The sharp heels of Kaya Irimi's boots crunched over scattered glass.
The sound echoed crisply through the ruined interior of Anteiku.
She bent slightly.
Picking up a porcelain cup decorated with a delicate cornflower pattern.
Her fingertips traced the jagged crack running across its rim.
A droplet of leftover coffee slid slowly down the fracture.
"The cup's ruined."
Irimi sighed softly.
"The manager will definitely be heartbroken."
Nearby—
Touka Kirishima instinctively tightened her grip on the oversized coat around her shoulders.
The fabric still carried faint warmth.
And the lingering scent of blood and soap.
She noticed Irimi's gaze briefly pass over her swollen eyes—
But Irimi tactfully asked nothing.
BANG—
A loud crash suddenly came from the kitchen.
Followed by a dramatic wail.
"My coffee beans—!!"
"They're all over the floor!!"
The voice of Enji Koma echoed loudly.
The exaggerated complaint broke the tension.
Touka's lips twitched.
A small smile almost escaped—
Before she forced it away again.
When she looked up—
She caught a flash of mischief in Irimi's eyes.
"Touka~"
Irimi suddenly leaned closer.
A teasing smile curved her lips.
"So?"
"What was it like?"
Touka blinked.
"…What?"
Irimi twirled a strand of hair lazily.
"Being hugged by a boy for the first time."
Her smile deepened.
"Was Kiryu-kun's embrace warmer than you expected?"
Touka froze.
Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
Her face instantly turned red.
The blush spread from her cheeks—
All the way to her ears.
Even her neck flushed faintly.
"I—I—"
She fumbled for words.
Quickly tightening the coat around herself.
As if hiding inside it.
"I'll go help clean up!"
Irimi chuckled softly.
"Take care of yourself first."
Her gaze swept across Touka's tear-streaked face and messy hair.
"The bathroom mirror isn't broken."
Bathroom
Cold water ran over Touka's hands.
She slowly lifted her head.
Looking at the reflection in the mirror.
Red eyes.
Puffy eyelids.
Faint tear marks still visible on her cheeks.
And—
The oversized black coat.
Her fingers unconsciously touched the collar.
The faint scent of pine soap lingered there.
Mixed with a trace of iron from dried blood.
Strangely—
The smell felt comforting.
Outside the door—
Koma's voice rang loudly.
"Kiryu!"
"I didn't expect you to actually chase that guy away!"
"I was seriously worried!"
"…You're too noisy."
Ren's calm voice answered.
Touka noticed a faint hint of helplessness in his tone.
The water stopped running.
Touka stared at herself again.
Then straightened slowly.
Her fingers ran through her short hair.
Smoothing the messy strands.
When she pushed the door open—
The familiar Kirishima Touka had returned.
Cold.
Sharp.
Composed.
Except—
For the coat she was still wearing.
Second Floor
After the initial cleaning—
Irimi firmly pushed both of them upstairs.
"Go rest."
"We'll handle the rest."
The corridor on the second floor was dim.
Warm.
Moonlight streamed through the window at the far end.
Casting pale silver light across the wooden floor.
Touka stopped outside her room.
She took a slow breath.
Then stiffly removed the coat.
"This…"
Her voice was softer than usual.
Holding the coat carefully with both hands—
She offered it to Ren.
"…Here."
Her fingers lingered on the edge of the fabric.
As if reluctant to let go.
Ren accepted the coat.
His fingertips brushed lightly across the back of her hand.
Cool.
Brief.
Touka jerked her hand back instantly.
Like she'd been burned.
"…Mm."
He draped the coat over his arm casually.
Silence settled between them.
Broken only by the ticking of an old clock.
Touka's hands clenched behind her back.
His touch still lingering faintly on her skin.
"…Goodnight."
She said quickly.
Almost nervously.
Turning toward the door.
"Touka."
His voice stopped her.
Softer than usual.
Her hand froze on the doorknob.
She didn't turn around.
"…What?"
Ren looked at her slender back.
Moonlight outlined the curve of her shoulders.
After a brief pause—
He spoke.
"…Sleep well."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
She didn't answer immediately.
But her shoulders relaxed just a little.
Then—
A very quiet voice came.
"You too."
"…Goodnight."
The door closed gently.
With a soft click.
Ren remained in the corridor.
The coat still resting over his arm.
Moonlight spilling across the floor.
From inside the room—
He heard faint footsteps.
Then the rustle of bedding.
Finally—
Silence.
Inside his mind—
Carnage spoke lazily.
[…tsk…]
[…so gentle…]
Ren said nothing.
But the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
He stayed there for a moment longer.
Confirming everything was quiet.
Then finally turned away.
[…You're in a good mood…]
Carnage remarked.
"Yes."
He didn't deny it.
[…I knew it…]
Carnage sounded smug.
[…You like that girl…]
[…Still won't admit it…]
He rolled his eyes.
"What were you doing earlier?"
"You were unusually quiet."
"I thought you died from overeating."
[…Technically…]
Carnage corrected slowly.
[…I use your digestive system…]
[…If anyone dies from overeating…]
[…It will be you first…]
For once—
Ren didn't argue.
"Then why were you silent?"
He asked.
Carnage answered calmly.
[…Observing…]
[…Following you…]
[…I've learned…]
[…many things about humans…]
"…So you admit it?"
"…Fine."
He flopped onto the bed.
His voice muffled by the pillow.
"You're right."
"Now stop thinking about her."
Carnage ignored the request.
Its voice deepened.
Filled with hunger.
[…I need a feathered kagune…]
[…to evolve…]
"There will be one."
He replied calmly.
"Cochlea has plenty."
Before sleep claimed him—
Carnage whispered quietly.
[…Whatever you say…]
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