Banjou's eyes widened. Veins bulged as blood vessels popped in his gaze. His heart twisted as he stared at Kamishiro Rize leaning close to that boy. Was she really about to kiss him?
No. No way.
Across the café, Kirishima Touka also noticed what was happening. Her eyes locked on the two, and for a second, she forgot to breathe.
Were they really going to kiss?
It was something she'd only seen on television. The way Rize and Ryoma leaned into each other made her blush just imagining the rest.
"Ara ara…"
Fueguchi Ryoko covered her smile with one hand, voice soft with amusement.
Hinami, no longer too young to understand, blushed as well. She lifted her hands to cover her eyes—only there was a clear gap between her fingers. She wanted to peek.
Ryoma, fully aware Rize was about to cheat in their little game, didn't react. His eyelashes trembled just slightly, calm in the face of her provocation.
[Ding! Host has activated a task. God-level choice available!]
[Option 1: Lean back and dodge. Counter with a headbutt to teach her a lesson. Reward: 30 fusion points.]
[Option 2: Respond with greater evil. Jab your fingers into her eyes. Reward: 30 fusion points.]
[Option 3: Take the initiative. Kiss Kamishiro Rize's cheek first. Reward: 50 fusion points.]
Ryoma made his decision instantly.
He leaned forward and gently kissed Rize on the cheek, brushing her skin with calm precision.
Rize blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the counterattack. For a moment, she was stunned.
[Ding! Option 3 completed. Reward acquired: 50 fusion points.]
"You lost," Ryoma said with an even tone.
"…"
Rize was speechless.
"Ryoma-nii's bad…" Hinami mumbled, her face red.
"Gross," Touka added bluntly.
Ryoko just smiled, watching quietly from the side.
Yomo and Yoshimura weren't in the shop today. Nor were Enji and Kaya Irimi. Only Touka and the Fueguchi family were present, and with customers scarce thanks to the situation in the 11th Ward, the café was quiet.
"…She cheated first. I just countered," Ryoma said, defending himself against the girls' accusations.
"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"
Banjou suddenly erupted. Driven by jealousy, he launched a wild punch at Ryoma.
Ryoma didn't even blink. He tilted his head to the side and smoothly dodged, then drove his knee into Banjou's gut.
Even though Ryoma held back, Banjou dropped like a stone, clutching his stomach and retching on the floor.
His three henchmen didn't move. They looked at each other, then at Ryoma, and sighed.
"…Apologies for the disturbance."
"Our boss tends to act on emotion…"
"We won't cause trouble."
Each wore matching outfits in red, blue, and purple, marked with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the chest.
"It's fine," Ryoma replied casually.
He glanced down at Banjou, still groaning on the floor, then helped him up and guided him to the couch. As frustrating as Banjou could be, Ryoma knew he wasn't a bad person. Naive, a little foolish, but not cruel.
He sat back in his seat and waited patiently for the man to recover.
Rize, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes.
"…I remember what just happened."
Ryoma gave a sideways look. "You started it."
Rize didn't deny it. She just felt bitter she hadn't won.
"Cough… cough…"
Banjou stirred again, sitting upright with a wince. His wounds were minor, but his pride had taken the real hit.
"You calm now?" Ryoma asked flatly.
Banjou nodded, quiet and humbled.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Kanzaki Ryoma."
"…You're strong. Stronger than you look. No wonder Miss Rize chose you…"
Banjou sighed.
He had known deep down that he was never worthy of her. But emotions weren't logical. They were stubborn.
"I think you're misunderstanding something. Me and her—"
Before Ryoma could finish, Rize slipped behind him and wrapped an arm around his, leaning in close to whisper.
"Dear, why are you trying to explain? Didn't you just tease me back there~?"
Her breath tickled his ear. He froze slightly, face twitching. This was clearly her payback.
"…This again?" Ryoma muttered.
Rize said nothing, just smiling innocently.
Banjou looked like his soul had left his body.
"Now, Ryoma, what did Banjou misunderstand?" Rize teased, tightening her grip on his arm.
Her smirk told him she wasn't about to let it go easily.
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