"Well then, Kamishiro-san, I'll sit next to you."
Byakuya shamelessly settled into the seat beside Rize, acting perfectly natural without a hint of awkwardness.
Honestly, suddenly "dating" Rize Kamishiro—even if it was fake—was turning out to be pretty interesting.
The interesting part was knowing her true nature. Sure, she'd eventually find some way to eat him, but what happened between now and then? That was worth looking forward to.
As long as he didn't push his luck too far, he'd be fine. Rize would never attack him openly in Anteiku—not with the manager being that SSS-rated ghoul, the "Non-Killing Owl," who served as Ward 20's overseer.
"Call me Rize."
She immediately corrected him. "We're dating now. Why so formal?"
"Alright, Rize-san."
Byakuya nodded.
Their sudden "relationship" had already caused quite a stir in the café. Customers exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, though no one intervened directly.
Few ghouls here dared to cross Rize Kamishiro.
Behind the counter, a girl with short blue-purple hair in a staff uniform—Touka Kirishima—couldn't help but glance toward Byakuya and Rize.
...
Conversation between Byakuya and Rize flowed easily, largely because both were actively working to keep it going.
"Do you have any hobbies?" Rize asked. "I think we should get to know each other's interests."
"Let's see... reading, manga, and listening to music I like."
While Byakuya was playing along, these hobbies were actually genuine.
"For books, I'm really into Takatsuki-sensei's work."
That part was strategic—mentioning Sen Takatsuki's novels.
"Takatsuki-sensei? What a coincidence—I love her work too."
Rize's smile brightened, as if she genuinely shared his taste.
Of course, she was simply mirroring his preferences to reel him in deeper. If he'd named any other author, she would have claimed to love them just the same.
Watching her flawless performance, Byakuya couldn't help but think: This woman is terrifying...
If he were some clueless kid who didn't know her true nature, she'd have him wrapped around her finger in no time—right before turning him into dinner.
"Which book would you recommend most, Byakuya-kun? I've only recently started reading her work."
"I'd say Takatsuki-sensei peaked with her debut. Dear Kafka is essential reading. Her latest one, The Hanged Man's MacGuffin, is also brilliant."
"Oh, I know Dear Kafka! The letter trick was such a twist~ Her short story collections are great too, like Monochrome Rainbow."
Their conversation was seamless. To any outside observer, they looked like a couple with genuine chemistry.
Too bad it was all an act.
"So, what about taste preferences?"
Rize abruptly shifted topics.
"Sorry?"
"Do you prefer your coffee black, Byakuya-kun? Or with sugar? A little? A lot?"
"I prefer it black."
"Really? I like mine a bit sweet." Rize lifted her cup, a honeyed smile on her lips. "Would you like to try mine? You might discover you like it."
For any naive young man, this move would be devastating. How many could keep their composure in a situation like this?
If Byakuya didn't know exactly what Rize was, he doubted even he could resist her charm.
But since things had already gone this far, backing down wasn't an option.
He accepted the cup from her hands and took a small sip, his cheeks flushing slightly despite himself.
[Ding! Host has completed an "indirect kiss" with Rize Kamishiro. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
Wait, seriously? Byakuya was pleasantly surprised. He could earn Fusion Points this way too?
His decision to keep engaging with Rize was definitely paying off. The System's reward triggers seemed to be everywhere.
"How is it?"
"You're right—a little sweetness isn't bad."
Byakuya nodded.
"I'm so relieved. I was worried you might not like it."
Rize placed a hand over her chest, looking adorably relieved.
"You know, we're both Type AB, close in age, both fans of Takatsuki-sensei's work, and now we even share similar taste in coffee."
She let the atmosphere turn slightly intimate, though her delivery remained effortlessly natural.
"Yeah, we really do seem compatible..."
Byakuya smiled.
"Ah—I'm sorry, I just remembered something I need to take care of." Rize's expression turned apologetic. "How about we meet here again tomorrow, same time?"
"No problem."
"Then you have to come, Byakuya-kun. I want to learn so much more about you."
She shot him a coy glance, the suggestiveness practically radiating off her.
"...Sure."
Byakuya recognized the classic push-and-pull tactic. If he were some inexperienced kid, he'd probably spend every waking moment until tomorrow thinking about her.
With that, Rize departed.
Walking out of Anteiku, she maintained her serene smile, hands folded in front of her, clutching an elegant little handbag—the picture of refinement.
But beneath that gentle exterior lurked the savage Binge Eater.
Right now, Rize was already planning how to toy with Amaha Byakuya.
His unexpected confession had given her a delicious idea.
What if I make this boy fall hopelessly in love with me first... then give him the surprise of his life?
When she finally savored her "meal," what kind of expression would he make?
Just thinking about it was thrilling~