Touka's quiet response caused Ren's tense shoulders to finally relax.
It was subtle.
But noticeable.
Like a heavy weight had just been removed.
"…Alright."
He let out a soft sigh.
A slightly helpless smile appeared on his face.
Then his gaze drifted around the room.
The scene looked as if a hurricane had swept through it.
Broken glass covered the floor.
Cold wind continued to blow through the shattered window.
"…We have a practical problem."
He gestured toward the room.
"We can't sleep here tonight."
Touka Kirishima followed his gaze.
The moonlight reflected sharply off the glass fragments.
A cold breeze brushed across her face.
Her brows knitted slightly.
The blush from their earlier conversation still hadn't completely faded.
"…Come to my room."
She spoke suddenly.
Her tone had returned to its usual cool indifference.
Only the faint redness on her ears betrayed her emotions.
"You sleep on the sofa."
She added quickly.
Then turned around.
Walking toward the hallway with slightly hurried steps.
Almost like she was escaping the awkward atmosphere.
Ren watched her leave.
Paused for a second.
Then smiled faintly.
Carefully avoiding the broken glass—
He followed her.
At least he wouldn't have to sleep next to shattered windows tonight.
The Next Morning
Soft sunlight slipped through the curtains.
The faint morning light illuminated the room.
Ren woke slowly on the sofa.
His neck felt stiff.
He sat up.
A thin blanket slid from his shoulders.
It carried a faint scent of soap.
Clearly—
Touka had covered him with it during the night.
He glanced toward the bed.
Perfectly made.
No one there.
From the bathroom—
The sound of running water could be heard.
Moments later—
The door opened.
Touka stepped out.
Still wearing her school uniform.
Her short hair slightly damp.
A few strands clung to her forehead.
She froze briefly when she saw him awake.
Her gaze flickered toward him.
Then quickly lowered.
"…Good morning."
Her voice carried the faint hoarseness of early morning.
Cool.
But softer than usual.
"Morning."
He stood up and stretched.
His joints cracked slightly.
"The sofa is comfortable."
He rubbed his neck deliberately.
"But it's not designed for someone with a normal-length neck."
Touka said nothing.
But the blush around her ears deepened slightly.
She picked up her school bag.
"I'm leaving."
"Wait."
His voice stopped her.
"The first floor is still under construction."
He pointed downstairs.
"You'll have trouble walking through there."
"Go through the back alley."
"I'll walk you out."
Touka's lips moved.
She was about to refuse.
Then the sounds of Enji Koma shouting instructions and tools clanging echoed from downstairs.
Dust drifted through the stairwell.
She hesitated.
Then quietly said:
"…Whatever."
They went downstairs together.
The stairs to the first floor were blocked by plastic dust sheets.
They passed through the kitchen.
And opened the iron back door used for deliveries.
The alley outside was narrow and quiet.
Morning air carried the damp scent of moss.
Sunlight cut through the alley entrance.
Casting long shadows.
The silence made even their breathing audible.
Touka stepped outside first.
Standing in the patch of sunlight.
He followed.
Closing the door behind them.
They stood side by side in the quiet alley.
Only a few steps away from the main street.
"This is fine."
Touka said.
Her voice unusually clear in the quiet space.
She pointed ahead.
"The road is right there."
"That won't do."
His voice sounded beside her.
Warm.
"If I said I'd walk you to the school gate."
"Then it's the school gate."
He lowered his head slightly.
Looking directly into her purple eyes.
The distance between them suddenly felt very small.
Touka's cheeks flushed instantly.
She instinctively stepped back—
But her heel hit the doorframe behind her.
She turned her head slightly.
Avoiding his gaze.
The redness spread down her neck.
At that moment—
Several girls in the same school uniform appeared at the alley entrance.
Laughing and chatting.
Then they stopped.
Their eyes widened.
"Eh? Isn't that Kirishima-san?"
"Who's that guy?"
"He's really handsome!"
"Are they… on a date?"
The whispers drifted through the alley.
Touka froze.
Her face turned completely red.
Her fingers tightened around her bag strap.
She wanted nothing more than to disappear.
Ren's smile didn't change.
But his gaze calmly shifted toward the girls.
He nodded politely.
Offering a small courteous smile.
As if saying:
Please move along.
The girls immediately giggled awkwardly.
Then hurried away.
Silence returned to the alley.
Touka remained frozen.
Her head lowered.
Unable to look at him.
"If we don't leave now…"
He said softly.
"We'll really be late."
"…Idiot."
Touka muttered quietly.
Her voice trembling slightly.
Then she quickly walked toward the street.
On the Way to School
Neither spoke.
Touka's blush still hadn't faded.
Her heart continued pounding.
But she stopped deliberately avoiding him.
Simply walking with her head lowered.
Watching her steps.
Eventually—
The school gate appeared ahead.
Crowds of students flowed in like a river.
"Let's stop here."
She said softly.
"You should go back."
She didn't want to experience another round of curious stares.
Ren stopped.
Then reached out.
A strand of damp hair had fallen across her ear.
He gently tucked it behind her ear.
His fingertips brushed lightly against her burning earlobe.
Touka trembled.
His reflection was visible in her eyes.
Without another word—
She turned abruptly.
And disappeared into the crowd of students.
Inside his mind—
Carnage spoke.
[…Why are you worried…]
[…You could have taken her with you…]
[…No one could stop us…]