Amano Hiro did not respond to her teasing. His expression turned serious as he went straight to the point.
"Today is the grand opening of the relocated Anteiku. Your father will be there. Do you want to come and see him?"
The word "father" was like a needle, instantly piercing through Eto's relaxed façade.
The smile on her face froze, and her eyes turned cold. Almost instinctively, she rejected the idea. "I won't go."
The resentment she harbored toward that "father" had accumulated for years. It was bitter wine brewed from the pain of abandonment and long solitude.
Amano Hiro had expected this reaction. He sighed, his tone calm yet firm.
"Eto, there's a deep misunderstanding between you and Manager Yoshimura. It isn't as black and white as you think. But the reason behind it isn't that complicated either."
He paused briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing.
"When he left you and later didn't dare acknowledge you, the main reason was that the V organization had been secretly monitoring him.
He was afraid. Afraid that if he acknowledged you, their attention would shift onto you and bring you disaster.
So he could only choose to stay away, bearing everything alone, and in places you couldn't see, quietly diverting or resolving those potential threats for you."
Watching the subtle change in Eto's expression, Amano Hiro knew she had listened, at least a little. But he had no intention of speaking for Yoshimura completely.
"As for the more specific details, the struggles and past that only he truly knows, I think it would be more appropriate for him to tell you himself."
He stood up and softened his tone, returning the choice to her. "Whether you go or not is up to you. Think about it. I'll go wake Rize first."
Amano Hiro walked lightly back to the bed and leaned over to look at Rize, who was still asleep.
Her sleeping face was peaceful and beautiful. He could not resist reaching out and gently brushing the back of his fingers against her smooth cheek, then giving it a light pinch.
The sensation at his fingertips was unbelievably delicate. Once again, he marveled at the natural advantage of a ghoul's physique.
Her skin was far more perfect than a human's, so fine that not a single pore could be seen.
Always fresh and clean, never oily, never troubled by blemishes.
There was no need for bottles of cosmetics or cleansers. A rinse with clear water left it in its purest state.
In some ways, they truly were creatures close to perfection. The thought surfaced in his mind again.
The gentle touch on her face disturbed her sleep. Rize let out a soft murmur like a kitten.
Her long eyelashes fluttered lightly as she slowly opened her eyes.
Those charming violet eyes were still veiled with the mist of drowsiness. Her voice carried a soft, slightly husky sweetness.
"Hiro. Morning."
Seeing her defenseless, lazy, adorable expression, warmth surged in Amano Hiro's chest. He bent down and captured those soft lips precisely, giving her a firm kiss.
Healthy body, fresh breath, not even a trace of morning odor. Truly more perfect.
"Time to get up, my little darling." He straightened up, deliberately speaking in a playful and doting tone, even letting out a low chuckle.
Fully awakened by his string of intimate gestures and exaggerated tone, Rize blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter. She raised her hand and lightly punched his shoulder.
"Hiro, when you're like this, you really seem like a pervert."
Instead of being annoyed, Amano Hiro nodded solemnly. "You're absolutely right. I really am a pervert."
Before he finished speaking, his hand had already mischievously slipped toward her waist.
"Ah." Rize cried out, laughing as she dodged. The two of them quickly tumbled into playful wrestling on the bed, and the morning room filled with cheerful energy.
After Amano Hiro and Rize finished getting ready and returned to the hall, the sofa was already empty. The half-finished cup of coffee still sat there quietly.
Amano Hiro understood. Eto had not been able to immediately cross that hurdle in her heart.
He sighed inwardly but did not dwell on it. Matters of the heart required the right remedy. Others could not rush it.
He took Rize's hand. "Let's go."
They once again passed through the maze-like corridors and stepped into the rattling old elevator that clanked noisily as it descended.
When the elevator doors opened at the bottom level and the cool morning air flowed in, Amano Hiro paused slightly and raised his brow.
In the faint light of dawn, Eto was leaning against the wall near the exit of the abandoned factory, waiting quietly.
Amano Hiro released Rize's hand and walked over to her. "Made up your mind?"
Eto did not answer directly. Her gaze seemed fixed on some distant empty point. Her tone was flat and unreadable. "Let's go."
Without further words, the three walked to the roadside and hailed a taxi.
The car drove steadily toward the Fourteenth Ward. The scenery outside the window rushed backward while silence filled the cabin, each lost in their own thoughts.
The taxi stopped smoothly at a quiet street corner in the Fourteenth Ward. As they stepped out, a brand-new wooden sign came into view.
Hope Coffee Shop
Grand opening. All items 30 percent off.
Amano Hiro paused briefly, his eyes sweeping over the gentle lettering. He nodded lightly. "Hope. Not a bad name."
He pushed open the glass door with its hanging bell, and a crisp chime rang out.
The new shop was noticeably more spacious than the old location. Warm lighting and wooden tables and chairs created a cozy atmosphere.
It was nearly full. The rich aroma of coffee beans filled the air.
Touka and Irimi Kaya moved briskly among the tables, skillfully delivering drinks to customers.
Behind the counter, Koma Enji and Yomo Renji focused intently on operating the coffee machines. The faint sound of milk frothing echoed softly.
Looking around, there was no sign of Yoshimura Kuzen.
Touka had just set down a cup of coffee for a customer when she turned and saw the three standing at the entrance. A bright smile immediately spread across her face as she hurried over.
"Amano-niisan, you're here." She wiped the light sweat from her brow. "Would you like something to drink?"
Amano Hiro returned her smile at the lively scene. "Business seems good. There are barely any seats left."
Touka's tone carried a hint of relief. "Yes. The opening response has been even better than we expected."
As she spoke, her gaze briefly passed over Eto behind him. Though curious, she remained polite.
"We won't keep you from your work," Amano Hiro said, waving his hand lightly. "Is the manager here?"
"The manager is in the storage room in the back, organizing things," Touka replied, pointing toward the corridor beside the counter. "Do you need me to take you there?"
"No need. You stay busy. We'll go ourselves." Amano Hiro declined gently.
Touka nodded in understanding. Her eyes lingered on Eto for a brief moment before she turned back to her work.