Screech.
The car slid into the garage.
Cael and Asa Mitaka walked into the shop hand in hand, chatting lightly about the earlier little incident.
Asa thoughtfully hung the "Closed" sign on the shop door, a soft smile playing across her face.
"Hahaha, chewing gum? Seriously, why would you do that?" Asa laughed until tears sprang to her eyes.
Cael shrugged and closed the door. "I thought it was perfect. As soon as they sit down, the gum flattens and sticks to them completely. They won't even be able to scrape it off."
"That sticky, annoying feeling is just right for gossipers."
"But… Cael, you lost two tickets to a popular movie. Isn't that a big deal?" Asa asked casually. Ever since the accident at home, her life had been tight, so she had grown frugal.
"The tickets were given to me by Public Safety, so I don't really mind," Cael replied.
"I see," Asa nodded, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "If it's a movie, going to the theater is expensive anyway. Renting a DVD would be more cost-effective."
"'Heartbreak, Flowers, and the Chainsaw' hasn't been released yet. You'd have to wait a while for the DVD."
Asa frowned slightly. "Judging by the title, it sounds like a sad story. I think I'll pass."
Cael chuckled. "I heard sad stories stick in your memory better."
"I just… don't like them."
Asa smiled faintly and, without warning, took Cael's hand and gave it a gentle bite.
"Asa?" Cael twitched reflexively, relieved the pressure was light. He had thought Yoru was attacking again.
"Cael, was it this hand that held the gum? Why isn't it sweet?" Asa murmured, her finger in his mouth.
"Then give me the other hand too," she added, blushing, and gently bit his other fingertips one by one. The pressure was just right, leaving tiny tooth marks.
She was still thinking about Yoru, but wanted to experience what it felt like to bite someone herself.
Hiss.
Cael inhaled sharply. Oh no… this teasing, silly girl. His heart was racing again.
He smiled softly and pointed to his mouth. "If you want the taste of gum, there's some here."
"You're terrible…" Asa punched his arm lightly.
She was delicate, sensitive, and for her, public displays of intimacy were difficult. That's why Cael had closed the door early. Denji was at school, and the shop was empty. The environment was private enough for the two of them.
Asa wrapped her arms around Cael's neck, eyes shining as she inched closer to his cheek. She rested her forehead gently against him, feeling his breathing grow slightly ragged.
"Don't rush… let me finish," Asa whispered softly.
"Cael, did you know?"
"Saliva contains lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulin A," she continued. "Lysozyme destroys bacterial cell walls, lactoferrin chelates iron ions, and immunoglobulins are part of the mucosal immune system. Together, they have disinfecting and bactericidal effects."
"So… since you're hurt, let me heal you."
Softness in her mouth, warmth flowing down his throat. Mmm.
It was a long, tender moment.
---
That night, the izakaya was lively. Just standing outside, Cael could hear the clamor. Plenty of people had arrived.
"Sorry, I'm late," Cael said as he lifted the noren curtain.
Warm yellow light contrasted sharply with the neon outside. Cael felt a wave of comfort. He removed the scarf Asa had given him and hung it on the coat rack.
The drinking party had been organized by Himeno. After the shooting incident, the Tokyo Public Safety Devil Hunters had undergone huge structural changes. Himeno thought it would be good for the new Special Division 4 members to bond.
It was both a welcome party for newcomers and a victory celebration. As a temp who had taken down over a thousand zombies solo, Cael had been invited immediately.
"So many people," he remarked. Aside from a few familiar faces, most were strangers. Everyone sat around long tables on tatami mats, covered with dishes and drinks. Power was shoving food into her mouth, while the others sipped or smoked.
Cael's arrival immediately drew attention.
"Oh my," Himeno said, glancing over. "Little handsome guy, why are you so late? Why didn't you bring your cute girlfriend?"
"She's socially anxious. This kind of gathering isn't her thing," Cael said casually. Another reason: Makima might appear, and Yoru inside Asa couldn't see Pochita.
Cael paused, unsure where to sit. The room was informal, scattered, but there weren't any empty seats.
"Sit here! Sit here!" Himeno saw his dilemma and scooted closer to Hayakawa Aki, making room.
"No, too crowded there. I'll sit by the devil," Cael said, noticing only the winged girl had space around her, and sat down.
The others looked surprised.
"You've got guts sitting this close to me," the Angel Devil said, shifting slightly away.
A burly man with a scar warned, "Angel is the Angel Devil. Touch him and your lifespan will shrink."
Cael rubbed his shoulder. "I know, Mr. Kishibe mentioned that. But I'm just here to eat. No funny business."
Besides, Cael's Tier I ability, 'Dark Water,' nullified accidental physical contact effects. Even abilities like the Muscle Devil's were powerless against him.
Angel, eating ice cream, frowned and said, "I'm a man."
"Huh?!"
"Hah! Fooled another one!" Himeno laughed loudly. She downed a full glass of beer.
"Why isn't Makima here yet? She's the only one missing."
"Let me check." Hayakawa Aki pulled out her phone. "Miss Makima's busy at home. She might be two hours late. She said to go ahead without her."
Busy? Cael thought. Taking care of dozens of dogs must be exhausting.
"Since Makima said so, let's start eating," Yasuda Yuzuki said with a smile. Formerly of Special Division 1, she was mature and steady, unlike flighty Himeno.
Chopsticks lifted. "Let's eat!"
Power grabbed a plate. "Thief! Don't touch the fried chicken! It's all mine!"
___
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