The large shopping mall in the 20th Ward was brightly lit, crowded with people.
Amano Hiro and Kamishiro Rize walked side by side, one a tall, handsome boy, the other a stunning beauty with striking purple hair and a unique aura.
Such a pair naturally became a visual attraction, drawing countless admiring or envious gazes as they moved through the mall.
Since Amano Hiro had agreed to accompany Rize on this "shopping trip," he naturally had a personal purpose as well, his wardrobe at home was nearly empty, so acquiring a few outfits was a necessity.
As for the expenses... he patted his empty pockets and, with perfect logic, cast his eyes toward Rize.
Having her pay could be considered an advance "protection fee," Amano Hiro thought without any mental burden.
Rize affectionately looped her arm through his, not too tight or loose, moving naturally, as if they were a genuinely intimate couple. She led the way into a fashionably decorated women's clothing store.
"Welcome! Please come in!" a store clerk greeted them enthusiastically.
The store was filled with customers, mostly young, stylish women browsing in small groups.
The arrival of Amano Hiro and Rize immediately drew attention.
Most of the girls' gazes landed on Amano Hiro, unable to resist taking a few extra glances at the boy with refined features, then turning to Rize, inevitably tinged with envy and comparison.
Rize, accustomed to such attention, released Amano Hiro's arm and let her delicate fingers brush over the clothing racks. She quickly picked up a stylish dress, holding it up to herself, smiling brightly as she asked, "Darling, what do you think of this one?"
Amano Hiro glanced at it, his tone indifferent: "It's fine."
Rize was unfazed and picked up another top with a completely different style. "How about this one?"
"Also fine," Amano Hiro's reply remained succinct.
Pouting slightly with a hint of playful complaint, Rize teased, "You're being so perfunctory."
Amano Hiro raised an eyebrow and looked at her: "Clothes ultimately depend on who wears them. With your figure, even a sack would look decent."
His words were objective, almost matter-of-fact.
"That's unexpected."
Rize's face lit up even more brilliantly. "I didn't expect you'd say something like that... a compliment, of sorts."
Clearly pleased, she took the first purple dress she had chosen and entered the fitting room.
Moments later, the curtain parted, and Rize emerged in the new outfit.
Amano Hiro's eyes couldn't help but show a glimmer of admiration.
She was undeniably a rare beauty. The tailored purple dress perfectly outlined her slender curves, highlighting an elegance that seemed pure at first glance, yet subtly exuding a natural allure, a balance of innocence and seduction.
Sensing the fleeting gleam in Amano Hiro's eyes, Rize felt satisfied.
She understood that, having decided to rely on this mysterious, powerful "protector," subtly displaying her charm and providing emotional value was a necessary means of maintaining the relationship.
"Wrap up everything this gentleman likes," Rize instructed the clerk, her posture elegant and composed.
Then, naturally, she led Amano Hiro toward the more private lingerie and hosiery section, where an array of styles and colors caught her eye.
Rize picked up a pair of sheer black stockings, fingertips brushing over the fabric, glancing at Amano Hiro with a suggestive look. "Darling, which color do you like?"
Amano Hiro scanned the colorful selection of stockings, fingertips resting lightly on his chin, as if seriously considering.
"Black," he said after a pause, adding, "White's good too, suits you well."
Obediently, Rize picked up black, white, and several other colors she liked, handing them to the clerk.
She then held a boldly designed, minimally crafted black lace lingerie set against herself, smiling at Amano Hiro with playful eyes. "How about this set? Do you like it? Or... what type do you prefer?"
Amano Hiro looked at the visually striking lingerie, then at Rize's teasing smile, and inwardly thought: As if buying it means you'll actually wear it for me.
Outwardly, he maintained a calm expression. "As long as you like it."
By the time they left the mall, it was already late.
The setting sun bathed the streets in warm gold as Amano Hiro and Rize walked side by side toward the apartment, bags in hand.
Rize seemed in good spirits, a faint smile at her lips, occasionally speaking to Amano Hiro.
He remained his usual calm self, eyes scanning the surroundings occasionally.
Turning a relatively quiet corner, Amano Hiro's step faltered almost imperceptibly.
Ahead, two figures approached. Both wore the CCG's signature gray-white long coats, carrying the white boxes symbolizing authority and danger.
One, hunched slightly with messy white hair and a nervous, excited expression, his eyes mismatched, scanned the surroundings like a cat hunting prey, Mado Kureo.
Beside him, tall and upright, with a serious and determined expression, was young investigator Amon Kotarou.
Almost simultaneously, Rize instinctively tightened her grip on Amano Hiro's arm, her fingertips pressing slightly into his sleeve.
Her smile faded, and though her face retained a calm exterior, her violet eyes betrayed a trace of caution.
CCG investigators, especially experienced and unpredictable ones like Mado Kureo, were like natural predators to her.
Amano Hiro sensed her tension and lightly patted the back of her hand, a quiet gesture of reassurance.
His expression remained unchanged, detached, as if the two approaching figures were nothing more than ordinary office workers.
He led Rize past the investigators with unaltered pace, even avoiding lingering eye contact.
However, the moment they passed, Mado Kureo suddenly stopped, his slightly twisted nose twitching, his murky eyes flashing with suspicion.
"Mado-san, what is it?"
Amon Kotarou stopped and quietly asked. He trusted his partner's almost beast-like instincts.
Mado Kureo didn't answer immediately, slowly turning his gaze toward the retreating figures of Amano Hiro and Rize, his voice hoarse with a hint of excitement. "Amon... my 'sense' tells me... those two just now... something's off."
He tilted his head, as if savoring the scent. "That woman's scent... is unusual. And they were too calm. Seeing us... unnaturally calm."
Amon Kotarou followed his gaze, frowning slightly. "A ghoul? Should we approach and question them immediately?"
"No, not yet..." Mado Kureo let out a low chuckle, like a child who found an interesting toy.
"Follow them, keep a distance. Problems? Investigate and you'll know, hehe..."
He lifted his white box, eyes glinting with the thrill of the hunt.
Ahead, Rize slightly tilted her head, speaking in a tone only Amano Hiro could hear, icy and mocking: "Looks like those two 'bugs'... have taken an interest in us."
Her tone was light, but her arm remained firmly linked with Amano Hiro.
Amano Hiro's gaze remained level, a subtle curve to his lips, barely perceptible, yet carrying a sharp, cold edge.
"Ignore them," he said evenly. "If they just watch from afar, let them. But if they get careless and try to approach..."
He paused, glanced at Rize, and in his eyes flashed a momentary hint of ruthless crimson.
"I won't mind giving them a little preview... sending them ahead to meet their end aehad of time."