Chapter 509: An Unexpected Encounter in a Coffee Shop
Hiratsuka Shizuka and her companions moved with purpose. The moment the three of them—Shizuka, Sengoku Chihiro, and a third, enigmatic woman—emerged from the parking garage, they became an immediate focal point on the street. They were a trio of rare, distinct beauties, each captivating in her own way, and heads turned to follow their every step.
Surveying the bustling street, Hiratsuka Shizuka laid out the plan. "Alright, we'll split up and search this morning. The moment one of us finds it, we meet back here. No wandering off! I'm looking at you, Senpai!"
Sengoku Chihiro let out an exaggerated sigh. "You really have no faith in me at all, do you? Fine, fine! No one is allowed to wander off! That's the rule!"
The third woman offered no words, merely a casual wave of her hand before she coolly peeled off in her own direction. With a shared nod, Hiratsuka Shizuka and Sengoku Chihiro also departed, each taking a different route.
Meanwhile, Ren was finally breathing a sigh of relief. Lucifer and the others had decided to take Nami and her friends shopping for some more personal attire, granting him a rare moment of freedom. They would call him when they were finished.
As Ren turned to leave, Modeus started to follow, a hopeful look in her eyes. Lucifer's hand shot out, grabbing her by the collar and pulling her back. "Modeus," she said, her tone laced with impatience, "Ren isn't going to vanish into thin air. Get over here, get your measurements taken, and help pick out some clothes!"
"Oh... but..." Modeus pouted, her gaze still fixed on Ren's retreating back. "I just... I always feel like something isn't right when he's gone..."
Lucifer paused, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her face. "I suppose you truly are a demon worthy of your title, Modeus..."
The comment flew completely over Modeus's head. Lucifer simply shook her head, her smile lingering, and turned her attention to another. "Pandemonica, you're being far too quiet, even for you."
Pandemonica, who had been standing silently to the side, didn't respond verbally. She simply walked into the boutique. Yet, a flicker of deep seriousness hardened her eyes, a silent indication that her mind was far from idle.
For his part, Ren felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It had been a long time since he'd had the chance for a leisurely, solitary stroll. But as he walked, he found the quiet almost... unnerving. Shopping alone felt a bit boring.
Ren sighed, a small smile touching his lips. 'I really have gotten used to their constant noise, haven't I?'
Just as he was pondering where to head next, a sound caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder but saw nothing out of the ordinary. As he was about to turn back, a flash of pink caught his eye. A pink-haired girl was excitedly pulling a white-haired girl along, running right toward him. Ren paused, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. He watched them come to a panting halt before him and offered a warm smile.
"If it isn't Miss Fujiwara," he said smoothly.
Fujiwara Chika's face lit up. "It really is Shopkeeper Ren! Long time no see!"
Ren nodded, his voice gentle. "It has been a few days. Are you out shopping with a friend?"
"Yes!" Chika beamed. "This is my little sister Moeha's friend, Shirogane Kei. We all call her K-chan! K-chan, this is the amazing Shopkeeper Ren I was telling you about!"
Shirogane Kei gave a small, polite bow. "Hello, Shopkeeper Ren."
"Hello to you too," Ren replied. "But if she's your sister's friend, why is it just the two of you?"
"Moeha went to the restroom," Chika explained, then her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Eh? Shopkeeper Ren, are you shopping all by yourself?"
He shook his head. "Not exactly. My partners went to buy some personal clothing, so they let me wander around for a bit. It's been a while since I've been out like this, anyway."
"Eh? 'Partners'?" Chika's interest was instantly piqued.
"My lovers," Ren clarified without a hint of hesitation.
A conspiratorial grin spread across Fujiwara Chika's face. "Shopkeeper Ren's lovers must be incredibly beautiful!"
"That's something I'm quite proud of," he admitted with a soft smile. "Well then, I won't keep you two any longer. I hope you have a wonderful time."
