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Chapter 29: Hidden Agendas and Late Night Visits
Yukino Mifuyu sat quietly at the table, sipping her tea. On the screen, Sadako was doing the same, the two of them existing in a comfortable, albeit eerie, silence. After half an hour, Hachishaku emerged from the kitchen, holding a plate of freshly baked shortbread cookies that filled the room with a buttery aroma.
"Well then, I'm heading out," Hachishaku announced.
"Go on," Mifuyu replied.
"Mifuyu, aren't you coming with me?"
"I'm not going."
"Alright."
The sound of the door closing echoed through the sparse apartment. Yukino Mifuyu looked up, her cold eyes fixing on Sadako. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
"Mifuyu, whatever do you mean?" Sadako asked innocently, idly twirling a strand of her long black hair.
"Making Hachishaku go find the high schooler next door."
Sadako chuckled, a dry, raspy sound. "You have to consider her condition. She was severely injured—her main body was almost shattered—yet she still refuses to follow her darker instincts. It's rare to encounter a human she's willing to interact with. That young man is interesting; he didn't even flinch when he saw her. I think I understand why Sayuri has set her sights on him. Her small stature probably causes her the same social troubles as Hachishaku's height... they both want someone who sees them normally."
Yukino Mifuyu remained silent, eventually picking up her teacup for another slow sip.
Killing fish all day had taken its toll. Ryusei Kiryu leaned against his headboard, finishing the final chapters of Koisuru Metronome. Just as he reached the climax of the light novel, a soft knocking sound came from the hallway.
Who would come looking for me this late? he wondered. If it were Sayuri, she'd just use her master key.
He placed the book on the nightstand and walked to the door, maintaining a healthy sense of caution given the reputation of Beika Town. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Ryusei-kun," a gentle female voice responded.
Recognizing the neighbor, Ryusei opened the door. He knew that if a powerful yokai like her wanted in, a wooden door wouldn't stop her. Standing in the hallway was the exceptionally tall and graceful figure of Hachishaku.
"Miss Hachishaku, are you looking for me?"
"Yes." She bent down slightly, bringing a plate from behind her back. "The watermelon you gave me was very sweet. I made some pastries tonight and wanted you to try them."
The small shortbread cookies emitted a warm, inviting scent. Ryusei accepted them. "Thank you for the gift, Hachishaku-san."
Her eyes flashed with a hint of joy. "Actually, Ryusei-kun, I have a favor to ask. As you can see, my appearance is... unusual. I attract many strange stares when I go out, so I tend to avoid it. I saw you bought squid tonight and assumed you cook for yourself?"
"I do."
"If you're often at the market, could I trouble you to buy groceries for me as well?"
Ryusei nodded immediately. "Of course. It's a small thing. I go for a run every morning and pass the market anyway."
"That would be wonderful! I'd like a sea bream and..."
As she listed the ingredients, Ryusei saw an opportunity. "I've noted it down, but the market stock varies. How about we exchange Line IDs? That way you can message me exactly what you need, and I can let you know if something is out of stock."
Her eyes lit up. "That is a very practical idea."
After they exchanged contacts and said their goodbyes, Ryusei closed the door, deep in thought. Helping her buy groceries gives me a daily excuse to "check in" and collect fees. He looked at the cookies. They smelled delicious, but he wasn't ready to trust supernatural food just yet. He placed them in his Inventory alongside Sayuri's watermelon.
By 10 PM, after finalizing plans with Eriri for Akihabara tomorrow and chatting with Kotonoha about the novel, Ryusei performed his Bright Eye Health Exercises and fell into a restful sleep.
Next door, Hachishaku returned to find Sadako waiting eagerly.
"What happened?" the screen-dweller asked.
"He agreed immediately," Hachishaku said, sitting down gracefully and smoothing her dress. She began typing on her phone.
"You added him on Line?" Sadako looked surprised. "Who initiated that?"
"Ryusei-kun did. He said it would be more convenient."
Sadako muttered to herself, "It was him? Is he actually experienced... no, his body feels like it's never been... well, never mind."
"I'm going to take a bath," Hachishaku announced, heading to the bathroom. A familiar, joyful "popopopo" sound echoed from behind the door, but it was suddenly cut short by a fit of suppressed coughing.
On the sofa, Mifuyu and Sadako shared a look of concern. Mifuyu walked to the door and knocked. "Hachishaku, are you alright?"
"I'm fine," the soft voice replied. "I just choked on some water."
Mifuyu returned to the sofa, but Sadako remained silent, a frown crossing her pale face. Choking on water was a poor excuse for a yokai.