Byakuya caught Touka's startled gaze from the corner of his eye.
Her reaction wasn't surprising.
She'd probably written him off as dead the moment she saw him walking with Rize last night.
"Byakuya-kun thought I wouldn't come?"
Rize smiled.
"Yeah. I figured you'd have moved on to a new location by now."
Byakuya sat across from her naturally, as if they were still a couple.
Not that sitting together like friends was weird either.
His comment referred to her usual pattern—finding new hunting grounds and new prey.
But apparently she wasn't in a hurry.
To anyone listening, their conversation would sound cryptic.
"I like it here. The coffee's good."
Rize took a sip.
"Fair enough."
They exchanged a few casual words.
The couple dynamic was gone from their interaction. That had all been performance—now that the act was over, they were just... themselves.
Byakuya grabbed a book from the shelf: The Hanged Man's MacGuffin, Takatsuki's latest work.
"That's The Hanged Man's MacGuffin. You recommended it to me, but you haven't actually read it?"
Rize teased.
"Not yet. I'd heard it was highly praised though."
Byakuya's expression didn't waver.
Technically true—he'd known about its reputation even before transmigrating.
"Let me see too."
Rize moved to sit beside him, dragging her chair closer until they were nearly touching, apparently just to read along.
The faint fragrance of her presence reached him.
He'd assumed their "couple game" was finished, but apparently not?
One thing was certain: Rize wouldn't attack him here in Yoshimura's territory.
Then he understood her real motivation.
As she leaned close, her face drifted toward the junction of his neck and shoulder, inhaling deeply—like savoring the aroma of a gourmet dish.
Ah. She really does find me delicious.
He wasn't entirely sure why—enhanced physique and Hashirama Cells were just guesses. Hard to say if this was good or bad. Had he become the "Tang Monk's flesh" of the Tokyo Ghoul world?
"I'm a little worried you'll suddenly take a bite."
Byakuya murmured.
"Relax. The timing isn't right. I won't do anything here."
Rize was direct. "But if you're willing, we could find somewhere private right now."
"I'll pass. I'm not into self-harm."
Byakuya shook his head.
"I do genuinely want to read this book, though."
Rize continued, "I only started reading Takatsuki because of circumstances, but her work really does suit my taste."
"I can imagine... Well, let's read together then."
Byakuya wasn't surprised. Takatsuki's works were full of oppressive atmosphere, despair, and disturbing content. Of course Rize would enjoy them.
Reading together meant slower progress, but sharing something he enjoyed with someone—especially a girl—made the pace worthwhile.
...
[Ding! Host has read The Hanged Man's MacGuffin. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
[Ding! Host has finished The Hanged Man's MacGuffin. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
They finished the entire book at the café.
Meanwhile, Touka—curious about their situation—had been observing them.
Seeing them acting intimately like a couple again, she became more convinced: Rize hadn't fed last night. She was still toying with her prey.
After finishing, Byakuya and Rize naturally discussed the book.
When Rize started praising the gruesome scenes—how exciting and thrilling they were—Byakuya felt mildly exasperated.
"You really do love the dark stuff..."
Then he remembered her physical condition.
Those scenes involved torture and cannibalism—which reminded him that Rize needed to feed to replenish her RC cells.
"How are you feeling, by the way?"
"Much better. I had plenty of 'stock' at home. Oh my~ Is Byakuya-kun worried about me~?"
Rize's voice turned playful.
"Stock" meant preserved human flesh in her freezer from previous hunts.
They kept their voices low—only audible to each other.
"Yeah, I'm worried. Otherwise I wouldn't have saved you."
Byakuya stated it plainly.
No embarrassment. No evasion. Just honesty.
"True enough."
Rize noted that this guy was completely impervious to provocation.
She couldn't make him scared. She couldn't even make him blush.
"Since you're recovered, I'd still advise against hunting as recklessly as before. That clown-masked person could attack again anytime."
Byakuya offered genuine advice.
"Trying to control me?"
A hint of displeasure flickered in her eyes.
"But... if you let me have another taste, I might consider listening to you."