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After Renji left, Suì-Fēng's cold voice cut through the room.
"Omaeda, leave us. I have something to discuss with Captain Su Li."
Omaeda instantly understood. He shot Su Li a strange, knowing look, bowed out, and closed the door with suspicious delicacy.
"…What's with that wink?" Su Li muttered, exasperated.
Suì-Fēng advanced, posture regal, face impassive. For a fleeting moment Su Li felt uneasy under her gaze. Then, without warning, she smiled.
A large lacquered food box appeared in her hands, thumping onto the desk.
Su Li's heart lurched.
"I meant to bring this earlier," she said, her smile radiant.
"I… already ate," he replied cautiously.
"That was only morning tea," she countered without pause.
His face darkened. Time to change the subject. "Why the sudden thought to bring me a bento?"
Her smile deepened. "Because I know everything about you. Yoruichi told me what you did. And besides—rumors already spread everywhere. You've become the standard-bearer of the Second Division. Of course you deserve a reward."
Su Li froze, then understood. She referred to Aizen's downfall. He had revealed Aizen's treachery, but never the exact method by which he stopped him. Suì-Fēng only learned the full truth later, through witnesses and Yoruichi's account. Yamamoto's deliberate announcements and word of mouth had cemented his reputation as a hero. The title fit—but the so-called reward, to Su Li, felt more like punishment.
He picked up the chopsticks, his hands trembling slightly. He, who had faced captains without fear, could not even break them apart cleanly.
"Here." Suì-Fēng snapped them with ease, her smile dazzling.
"…How is your relationship with Yoruichi these days?" Su Li asked, attempting casual curiosity.
"Not bad. We drank tea. Talked." Her tone was even, mood unchanged.
That startled him. In his mind they were inseparable—bonded by loyalty and trials of life and death. Now she spoke as though the bond had thinned.
"Wasn't Yoruichi always the one you admired most?" he pressed.
Suì-Fēng stiffened. "How did you know that?"
"Ah… Omaeda mentioned it." Su Li forced a laugh, tossing the blame on his lieutenant.
Her eyes chilled. "That fool talks too much." The murderous glint in her expression suggested Omaeda might not survive the week.
Su Li hurriedly redirected. "But really, how did your relationship with Yoruichi fade like this?"
She sighed. "It's true—I admired her above all. But… not anymore."
Su Li's eyes sharpened. "Then who now? Someone you admire more?"
Her cheeks burned crimson, her heartbeat quickened. If he kept asking, she might confess everything right here. But no—a woman must show restraint. Yoruichi's words from last night echoed in her mind: A girl shouldn't confess first.
She deflected instead. "Su Li… you and Rukia. Are you truly just friends?"
His answer came calmly. "We were classmates, nothing deeper. Ordinary friends at best."
Relief washed over her. Ordinary friends. Nothing more. His rescue of Rukia had only been to thwart Aizen. Warmth bloomed inside her chest.
"Then eat," she said quickly. "Otherwise it'll get cold. I made this myself—Golden Crispy Fried Pork Trotters!"
Su Li's inner sigh was heavy. A name like that… it could only belong to the darkest of culinary experiments. Still, he picked up a piece, trembling, and placed it into his mouth. His face instantly turned green.
"Well? Delicious?" she asked, eyes shining with anticipation.
He bolted upright, heading for the door.
"Where are you going?" she asked in alarm.
"I can't enjoy such a delicacy alone! Omaeda!!"
The door burst open. Omaeda tumbled inside, guilty as sin.
"You were eavesdropping," Suì-Fēng said icily, her gaze dripping with murderous intent.
"Perfect timing," Su Li cut in cheerfully. "Come eat, Omaeda. Something special!"
Omaeda paled. "I… I…"
"You're welcome," Su Li pressed, shoving chopsticks into his hand. "If you miss this chance, you'll regret it forever."
"Eat," Suì-Fēng ordered flatly.
Tears welled in his eyes. If he ate, he might truly die. If he refused, he would die even faster. With trembling hands, he picked up a piece, shoved it into his mouth—and instantly wept.
Is this truly meant for human consumption…?
"Delicious…" he sobbed, choking through tears.
"Good! Then eat more!" Su Li exclaimed, gleefully stuffing another piece into his lieutenant's mouth.
Omaeda silently prayed for death. Within minutes, the plate was bare. He collapsed into a corner, pale and hollow-eyed.
Suì-Fēng sat wordless, expression unreadable.
Su Li leaned back with satisfaction. "Ah, what a delicacy. Next time, Bee, Omaeda—you must come to my house. My aunt's cooking is unrivaled. I'll invite you to… suffer."
The words hit Suì-Fēng like an arrow to the heart. Her cheeks flushed scarlet, her pulse thundered. Go to his house? Meet his aunt? Her thoughts spun wildly. Does that mean… meeting the parents…?
She swallowed hard, face aflame.
Meanwhile Omaeda sat weeping, his spirit broken. "Not going. Not even if it kills me. I've suffered enough…"
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