Sangen-Kita Station, Setagaya Ward.
No sooner had Luo Shu stepped out of the subway than he heard someone calling his name from the intersection.
Recognising the vaguely familiar voice, Luo Shu turned to see Ayano Kannagi standing under a tree by the roadside, in her dark green school uniform, waving at him.
Surprised for a moment, Luo Shu approached her.
As he drew near, Ayano looked astonished and said:
"I can't believe you actually came!"
Luo Shu stared at her speechlessly before retorting: "Didn't you ask me to meet you?"
"But I didn't even say what it was about!" Ayano Kannagi placed one hand on her hip and pressed a finger to her lips, a suspicious expression on her face. "Normally, shouldn't you first ask what the matter is before deciding whether to come out or not?"
"And knowing your personality, you'd definitely suspect this was some trap I set up to trick you, right?"
"After all, if I suddenly call you out without explaining, someone like you would surely think I'm plotting something, wouldn't you?"
Luo Shu turned to leave: "Shall I go back then and text you to ask?"
"Wait!!" Ayano immediately grabbed Luo Shu's hand in panic. "You're already here, why go back?"
'Big Sister, you were the one criticising me first. What's this about suspecting my motives?'
Luo Shu silently allowed Ayano to hold his hand while smiling and saying:
"Do you know why I didn't suspect any trap and came to meet you directly?"
"Why?"
Ayano blinked, her face full of curiosity.
At this, Luo Shu calmly replied, "Because you're too dim. Any trap you set up would definitely fail."
"Hah?" Ayano raised her fist threateningly. "You dare call me dim? Believe I'll punch you?"
"I believe it." Luo Shu said with certainty. Given Ayano's short temper, she'd definitely resort to violence when pushed.
Yet faced with Luo Shu's honest admission, Ayano awkwardly lowered her fist and hid her hands behind her back:
"...So you actually believe I would?"
With Luo Shu being this straightforward, she couldn't even bring herself to take the opportunity to hit him.
"So, what did you want to consult me about this time?"
Hearing this question, Ayano hesitated:
"Isn't this place a bit inappropriate for talking?"
Luo Shu glanced at the bustling street before replying:
"Then let's find a quieter shop."
Just as Luo Shu spotted a dessert shop and was about to speak, Ayano declared confidently:
"Since I invited you, I should decide the location!"
Luo Shu glanced at Ayano but didn't object:
"Fine, you choose."
Ayano then pulled Luo Shu's hand, signalling him to follow:
"There's a Chinese restaurant this way. I heard it's very authentic. My treat today!"
Luo Shu gave Ayano a surprised look. Given her personality, she wouldn't usually choose a Chinese restaurant.
Usually, Ayano would just drag him into whatever random shop caught her eye along the street.
'Someone's feeding her suggestions?'
Realising this, Luo Shu didn't refuse but let Ayano lead him towards it.
The restaurant wasn't far from the subway exit - 300 metres straight ahead, then less than 200 metres right.
Upon arrival, Luo Shu looked up at the traditional Chinese-style tower architecture with a sense of surprise.
Noticing his expression, Ayano grinned:
"Well? I picked this place specially."
"Impressive, right?"
Hearing this, Luo Shu let out a soft chuckle: "You picked it from options someone else gave you, didn't you?"
Ayano Kannagi, having been exposed, immediately flushed with anger: "Just tell me if it's a good choice or not!"
"Yes, yes, it is." Luo Shu responded perfunctorily, though with a hint of teasing: "But you being so thoughtful actually makes things difficult for me."
"Eh? Why is it difficult?" Ayano looked puzzled: "Is treating you to hometown cuisine making you uncomfortable?"
Rather than mentioning how China's cuisine was diverse and that her choice might not actually be his hometown cuisine, Luo Shu instead smiled and said:
"With treatment this good, whatever you're asking for help with must be extremely troublesome. Tell me, how could I dare eat this?"
Hearing this, Ayano suddenly had an epiphany and patted her chest reassuringly:
"Don't worry, it's just a small favour I need from you! Very simple!"
"We've been through life and death together after all. I'd never harm you!"
Luo Shu believed this because, for someone as straightforward as Ayano Kannagi, scheming to harm others was truly difficult.
At this thought, Luo Shu couldn't help but chuckle: "Well then, it seems I'm definitely having this meal today!"
"Of course, eat whatever you want! This one's on me!"
As she spoke, Ayano Kannagi immediately pushed Luo Shu from behind.
"Hurry inside, or we'll miss the dining hours."
Without any resistance, Luo Shu was ushered through the door by Ayano, all the way up to the third floor, where they took their seats at her reserved table.
She had chosen a window-side spot in the main hall, overlooking the outside. Looking out to the right, one could see the busy subway tracks and the temple across the river.
As it was the tail end of cherry blossom season, a few remaining blossoms could still be spotted near the temple.
Just as Luo Shu was admiring the view, Ayano cheerfully asked:
"Nice scenery, isn't it?"
"Not bad." Luo Shu replied mildly, already sensing something amiss.
He had noticed several pairs of eyes watching them intently. Though aware, he pretended not to see, acting as if those staring didn't exist.
Compared to Luo Shu's restraint, Ayano's mood was quite lively:
"I originally wanted to book a private room, but all the ones with good views were taken. Luckily, these window seats were still available, so I grabbed one immediately. Really have to thank Asuna for that..."
"Asuna?" Luo Shu asked with an amused smile.
'Got you now, little schemer.'
Cold sweat instantly appeared on Ayano's face as she corrected herself:
"Asuna's a staff member here! I asked for her help to secure this seat."
"That certainly deserves thanks then."
Luo Shu didn't expose her, merely smiling before casually glancing toward the position he'd noticed earlier.
When his gaze landed on the flaxen-haired girl pretending to study a menu, his expression turned slightly odd.
'Flaxen hair... Asuna?''
'Asuna Yuuki?'
'Well then, little Ayano, this 'staff member' friend of yours... wouldn't happen to have the surname Yuuki, would she?'