In the week before meeting Mejiro Ramonu, Tokai Teio began showing up at Gotham Song's dorm with increasing frequency.
Most of the time, she didn't even have a good reason—she'd just casually drop by as though it were perfectly natural.
Not that Gotham Song minded much. Neo Universe, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy… bullying Tokai Teio?
At any rate, as of today, Tokai Teio's record was a complete string of defeats.
Well, what else would you expect from a veteran of countless parallel worlds?
Yet a week passed quickly, and before Gotham Song knew it, she was already standing at the appointed place, waiting for Mejiro Ardan.
Neo Universe had promised to remain nearby as a final safeguard, but Gotham Song wasn't overly worried in the first place—
After all, Manhattan Cafe was accompanying her.
Gotham Song cast an amused glance upwards, watching Sunday Silence float around making silly faces. Yet, despite the playful ghost's antics, a faint anxiety crept into her heart.
Instinctively, Gotham Song reached out and took her cousin's hand.
Manhattan Cafe's fingers felt warm—slightly larger than Gotham Song's own, comforting and reassuring. Cafe glanced down at her cousin before gently squeezing back, encouraged by Sunday Silence's teasing whispers.
"It's alright. I'm right here with you."
Gotham Song felt herself relax, finally noticing Mejiro Ardan approaching gracefully from a distance.
In all honesty, Gotham Song found their meeting place rather unexpected—it wasn't a cozy family-style restaurant, but instead a café.
Of course, Gotham Song wasn't in any position to complain about Ardan's choice, especially since Ardan had generously offered to cover all expenses. Still, it made Gotham Song wonder—
Ardan-san… has your relationship with Ramonu-neesan really become so strained?
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn't expect you two to arrive before me," Ardan greeted warmly, turning to Cafe with a gentle smile. "And you must be Manhattan Cafe-san, correct?"
Truthfully, Ardan didn't know Cafe at all. She'd only just learned about Gotham Song's cousin after Song mentioned bringing along a companion.
Though… why do I feel this Manhattan Cafe-san is somewhat dangerous? Am I imagining things again?
Ardan was beginning to think her imagination had gotten far too active lately.
"Yes. Pleased to meet you, Ardan-san. Thank you for taking care of Song," Cafe replied courteously.
Gotham Song froze on the spot, her face stiffening slightly.
Cafe wouldn't normally speak so formally, so what exactly had happened…?
Meanwhile, Sunday Silence was floating by, mumbling suspicious things.
Suddenly, Gotham Song had a terribly uneasy feeling.
"But please remember, Ardan-san," Cafe continued softly but firmly, "Song is my cousin."
And mine alone.
Gotham Song immediately felt her brain crash into total chaos.
Sunday Silence, you damned ghost! Once we get home, I'm rolling you up and throwing you straight out of the dorm!
She furiously tried to ignore the mischievous black phantom staring provocatively from the sidelines.
Ardan paused briefly, slightly taken aback by Cafe's declaration, then nodded gently.
"Thank you for the reminder, Cafe-san. Of course, Song is your cousin."
At least… for now? Wait—why am I even thinking like this?
Confused by her own thoughts, Ardan quickly moved on, leading the two younger girls into the café.
(And one ghost remained unseen by everyone else.)
Oddly, despite being near Tracen Academy and the height of afternoon business hours, the café was entirely empty.
Something feels very off here…
Noticing Gotham Song's confusion, Ardan offered a quiet explanation after they took their seats.
"Ramonu-neesan reserved the entire café for today. After all, we haven't seen each other for quite some time."
Gotham Song nodded slowly, then raised another question:
"If this is a family matter, are you sure it's alright for us to be here?"
Ardan shook her head gently.
"Actually, it's precisely why I need you here. If only family were present, Ramonu-neesan might be less inclined to hold back."
In other words, having outsiders around would force Mejiro Ramonu to maintain some level of restraint—exactly why Gotham Song was here today.
Gotham Song nodded in understanding, then bravely ordered an iced Americano—unsweetened.
Under the curious gazes of her companions, she pumped her fist with determination, loudly declaring her intent to finally conquer the bitter drink today.
Ardan exchanged a helpless look with Cafe, who quickly got up to chase after the waiter, quietly requesting a few sugar packets.
Just as this small distraction was winding down, the figure they'd all been waiting for appeared at the café's entrance.
Yet, unexpectedly, the first person they saw wasn't Mejiro Ramonu.
Instead, it was…
"It's been a while, Ardan-neesan—oh? We have guests today? Nice to meet you. I'm Mejiro Bright."
Mejiro Bright?!
Gotham Song quickly responded politely, swiftly piecing together the situation.
So, Ramonu-neesan and Ardan-san had exactly the same idea: One bringing a family member to pressure Ardan into meeting, and the other bringing outsiders to ensure Ramonu-neesan behaved.
What a strange situation.
As Gotham Song curiously studied Mejiro Bright, the other girl offered a subtle wink.
After Bright sat down and glanced back at the empty doorway, she leaned in towards Ardan, unable to hide her concern.
"Ardan-neesan, where on earth did you find this little filly? Is it really a good idea to let Ramonu-neesan see her like this?"
Bright didn't bother keeping her voice down—there wasn't time anyway. Ardan shook her head gently.
"If it's the first meeting here, at least we can restrain Ramonu-neesan a bit."
Bright sighed softly, falling silent before finally nodding.
"I suppose that's true. Honestly… Ramonu-neesan really is…"
"So," Cafe interjected abruptly, sensing something troubling, even before Sunday Silence could prompt her. "Does this have something specific to do with Song?"
Before Cafe could receive an answer, another set of footsteps echoed from the entrance, silencing all conversation.
Mejiro Ramonu stepped into the café, her footsteps clear and purposeful. Her expression was heavy and serious, yet as she approached their table, she suddenly halted.
Initially, her gaze settled on Ardan. But only moments later, her attention abruptly shifted toward Gotham Song.
In that instant, everyone in the room became acutely aware of a single fact:
Mejiro Ramonu's heartbeat had just sharply accelerated.