After coming downstairs, Hayashi immediately spotted the two girls sitting on the couch. They were sitting directly across from each other, staring eye-to-eye.
"Their relationship got this good already?"
Seeing this, Hayashi couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. It seemed that friendship between women really was something that bloomed when they were left alone together.
Tap… tap… tap…
Hearing footsteps coming down, both women turned toward him at the same time.
"Hayashi, did you finish talking?"Nutcracker lifted her head, her beautiful eyes gleaming faintly.
"Yeah, it's settled." Hayashi nodded and closed the door behind him.
"How did it go? What did he say?" Right then, Touka leaned in impatiently, a rare urgency flashing through her usually cold eyes.
"Huh?"
Seeing the stoic ice-queen suddenly rush up to him so eagerly, Hayashi instinctively stepped back, startled.
Since when did these two get this close? She's this desperate just to know if her new coworker can stay? I really underestimated the depth of girls' emotions…
"The manager agreed. Starting tomorrow, you can work here. Your uniform will arrive in the morning. Just show up and start."
Hayashi nodded, then glanced briefly at Nutcracker.
"I see." Nutcracker nodded as well, not looking surprised.
She had a strange feeling from the beginning — As long as Hayashi handled it, it would work out. Nothing would go wrong.
So she hadn't been worried at all.
"She can stay? So from now on, we're coworkers?"
Upon hearing the confirmation, Touka finally let out a long breath, tension melting off her shoulders.
Good. Now she could rest easy.
As long as Nutcracker worked with her, she could keep an eye on her at all times. Which meant Hayashi would stay safe.
"Alright, I should head to work. It's getting late." Hayashi glanced at his watch, then waved toward Nutcracker.
"Okay. I just finished my book, anyway." Nutcracker closed it and placed it back on the shelf, then stood up.
Wait—Wait, wait!
From the look of it…Was Hayashi planning to walk back with Nutcracker?
What if she lost control partway? What if she suddenly decided to eat him right on the street?
Sure, Hayashi had special abilities, but he was still human. A human with bare hands wasn't beating a ghoul.
Thinking this, a flash of panic crossed Touka's cold eyes — But she quickly regained her composure.
"Actually, every employee has to go through some basic training before starting. So Nutcracker needs to stay. I'll train her a bit—explain the essentials."
Touka nodded calmly, a faint glint in her beautiful eyes.
"Oh, I see." Hayashi nodded, not suspecting anything.
"Can't we do it tomorrow? I have something I need to deal with right now. Tomorrow would be better…" Nutcracker hesitated, glancing at Hayashi.
"No. It has to be today. Pre-employment training is always done the day before." Touka crossed her arms proudly, looking quite pleased with herself.
"I…" Nutcracker opened her mouth, but didn't get the chance to continue.
"In that case, go ahead and get started. You're basically coworkers now, so listen to your senior."
Hayashi nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world, then patted her shoulder.
"I'm heading out. Tomorrow, just come here on your own. And behave yourself."
With that, he turned and left.
"Eh—?" Nutcracker froze, stunned in place.
Did… did he just abandon me?
"Alright, now it's our turn~" Touka grabbed her arm, a faint, cool smile on her beautiful face.
"Come on. Let me teach you the basics. Follow me~"
————————————
Walking out of Anteiku, Hayashi stretched, feeling a bit worn out.
Time for work. After that, he'd go find Yoshimura to fulfill the promise he made earlier.
With that thought, Hayashi slipped into an empty alley and activated the Rabbit Talisman.
In an instant, his body blurred into a streak of white light. To any passerby, it would look like nothing more than a flash — easily ignored.
Just a few breaths later, Hayashi stood outside CCG Headquarters.
"As expected from the Rabbit Talisman. It's ridiculously convenient. With this, I don't even need transportation anymore."
Still thinking to himself, Hayashi stepped inside — And immediately noticed how unusually busy it was. The halls were packed, full of noise and movement.
"Huh?"
He blinked, confused.
Then—A light tap on his shoulder.
As he turned, a faint, intoxicating scent drifted to his nose. And then a stunningly beautiful face appeared in his view.
Soft pink hair swayed gently.A sweet fragrance lingered around her.
"Congratulations, Investigator Hayashi~" Ihei moved closer, her flawless features relaxed in a gentle smile.
Her brows curved like spring willow leaves, her gaze soft with emotion. Her face like peach blossoms in March — radiant, breathtaking.
For a moment, the phrase unrivaled beauty became literal.
"What's wrong? Was Investigator Hayashi stunned by my looks?" She teased him lightly when she saw his blank stare.
"Sorry, I spaced out for a second." Hayashi shook his head, regaining focus.
"Why is it so crowded today? Did something big happen?"
He scanned the crowded hallway in confusion.
"Something big? Oh yes. And the star of that 'big event' is you."
Ihei raised a slender finger and pointed it at him, her peach-blossom eyes sparkling.
"Me?"
Hayashi blinked, taken aback.
"That's right. You defeated the SSS-rated One-Eyed Owl alone. Headquarters is taking this very seriously."
"They're holding a commendation ceremony. You're the main honoree. After this celebration, you'll be promoted to Special Class Investigator."
Ihei patted his shoulder with a playful smile.
"As far as I know, they've never held ceremonies this frequently. You're setting new precedents."
"And you're also the fastest person to ever rise from Rank 3 to Special Class. Even faster than Arima."
Circling him once, she eyed him with curiosity.
"But if it's you, I guess it's not surprising~"
Hayashi opened his mouth to say something—But a sudden voice from behind interrupted him.
"Investigator Hayashi, Arima wants to see you. Immediately."
Hayashi turned and saw one of Arima's personal subordinates speaking respectfully.
"Arima is looking for me? Then I'll head over."
He nodded to Ihei and walked away.
What does Arima want? He's not planning to challenge me, right?