
"Kaneki-nii and I are going!"
"Do you want to come?"
Ren opened his mouth.
A refusal almost came out.
He desperately wanted to sleep.
But Hinami's shining eyes stopped him.
He sighed.
"…Fine."
"Wait a moment."
A few minutes later—
After washing his face and changing clothes—
He followed the two energetic fans into the busy streets.
The city center was already alive.
Cars honked.
Pedestrians rushed to work.
Store shutters rattled open.
The morning city roared with life.
Kaneki glanced at him worriedly.
"Kiryu-nii…"
"You look… exhausted."
"I stayed up until four reading."
He yawned.
"My alarm clock bird woke me at five."
"And the seven o'clock surprise started knocking on my door."
"How could I not look terrible?"
He leaned toward Kaneki.
Lowering his voice.
"That stupid bird…"
"…I'm turning it into soup sooner or later."
Kaneki's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Wait—"
"Kiryu-nii stayed up reading Takatsuki-sensei's book too?!"
His face brightened dramatically.
"I knew it!"
"Takatsuki-sensei's novels are worth staying up all night!"
"The ending of The Black Goat's Egg was incredible!"
"That twisted father-son relationship…"
Kaneki immediately entered full fanboy mode.
Completely ignoring Ren's complaints.
He began enthusiastically analyzing the book.
Ren's eyelids twitched.
His temples throbbed.
After struggling through the crowd—
They finally reached the bookstore.
The signing event was on the first floor.
But the line—
Was enormous.
Fans stretched from the table…
All the way to the entrance.
Mostly young readers like Kaneki.
The air buzzed with excitement.
"So many people!"
Hinami clutched his sleeve.
Her eyes sparkled.
Kaneki nervously adjusted his glasses.
He stared toward the signing desk.
Ren followed their gaze.
Then blinked.
Behind the signing table—
No one was there.
Just several empty chairs.
He blinked again.
Then slowly turned toward Kaneki.
His voice rose dramatically.
"Where is she?"
His voice nearly cracked.
"I'm asking you—where is she?!"
"Where is that legendary Takatsuki-sensei you keep praising?!"
"I sacrificed precious sleep!"
"I dragged my sleep-deprived body all the way here!"
"And you're telling me—"
He pointed at the empty desk.
"…she's late?!"
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