Not just Touka—the other staff had also heard about Byakuya and Eto's exposed "relationship."
So when Eto was chatting with Hinami, the young girl couldn't help but bring it up.
"Eto-neechan..."
"Hm?"
"Are you really dating Byakuya-oniichan?"
"That's right."
Eto acknowledged, then revealed a meaningful smile. "Is Hinami-chan bothered by this? Feeling like your Byakuya-oniichan was stolen by me?"
"No! That's not it!"
Hinami shook her head rapidly, face flushed. "It's just... unexpected... I didn't think Eto-neechan and Byakuya-oniichan would be dating..."
Though she was indeed a bit bothered deep down and didn't want to show it, this development between Byakuya-oniichan and Eto-neechan truly caught her off guard.
"Hmm~"
Eto hummed a little tune. "Actually, your Byakuya-oniichan and I are doing this for another purpose..."
She then explained the general situation to Hinami.
"Oh, so that's how it is..."
Hinami nodded, seemingly understanding.
"But whether your Byakuya-oniichan will be stolen by me—that's uncertain."
Eto still couldn't resist teasing little Hinami.
"I... I told you that's not it."
Hinami's face turned even redder. "If Byakuya-oniichan and Eto-neechan truly love each other, I'd be happy. Whether it's Byakuya-oniichan or Eto-neechan, I'd be happy for both of you."
"Hinami-chan... now you're making me feel awkward."
Eto felt slightly embarrassed.
"I think if Hinami-chan has those kinds of feelings for him, you can just tell him directly. I'm sure it would work out."
Eto stopped teasing Hinami and offered genuine advice instead.
"Ah! No... that kind of thing... it's not like that!"
Hinami became so flustered she was almost incoherent.
Her blush hadn't even faded before her whole face turned crimson.
Seeing Hinami's adorable reaction, Eto couldn't help but laugh. "Don't be so shy. I'm just giving you some advice. Whether you act on it is up to you."
This time, Hinami shyly lowered her head and nodded. "Mm..."
Eto thought to herself how cute Hinami-chan was—she couldn't bear to tease her anymore.
...
The other staff members didn't specifically approach Eto about the matter.
But Rize, back at home, was definitely not happy about it.
Even she had heard the news.
Kurona and Nashiro felt the same way—the house was in an uproar.
"Byakuya... please explain the situation to us properly."
The moment Byakuya returned home, he faced a joint interrogation from Rize, Kurona, and Nashiro.
Not only that—Mayu and Chika were also watching from the sidelines.
Matsumae and Kanae had avoided this sort of thing, going off to do housework.
"..."
Byakuya had known he'd face this when he got home.
So he'd already prepared what to say—nothing more than explaining the reasons for the publicity.
"Just for publicity... and that woman got you to pretend to date her?"
After hearing him out, Rize didn't believe it was that simple.
That woman named Eto Yoshimura...
Rize's cold eyes glinted.
Though that woman was Takatsuki Sen, the author whose books she'd always enjoyed, in this situation, she could only view her as an enemy.
"Why did you agree to it?"
"Byakuya-oniichan, don't tell me you also feel something for that Eto-san..."
Kurona and Nashiro remained as expressionless as ever.
They appeared emotionally unaffected on the surface, but they were practically pressing their faces against Byakuya's as they interrogated him.
"Wait, let me explain. I had my reasons for agreeing."
Byakuya had to explain. "Actually, Eto plans to expose the Washuu Clan's true nature in her upcoming book. Riding this wave of attention will boost the book's sales and let more ordinary people learn about the Washuu Clan."
"Fine..."
Kurona and Nashiro were relatively easy to reason with, but Rize was different.
"Is that so? When I get the chance, I'll personally ask that woman."
Rize said.
"..."
Byakuya was momentarily speechless, managing only an awkward smile.
"Rize-neesan, please ask on our behalf when the time comes—whether that Eto-san is sincere... or just playing with someone's feelings."
Nashiro added.
Eto's sudden intrusion had actually formed an alliance between Rize and the Yasuhisa twins.
"Is Onii-chan having his feelings played with by another woman?"
Mayu suddenly spoke up.
"It's just a guess from me and Nashiro. That woman named Eto Yoshimura—you should know her too, Mayu?"
Kurona said.
"Mm-hmm, I remember Eto-neechan."
Mayu looked innocent and pure. "So that's what happened. Onii-chan is having his feelings played with by Eto-neechan. How pitiful..."
Feeling Mayu's sympathetic gaze, Byakuya found himself caught between laughter and tears.
But he couldn't outright deny it—Eto's personality was indeed somewhat...
That's why he'd never believed Eto's provocative words, simply assuming she was joking.
"Even Amaha-sama can have his feelings played with. Eto-san is really something."
Chika, sitting beside Mayu, also couldn't help but marvel.
"...That's enough from all of you."
Byakuya finally interrupted them. "Right now it's just publicity. We'll see about later when the time comes."
...
The next day, Rize actually did visit the café.
She came with Byakuya, and Eto happened to be there.
"Rize-san? Long time no see."
Kaya noticed Rize immediately—she hadn't visited the shop recently.
"Mm, good afternoon, Kaya-san."
Rize responded with a polite smile.
"Rize... you came with Byakuya."
Touka walked over as well.
"Touka-chan, is Eto-san here today?"
Rize asked.
"Eto-san is here. You're looking for her today?"
Touka said.
"Thanks, Touka-chan."
Without another word, Rize thanked her and went straight to find Eto.
...
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