Higashiyama Kobeni's overwhelming humility completely threw Asa Mitaka off balance.
"Don't be like that," Asa said, frowning. "I'm just waiting for someone and then I'll leave. You're making it look like I'm bullying you."
Higashiyama forced a couple of laughs, not daring to meet Asa's gaze. "I… I see. I'm so sorry for troubling you."
At that moment, Cael approached, flashing Asa a casual smile.
"Asa, sorry for the wait."
Her face flushed immediately. "C-Cael." Her voice barely rose above a whisper, faint as a mosquito's buzz.
Her thoughts raced. That smile—it wasn't just for anyone. Cael smiled like that at her. Definitely not a coincidence. He… likes me. Asa convinced herself once again.
Kobeni stood properly, hands folded, watching the exchange with quiet curiosity. She had already guessed something about their relationship.
"So… you were waiting for Cael," she said, voice tentative.
"Hmm?" Cael looked at the timid girl, tilting his head. "I think this is our first meeting. Did you know me before?"
"Eh? No, no!" Kobeni stammered, panic rising. "It was… Senior Himeno introduced you just now, so I… I remembered you."
"Oh." Cael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She was even more timid than Asa. Could someone like her really survive as a Devil Hunter? He pictured her in a fight against a powerful devil—she'd probably be cannon fodder.
"Although I'm just a temp for Public Safety Special Division 4, we're technically colleagues. You're a rookie too, right? What's your name?" Cael asked casually.
The question sent Kobeni into a cold sweat. She glanced at Asa, seeking help. "Um… can I… tell him?"
Asa blinked, utterly confused. What did her opinion have to do with this? She felt her own emotions twist. Cael hadn't spoken to her like this in ages.
Before Asa could answer, Yoru intervened.
An A-shaped scar flickered across Asa's face, and her presence shifted. The mischievous corner of Yoru's mouth lifted as she gently lifted Kohaku's chin.
"Go ahead and tell him. Cael is an Undertaker; might be useful later."
The meaning was clear: tell him your name so Cael can carve it on your tombstone later.
"K-Kya!" Kobeni broke into a cold sweat. "I-I won't! I'll never say it!"
Cael sighed. He could see it—Asa's other personality was stirring, causing mischief. He acted.
The head pat.
His hand rested on Yoru's head, gently rubbing. "Be a good girl, Asa. Don't scare her. I know you didn't get your fun today, but that devil popped up unexpectedly."
"I'll make it up to you,"
"How about we go back to the ferris wheel in a bit?" Cael suggested casually.
Yoru's face instantly burned red. She realized something critical—they shared a body, and a portion of Asa's feelings had affected her. She was embarrassed and angry.
"I am the dignified War Devil! Like a human? Are you kidding me?!"
Her blush deepened, and she angrily grabbed Cael's collar.
"What ferris wheel? That's stupid! Did you—"
Flash.
Asa regained control. Her eyes cleared, and her strength returned.
"The ferris wheel," Asa said, face red enough to bleed. "I want to ride it with you."
Her determination was absolute. Whether Bat Devil, Leech Devil, pretty girls, or Yoru, anyone in her way could die. Even if the world ended tomorrow, she was riding that ferris wheel today. She had bought an all-day pass, and she was going to use it.
Kobeni flinched at Asa's sudden resolve.
Seeing Asa return to her usual self, Cael exhaled in relief.
"Alright, alright. But first, let's get the cat treated. If the wound gets infected, that'll be bad."
Asa nodded. "Cael's right. Save the cat first."
Kobeni, timid as ever, raised her hand. "I can take care of the cat. You go ahead and have fun. I'll bring it to the animal rescue center."
"Really? Thank you!" Cael smiled. Kobeni was surprisingly reliable.
Asa looked uncertain, holding Nyan-ko protectively. "Are you sure you're taking it to the hospital and not secretly tossing it?"
"No, no!" Kobeni waved her hands frantically. "Animal treatment costs are reimbursed! I don't spend a single yen! There's no way I'd do anything cruel!"
"Fine, I believe you." Asa gently placed Nyan-ko in Kobeni's arms. "By the way, what's your name? I'll check on the cat later."
Kobeni exhaled, a weight lifting. Finally, she could introduce herself.
"I… I'm Higashiyama Kobeni. A Devil Hunter with Public Safety Special Division 4."
"I'm Asa Mitaka. Take good care of Gurambun, Kobeni," Asa said with a gentle smile.
Cael nodded, storing her name in memory.
Then, abruptly, his personal data panel fluctuated violently for the first time.
Luck: 100 → 10
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