"Pfft, I'm talking about you!"
The middle-aged, yellow-haired thug sneered at Tsuneo's attitude, striding over with his cue, ready to teach him a lesson up close.
Kaito, by the wall, shook his head instinctively.
No, don't go near him!
Aoko, standing there like a lamppost, are you frozen?
Get out of there!
The thug, one hand in his pocket, cue in the other, stopped in front of Tsuneo.
"Are all your Egota friends as cocky as you?" Tsuneo asked, grabbing the thug's cue with a smile.
Mihama's been slow lately. Time to branch out.
"Cocky?"
"Punk, who's your friend?!" The thug yanked at the cue, but Tsuneo's grip was iron. Furious, he kicked out.
If the boss hadn't sent me to scope this place, who'd play pool here?
Already in a bad mood, and this guy's asking for it.
You picked the wrong fight!
Bang!
His weak kick met a tougher opponent.
Tsuneo was faster, fiercer, slamming a foot into the thug's shin.
"Ah!"
As the thug clutched his leg, screaming, Tsuneo casually opened his drink, took a sip, and turned to Aoko. "If he calls the cops, back me up."
"I-I got it," Aoko nodded, stunned.
So cool…
"What's going on?"
The thug's wails finally woke Terai Kinosuke, napping at the bar.
The old man stood, rubbed his eyes, and stared, puzzled, at the guy rolling on the floor.
"Old man, what's this about?!" Kaito spun around, frantic.
Why's this guy here?!
"I don't know…" Terai scratched his bald head, clueless.
"You'll pay for this!"
The thug, after recovering, limped to the door, throwing a parting threat at Tsuneo.
The repairman didn't care, not even glancing his way.
Seen too many like him.
All talk, no toughness.
"Guest, you haven't paid!" Terai called out.
My friend's junior getting bullied in my shop? That'd be bad news.
"Hmph, the boss's bar is stealing all your customers. This dump's done for!" the thug sneered, but after a glance at Tsuneo, he tossed money on the floor.
"So what?" Terai said, hands in pockets, glaring.
"Heh, the boss has the legendary cue studded with diamonds and emeralds. No one's coming to your lousy bar!" the thug mocked.
Terai glanced at Aoko, swallowing his anger. "Get lost, punk."
As the thug left, he turned to Tsuneo. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Tsuneo nodded, patting Kaito's shoulder and sitting at the bar, munching snacks.
Kaito stiffened. Seeing Aoko distracted, he pulled Terai aside, whispering, "Old man, why'd you bring him here? And call me to come after school?"
This close, my identity's at risk!
"Young master, remember my professor friend?"
"Mr. Tsuneo's his junior," Terai said, frowning.
Kaito's reaction was overblown.
Just kicked a thug—what's the big deal? Would he kick you for no reason?
"You remember I sent out an invitation…" Kaito said, staring at Tsuneo's back, exasperated.
"Of course, I drove you to Mihama for it."
"You mean the legendary Dark Kn—" Terai stopped short.
Mihama…
No way, right?
You're kidding.
Mr. Tsuneo's just a repairman…
"Year 2, Class B?"
"So you're both about seventeen?"
"Yes."
At the bar, Tsuneo chatted with Aoko.
"Young master, he won't figure you out, right?" Terai whispered.
"I had a feeling this day might come," Kaito sighed, looking at the ceiling.
Since this Dark Knight was close to the gadget-making professor, he'd notice something with Terai.
Luckily, their thief-knight relationship was decent.
For now, play it by ear.
"Kaito, what's for dinner?" Aoko asked as he approached, curious about the meal.
Kaito froze, glancing at Tsuneo's smile. "Uh, anything's fine."
Forgot this guy's appetite.
Was that bill I found this morning dirty money…?
"I got your invitation. Thanks," Tsuneo said, smiling.
"Invitation???" Aoko tilted her head, confused.
"Just, uh, a dinner invite, haha!" Kaito blurted, panicking.
He figured it out…
"Exactly," Tsuneo nodded, covering for him.
"By the way, old man, what's that legendary cue that guy mentioned?" Kaito changed the subject.
Terai paused, then said, "A cue studded with diamonds and emeralds, fit only for champions. A true legend."
"Diamonds and emeralds?!" Kaito gaped.
That's absurdly extravagant.
"I know that cue! It's at American Style, by the station," Aoko chimed in.
"But you can't enter under eighteen, and you need formal attire," she added.
Tsuneo smiled. "Sounds interesting. That guy was from that place, right?"
(Chapter End)
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