"Mhm, mhm! Shopkeeper Ren, we'll come to your restaurant for a meal again soon!"
"You're always welcome."
With that, Ren turned and continued on his way. Just moments after he departed, another pink-haired girl ran up to the pair. "Sis, K-chan, who was that handsome big brother just now?"
Shirogane Kei tilted her head thoughtfully. "That's the Shopkeeper Ren that Sister Chika always talks about, but... 'lovers'?"
"Isn't that normal?" Chika said with a dismissive wave. "Come on, let's go find something to eat. I'm starving!"
"Oh!" the other two chimed in unison.
Ren's stroll turned into a series of brief encounters. He passed by the Misty House and exchanged a nod with Inui Hinako. A little further on, he saw Atobe Keigo carefully examining tennis grip tape. He even ran into Ran and Sonoko, who were on a shopping trip of their own. Sonoko immediately tried to pester Ren into joining them, her eyes sparkling with mischief, but ultimately failed to sway him.
She knew what his plans were and was mostly joking, but that didn't stop Ran from having to endure the blatant flirting, which felt like a public display of affection overload.
The last person Ren met was someone he truly hadn't expected. He ran into an old acquaintance, and after a brief, stilted chat, Ren made a decisive retreat. He knew with absolute certainty that if he didn't leave immediately, he wouldn't be able to escape. Lingering a moment longer risked a cascade of complications he had no desire to deal with.
It wasn't until he slipped into the quiet ambiance of a coffee shop that he finally let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. This was better. He'd just wait here. After all, when it comes to women picking out clothes, those who know, know. He didn't expect to be summoned anytime soon.
After ordering a mocha, Ren settled into a seat by the window, scrolling through his phone. This quiet solitude, he decided, suited him just fine.
At that same moment, the handsome woman from earlier was walking unhurriedly down the street. Her presence was magnetic; nearly everyone she passed did a double-take, struck by her impossibly cool and striking features.
"Hmm? Where exactly is it?" she murmured to herself, scanning the storefronts. A thought seemed to strike her, and the corners of her mouth curved into a sly grin. She found herself genuinely hoping to run into Lucifer or one of the others right about now.
"Coffee..." she mused aloud. "Too bad Pandemonica isn't here... Hmm? Wait a second..."
She was about to walk past a coffee shop when a strange sensation washed over her, stopping her in her tracks. She turned her head, her gaze locking onto the cafe's entrance. Tilting her head, she whispered to the empty air, "Lucifer, Cerberus, Pandemonica... I can sense the lingering auras of all three of them..."
Intrigued, she pushed the door open and walked inside. A staff member, momentarily stunned by her appearance, quickly recovered. "Miss, are you...?"
"Looking for someone, thanks," she said with an easy smile.
"Of course, please, make yourself at home."
She walked further into the cafe, her head slightly lowered. When she reached a row of window seats, she looked up, her eyes scanning the patrons. Her gaze landed on a man leaning against the glass, a cup of coffee at his elbow, his attention focused on his phone.
A wide, brilliant smile broke across her face. She strode over to his table.
"Hey, cutie!"
Ren looked up from his phone, his expression one of mild surprise. "Hmm? Me?"
He was taken aback when he saw her. The woman nodded, her smile unwavering. "Yes, you. You really are a handsome guy. Mind if I sit here?"
"Please, be my guest."
She slid gracefully into the chair opposite him, propping her chin on one hand and fixing him with an amused look. "Let me guess," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "You're a man with exceptionally good luck with women."
A faint smile played on Ren's lips. "I can't deny it," he replied, his eyes meeting hers. "This very moment is all the proof I need."
The woman paused, her eyes widening slightly before she threw her head back and laughed, a rich, genuine sound that turned even more heads. "Hahaha! Interesting, and a sense of humor. That's a big plus."
"Thank you for the compliment," Ren said, his calm demeanor unshaken.
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