"Thank you."
Deposit in hand, Byakuya headed to Kamii University.
Yoshimura knew perfectly well what fate awaited any human who got close to Rize. But he wouldn't intervene.
To him, Byakuya was just an ordinary human. Though Yoshimura had long since abandoned harming humans, he wouldn't risk everything for a stranger.
In the original story, his initial attitude toward Kaneki was the same—when Aogiri first captured Kaneki, Yoshimura was reluctant to mount a rescue. He only changed his mind later.
And ultimately, that rescue mission accelerated both his own downfall and Anteiku's destruction. His initial reluctance was entirely understandable.
...
Less than half an hour later, Byakuya arrived at Kamii University on foot.
First time here. He'd need to familiarize himself with the campus using signs and maps.
According to the System, he was a literature major. Just follow the schedule and attend class.
Since everyone was a new freshman, his sudden appearance wouldn't raise eyebrows even without System intervention.
Classes were manageable—mostly liberal arts subjects, just listening and taking notes.
He didn't know any classmates yet. Between classes, he reviewed his notes alone. Growing stronger didn't mean neglecting education—even Touma from A Certain Magical Index still had to attend school and cram sessions.
By noon, his classes were done. In Japan, university freshmen and sophomores average only about four hours of class daily. Juniors and seniors have even less—which explained how Kaneki in the original story had so much free time to hang out at Anteiku.
Plan for the afternoon: lunch in the cafeteria, then meet Rize at Anteiku. He hadn't forgotten yesterday's promise.
After getting his food, Byakuya searched for an empty table—difficult at peak lunch hour—and finally found a four-seater with no one else.
He'd barely started eating when someone approached.
"Excuse me, mind if I sit here?"
Byakuya looked up. A young man about his age, with delicate, almost feminine features, a friendly smile, and a small mole beneath his right eye.
Nimura Furuta.
Byakuya's chopsticks paused momentarily. Furuta was indeed a Kamii student at this point in the timeline, but running into him in a campus this large?
Not coincidence. Based on what Byakuya knew, Furuta was currently monitoring Rize and probably already planning the "steel beam incident."
Since he was watching Rize, he obviously knew about Byakuya's fake relationship with her.
In the original story, Kaneki had secretly admired Rize but never actually dated her.
Byakuya, however, had confessed on day one and was now officially "dating" her. No wonder Furuta had come to investigate.
"Of course, go ahead."
Byakuya replied politely.
He was curious what Furuta wanted.
"Thanks~"
But Furuta simply sat down and ate. Nothing more.
[Ding! Host has shared a meal with Nimura Furuta. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
Well, at least he got something out of it.
To both Eto and Furuta, Byakuya appeared to be an ordinary human who'd stumbled into Rize's orbit. They'd observe from a distance at most—no reason to say anything significant to him.
...
That afternoon, Byakuya returned to Anteiku.
Rize had arrived before him.
But what caught his attention more was someone sitting not far from her—a thin young man with a simple haircut, holding a copy of The Black Goat's Egg.
Ken Kaneki.
Not surprising. At this point in the timeline, Kaneki was nursing a secret crush on Rize and visited this café whenever possible just to catch glimpses of her. He must have been busy yesterday.
Byakuya wasn't about to greet someone who didn't know him. He walked straight to Rize.
"Sorry, Rize-san. Did I keep you waiting?"
Given his student status and their similar ages, "Rize-san" felt most appropriate.
"Not at all. I just got here myself."
Her smile was soft and warm.
Overhearing their exchange, Kaneki's attention immediately shifted.
What's going on? That cute girl seems really familiar with that guy...
His book lay forgotten in his hands—he was clearly only pretending to read now, stealing glances their way.
"By the way, Byakuya-kun, are you free this afternoon? If not, maybe we could... go out together?"
Rize's voice turned hopeful. "I've heard that dates are the most basic way for couples to grow closer."
"I'd love that. I've been hoping to spend more time with you, Rize-san."
Byakuya agreed without hesitation.
Hearing this, Kaneki's world shattered.
He looked utterly devastated, struggling to process what he'd just heard.
Date? Couple? That cute girl is already someone's girlfriend?!
At that moment, Byakuya's System activated again.
[Ding! Host has activated a quest. Initiating Divine Selection!]
[Option 1: Ignore the dejected Ken Kaneki. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
[Option 2: Discuss Sen Takatsuki's works with Ken Kaneki, claiming to be a fellow fan. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
[Option 3: March over to Ken Kaneki, shout "HEY!" and tell him to keep his eyes off your girlfriend. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]