Ayato Kirishima's face instantly flushed crimson.
He glared fiercely at Ren.
If looks could burn holes, the man before him would already be reduced to ashes.
The lingering pain across his body—
Combined with the humiliation of having his thoughts exposed so precisely—
Made it clear that staying any longer would only deepen the embarrassment.
Without another word—
Ayato drew a deep breath.
Enduring the sharp pain that spread through every muscle.
He forced himself up from the cold floor.
His legs trembled.
He grabbed the wall to steady himself.
Behind him—
His ukaku kagune flickered weakly.
Still humming faintly with suppressed anger.
He gave Ren one final glare.
A glare filled with pride.
And defeat he refused to admit.
Then he turned abruptly.
Moving toward the shattered window.
Only the twisted frame remained.
Sharp shards still clung to the edges.
They glittered coldly beneath the moonlight.
Ayato placed one hand on the windowsill.
Preparing to climb out.
But his movements were unstable.
The floor beneath him was covered with broken glass.
Suddenly—
His footing slipped.
His body leaned forward dangerously.
Half of his upper body already hanging outside the window.
He was about to fall headfirst.
Scarlet tendrils moved instantly.
They wrapped gently around his waist and shoulder.
Supporting him.
Their strength perfectly controlled.
The tentacles lifted him upright.
Placing him firmly on the windowsill.
Preventing an extremely humiliating fall.
Ayato paused.
His lips moved slightly.
"…I'll send someone to contact you."
Then—
Without hesitation—
He leapt into the darkness.
His figure vanished into the night.
The crimson tendrils withdrew silently.
Disappearing into Ren's body.
As though they had never appeared.
He stood quietly for a moment.
Listening to Ayato's footsteps fade into the distance.
Then his gaze returned to the room.
Glass fragments sparkled across the floor like scattered diamonds.
"Tsk."
He clicked his tongue softly.
A rare trace of annoyance crossed his face.
"This room…"
"How is anyone supposed to sleep tonight?"
At that moment—
The door opened quietly.
Touka Kirishima stood in the doorway.
Her short purple hair was slightly messy.
Fatigue was clear on her delicate face.
Yet her eyes remained sharp.
Her gaze moved quickly across the room.
First checking Ren.
Confirming he was unharmed.
Only then did her eyes shift to the broken window.
And the lingering scent in the air.
"…Ayato was here?"
Her voice was soft.
But tense.
Ren nodded.
"Mm."
Then he added apologetically:
"Did I wake you?"
"That guy refuses to use the front door."
He shrugged helplessly.
"I gave him a little lecture."
He gestured toward the shattered glass.
"You're not angry, are you?"
Touka shook her head.
Her eyes lingered briefly on the window frame.
She knew her brother well.
If anyone needed discipline—
It was Ayato.
What troubled her more was something else.
Why had Ayato come here tonight?
The connection between Ren and Ayato was minimal.
Except for one person.
Arata Kirishima.
"…You're leaving?"
Touka asked quietly.
Concern flickered in her eyes.
Ren understood immediately.
His expression grew serious.
"Yes."
He nodded.
"Aogiri Tree will attack Cochlea the day after tomorrow."
He paused.
"This is one of the few chances."
"Take me with you."
Touka said suddenly.
Her voice calm.
But determined.
He frowned instantly.
"That's impossible."
Cochlea was the CCG's most secure ghoul prison.
Even with some forces redeployed to Ward 11—
It remained heavily guarded.
Even SS-ranked ghouls struggled to escape it.
He could protect himself.
But Touka—
Her safety would be uncertain.
"It's too dangerous."
His voice turned serious.
"That place isn't somewhere you should go."
"I can fight."
Touka interrupted immediately.
Her purple eyes burned with determination.
"I understand the risk."
"But that's my father."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I can't just wait here."
He stared at her.
The moonlight outlined her slender figure.
Strong.
Yet fragile.
He sighed quietly.
Then stepped closer.
"You're strong."
"Stronger than most."
He raised his hand slightly.
As if to brush away a stray strand of hair.
But stopped halfway.
Instead—
His hand rested gently on her shoulder.
Warm.
Steady.
"Precisely because it's you…"
He repeated softly.
"…I can't let you take this risk."
His gaze locked with hers.
Serious.
Filled with concern she had never seen before.
"I will never bring you there."
His fingers tightened slightly.
"Trust me."
"I'll bring Arata Kirishima back."
"Alive."
Touka's body stiffened slightly.
The intensity in his eyes caught her off guard.
Her emotions twisted.
Anger.
Worry.
Something softer.
She lowered her gaze.
Trying to hide the storm in her chest.
"But—"
She whispered weakly.
"No."
His voice was firm.
Unshakable.
"I can't let anything happen to you."
Even he paused after saying it.
Silence filled the room.
Only the night wind whispered through the broken window.
Touka looked up suddenly.
Meeting his eyes.
There was no teasing in them.
Only sincerity.
And something deeper she dared not examine.
Her heartbeat accelerated.
Her ears turned red.
She opened her mouth.
But no words came.
Finally—
She bit her lower lip.
Turning her head away.
Those words—
Heavy and warm—
Spread quietly through her chest.
Like ripples across still water.
After a long moment—
Touka nodded faintly.
"…Mm."