"Kamishiro-san, is this young man a friend of yours? I don't believe we've met."
Tsukiyama acted as if nothing had happened, as though he and Rize were old acquaintances.
"Not a friend. He's my man. Any problems with that, Tsukiyama-kun?"
Rize replied with a smile.
Rather than immediately shutting Tsukiyama down, she wanted to toy with him a bit.
"Of course not."
Tsukiyama's face was all smiles, but internally he was cursing Rize.
He'd already identified the young man beside Rize as human, so naturally he didn't believe her nonsense.
In his view, Rize just wanted to monopolize this delicious morsel—an absolutely shameless act!
Moreover, Rize's reputation was firmly established. The title "Binge Eater" said it all.
Keeping such delicious prey at her side—to say she wasn't treating Byakuya as a target would convince no one.
Including Touka, Irimi, and Koma—none of them believed Rize's words.
Even Byakuya himself remained somewhat guarded around Rize. Who could guarantee she wouldn't suddenly lose control?
"I'm Tsukiyama Shuu. Here's my card. Perhaps we could share a drink here sometime?"
Tsukiyama directly produced a business card and offered it to Byakuya.
[Ding! Host activating quest. Divine Selection initiated!]
[Option 1: Refuse Tsukiyama's card. He'll still find ways to approach you. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
[Option 2: Accept the card. Find an opportunity to capture Tsukiyama. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]
[Option 3: Accept the card and find a way to enter the "Ghoul Restaurant" venue. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!]
Byakuya accepted the card with an impassive expression. "I'm Amaha Byakuya."
"Until next time then, Amaha-kun."
Tsukiyama even threw a flirtatious wink before leaving the coffee shop.
Touka watched him go with dead-fish eyes. She was certain Tsukiyama had no idea Byakuya was actually a ghoul investigator.
She had no intention of warning him. If this troublesome pest got caught by an investigator, he'd deserve it.
She could also tell that Tsukiyama's earlier behavior indicated he'd set his sights on Byakuya.
She understood why—whenever she got close to Byakuya, she could smell his scent too.
It was far more tempting to ghouls than ordinary humans. No wonder Rize was willing to risk crossing the CCG to target him.
But unlike Rize and Tsukiyama with their obsessive appetites, Touka could control her hunger. She harbored no such thoughts about Byakuya.
Byakuya and Rize then found a seat.
Rize whispered in his ear: "Did you notice that guy's true nature?"
"I did. A ghoul, right?"
Byakuya said: "Most of this coffee shop's customers are ghouls anyway, and he knew you. Those two facts alone confirm his identity."
He examined Tsukiyama's card.
It was really just a card—only Tsukiyama's name and contact information, no specific identity details.
Like the fact that Tsukiyama was heir to the Tsukiyama Group...
...
The next day.
Tsukiyama returned to Anteiku.
He was already growing impatient.
Seeing Tsukiyama again, Touka felt annoyed.
But this pest didn't usually come so frequently. Obviously, he was here for Byakuya.
Though she found him repulsive, she still didn't want to interfere.
After all, Byakuya had eliminated even "Yamori"—Tsukiyama shouldn't be a concern.
This time, Tsukiyama didn't bother greeting Touka and the others. He headed straight for Byakuya.
"Amaha-kun, we meet again."
He sat directly across from Byakuya. "I'm rather fond of making friends. Sometimes I might seem a bit forward—I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all."
Byakuya shook his head.
"That's a relief."
Tsukiyama's visible relief was obviously performed.
"By the way, Kamishiro-san mentioned yesterday that you're her man. I'm curious whether that means what I think it does?"
"Well... I'm not entirely sure myself..."
Byakuya smiled somewhat awkwardly.
He deliberately played dumb.
"Oh my, that was thoughtless of me—asking such a private question."
Tsukiyama's tone held a note of apology.
Internally, he'd drawn his conclusions. He was now even more certain this human youth was Rize's prey.
Perfect timing—Rize wasn't here today. If he stole the "food" right from under her nose, that would be the most satisfying revenge.
Moreover, the young man before him was unlike anything he'd ever tasted. Even setting aside revenge, he had to have this "haute cuisine" for himself.
Though Rize's strength made him wary, he wasn't worried about retaliation—after all, he had the Tsukiyama family behind him.
"Actually, I'm hosting a grand banquet soon. There'll be many beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen. Would you be interested in attending, Amaha-kun?"
Tsukiyama extended the invitation. "Also, if you're curious about Kamishiro-san, I could share some things about her privately. We're old acquaintances, after all."
He dangled "Rize Kamishiro" as bait, assuming Byakuya was thoroughly infatuated and wrapped around her finger.
He knew Rize's preferred hunting method was seducing men, so his guess seemed reasonable.
If this kid was obsessed with Rize, this hook should work.
"Sure. I'd like to learn more about Rize-san..."
Byakuya's face took on an innocent, naïve expression—like a young man completely ensnared by Rize.