"I'm leaving now. Remember, don't get into any conflicts with anyone, got it!"
After repeating the warning several times, Hayashi stood up, paid, and left.
After he left, Rize stayed in the café until late, remaining until closing time. Unable to hunt, and with Hayashi not at home, she had nothing to study or experiment on, making her feel bored. With few hobbies of her own, she spent the time reading books to pass the hours.
By this time, only Rize and Touka remained in the café.
A while later, Touka, now dressed in her school uniform, came out from the staff room.
After flipping the sign at the café entrance from "Open" to "Close" she walked straight over and sat across from Rize.
"I have to ask… have you changed recently?"
Although she didn't really want to interact, Touka couldn't help but speak.
"Huh?"
Rize looked up from her book, a hint of confusion and puzzlement in her beautiful eyes. Though in truth, she already had a rough idea of what Touka wanted to ask.
"You've spent the whole day here obediently reading. Usually, you'd be out hunting and feasting. And Hayashi… he's your prey, right? I noticed the way you look at him with such desire. So why haven't you eaten him yet?"
Touka's delicate, cold eyes showed a hint of disbelief. Looking at Hayashi, completely unharmed, she found it hard to believe. Even she would find it difficult to resist such a delicious target — let alone Rize. How could Rize manage to restrain herself for so long?
"Just because I'm in contact with Hayashi, does it mean I want to eat him?"
"Can't I like him… even love him?"
Rize put down her book, raising her head slightly to retort.
"You… like a human?"
Touka sneered, thinking Rize must be joking. Ghouls and humans were natural enemies — love between them was impossible. Especially Rize, infamous for treating humans as food rather than people.
"Hayashi is far more exquisite and perfect than you can imagine."
"That feeling of wanting to stay by his side, wanting to understand him, wanting to kill him… but not being able to. You'll probably never understand it in your lifetime."
Rize laughed softly, closed her book, and stood up to leave the café.
"Never understand?"
Listening to the door click shut and staring at the empty seat, Touka snorted coldly. Her eyes shone with determination.
'You say I can't understand your feelings? Then I'll show you that I can!''Being in contact with Hayashi? I can do that too.''I want to see exactly what's so special about him!'
Meanwhile…
Achoo!
In the CCG office, Hayashi sneezed.
"Senpai, are you catching a cold?" Suzuya, curious, leaned over, his reddish-brown eyes sparkling.
"Maybe… it's gotten a bit chilly lately" Hayashi nodded, though he felt uneasy.
He had a vague sense that someone had been thinking about him — giving him a bad premonition.
"Hayashi, there you are. I've been looking for you for ages."
A strong pair of hands landed on his shoulders. Looking up, Hayashi saw Shinohara's rugged face.
"Investigator Special Shinohara?"
Seeing a familiar face, Hayashi stood from his seat.
"The headquarters issued a temporary notice, assigning you a speaking task."
Shinohara nodded, a broad smile on his face.
"A speech?" Hayashi froze.
'A speech? Me? Was this a joke?'
He had never passed language class, could barely write 300 words in composition, and even teachers sometimes doubted his nationality. Asking him to give a speech seemed harder than soloing an SSS-rated ghoul.
"That's right. You've done such an outstanding job that many investigators are now your fans. Headquarters wants to use your influence to motivate the newcomers — get them pumped up and ready to work!"
Shinohara patted his shoulder with appreciation in his eyes.
"Marude sees potential in you. With proper guidance, you'll become a great asset!"
"…Well…" With words like that, Hayashi had no choice but to accept.
"The speech is at 4 PM. Prepare accordingly. Do your best. I believe in you. I have work to do, so I'll be off" Shinohara left after his earnest advice.
"Why do so many things happen every day?" Sitting down, Hayashi rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
"Senpai, if you have troubles or questions, you can ask me. I'll help you think of solutions~" Suzuya sat cross-legged on the table in front of him, his posture chaotic yet oddly obedient.
"Suzuya, if you had to give a speech, what would you say?" Hayashi asked, hoping for some guidance.
"Well…" He swayed slightly, thinking. "If it were me, I'd probably talk about what snacks are good to eat, how to sew the red thread on the body, and…"
"Enough! That's enough!" Hayashi interrupted, massaging his temples. As expected, asking Suzuya was pointless — his mind was as empty as a wallet.
"I'll figure it out myself." Standing, he turned to Suzuya.
"Finish today's work before I get back. If I'm not back yet, you can leave early."
"Yes, Senpai~" Suzuya nodded, smiling, swaying slightly.
After leaving the office, Hayashi racked his brains in the meeting room to draft the speech. After much effort, he finally finished before 4 PM.
"Ahem… I am Investigator Hayashi, today's speaker." Standing on the podium, he looked down at the dozens of new investigators. He cleared his throat and began.
Many of the newcomers had heard of him, so most looked on with curiosity and respect. Though nervous, the speech went smoothly.
Soon, it ended to the applause of the audience.The new investigators left in an orderly fashion, chatting enthusiastically. Hayashi packed his things, preparing to go home.
Just as he was about to leave, he was stopped.
"Investigator Hayashi, hello! We're the new investigators~" He looked up at the sweet, gentle voices. Before him stood two lovely and pure-looking young women.