Asa Mitaka lifted her teacup.
The tea was slightly bitter, but when she remembered Cael had brewed it just for her, the bitterness melted away.
"It's delicious," she said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
For a moment, she couldn't find the right words.
Losing her student ID was partly due to the so‑called 'good classmates' who had tormented her.
It wasn't just the ID; Asa had lost a lot of things lately.
They thought they were delivering some twisted version of 'justice' because of Kukobi's death.
But… now she felt almost grateful to them.
If they hadn't meddled, Cael wouldn't have found her ID.
And then…
Meeting him under such slim odds… maybe it was fate after all.
Cael lounged cross‑legged on the tatami mat, rubbing his forehead as he asked gently, "Now that you've got your student ID back, Asa, are you going back to school tomorrow?"
Asa's expression immediately shifted, her eyes going hollow with despair.
"Honestly… I'd rather fucking die than go back to school."
"Uh…" Cael blinked.
Yeah, that was a level of psychological damage he didn't expect.
He curled a corner of his mouth, leaning his head back with a lazy shrug.
"Well, if you hate it that much, then don't go. By the way… you got any plans tomorrow? Wanna hit up Dome Amusement City and just chill?"
Asa blinked, caught off guard.
Was he asking me out?
Did that mean… a date?
"Uh… is Cael going too?" she asked timidly.
"Yeah, I'm going," Cael nodded with a teasing grin.
"All work and no fun makes smart Asa a dull girl."
He still had to get repairmen for the shop over the next few days, so he'd be free anyway.
Using this chance to help a girl with a busted psyche?
Might as well do a good deed.
"Is Cael bringing friends?" Asa asked tentatively, hopeful.
Cael shook his head, shrugging.
"Nope. My job has tons of clients but zero friends. If you got any friends, feel free to bring them. I got this covered."
"I don't have any friends either!" Asa blurted out with unexpected excitement.
Cael blinked.
…Bragging rights for no friends now?
Asa realized it would be just her and Cael.
Oh god.
This had to be a date, right!?
"In your head, stop yelling at me to refuse him," Yoru muttered in her mind.
"Yoru, do you think Chainsaw Man could be at the amusement park?" Asa countered, voice tight.
Finding Chainsaw Man was not fun though!
Yoru paused… and surprisingly agreed.
"Well, we haven't checked Dome Amusement Park yet. Lots of people, so maybe there's info to gather."
Because devil logic is a special brand of nonsensical, Asa managed to convince herself.
"So… you in?" Cael asked.
"I'll go!" Asa nodded seriously.
"And Cael, you don't have to pay. I got a scholarship. Since you already treated me to dinner, I'll pay for the tickets!"
"Huh, so Asa's a top student too," Cael said with a light smile.
He wasn't focused on money; when you're trying to counsel someone with baggage like hers, you look for strengths everywhere.
Just then Denji finished washing dishes and ran in all excited.
"Cael! I just heard you're going to the amusement park tomorrow. Can I come too?!"
What?
Asa nearly coughed up blood.
She completely forgot Cael had a kid bro.
No… why was Denji trying to butt in?!
Is a kid this big still meant to sleep in the same bed as the adults or what?
"Denji, you're going to school tomorrow. I already talked to your teachers. We'll go play another day," Cael said, firm but gentle.
"Oh! School! That sounds great!"
Denji wasn't phased.
In his mind, school was just another version of an amusement park.
Deep down Denji wanted school bad.
Himeno told him Cael had fought for his education, and Denji was grateful.
If he studied more, he'd be more useful to Cael.
Seeing Denji happily ditch the trip, Asa finally exhaled in relief.
"I guess I should head home then. Cael, see you tomorrow."
But Cael frowned slightly as he looked out into the pitch‑black night.
"It's pretty late. Why not stay at the shop tonight, Asa? There are plenty of spare rooms. Don't worry about dust, Denji and I cleaned them all."
Asa froze.
Wait… sleepover part already?
"Is… that okay?" she asked softly.
"As long as you trust me," Cael replied.
"If you're not comfortable, I can drive you home instead."
In the next moment…
A red‑faced Asa Mitaka sat on a neatly made bed in one of the spare rooms.
Cael had placed brand‑new bedding beside her with careful precision.
"I just turned on the hot water for this room," he said calmly.
"There are disposable toiletries in the shower. Treat it like a hotel, Asa."
"Mm," Asa bit her lip and murmured softly.
The funeral home used to have staff dorms when Cael's parents were alive.
After their deaths, the business had struggled, and the old employees left.
Some had even colluded with gangs trying to take the place over, but Cael ended up killing the gang leader and securing the business.
Now, with over fifty million yen in the bank, he didn't plan to rehire old staff; he needed trustworthy people.
Cael walked back to his own room.
Just as he was about to sleep, his phone buzzed.
It was a message from Hayakawa Aki.
Division 4 Hayakawa Aki: I'm hunting a devil tomorrow, want to come?
Tsk.
Work already?
Authorities sure knew how to order people around.
At the thought of Hayakawa Aki trashing his shop, a mischievous smile spread across Cael's face.
Cael: Not going. I've got a date tomorrow.
Division 4 Hayakawa Aki:
…
I don't know what kind of potion you gave Makima to get this deal.
You get the benefits but refuse responsibility.
Cael: I'm just a temp in Public Safety's Special Division.
I only work when I get paid.
You guys have a base salary.
Risking your lives slaying devils is your job, not mine.
Outside the screen, Hayakawa Aki took a long drag of her cigarette, blowing out smoke to calm down.
Himeno told her to communicate better with Cael…
With a lazy guy like that, she didn't think it mattered much.
Division 4 Hayakawa Aki: Fine. I won't disturb your leisure again.
Have a nice date.
Seeing her deadpan sarcasm…
Cael replied without hesitation, striking right back.
Cael: Thanks. I'm sure it'll be very pleasant, because she's a really cute girl, unlike Miss Hayakawa Aki at all~
____
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