"Eh, brother?"
Returning from the restroom, Sayu Yagami saw Ye Xing sitting beside her elder brother with a hand resting on his shoulder, appearing remarkably chummy. Tilting her head curiously, she asked, "Do you two know each other?"
Light Yagami smiled, his tone perfectly calm as he displayed flawless acting skills that surpassed ordinary people. "If you mean acquainted, we've only just met. Didn't you want to explore Kyoto? This gentleman happens to be a local, so I took the liberty of asking for his advice."
"Oh, I see!" The innocent Sayu Yagami didn't harbour the slightest suspicion.
Approaching the table with a maidenly blush, she extended her slender hand with a sweet smile. "Hello, I'm Sayu Yagami, his younger sister."
Ye Xing returned the smile, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Makoto Ito."
Seated beside them, Light Yagami blinked in surprise.
Wait.
Wasn't your name Mitsuha Miyamizu?
Since when did you become Makoto Ito?
Sayu nodded, her eyes flickering with shy admiration as she took in Ye Xing's handsome features. "Then... may I call you Ito-kun?"
"No problem, as long as you don't decapitate me."
"Er..."
Sayu clearly didn't understand such an abstract reference.
Her attention remained fixed on Ye Xing's appearance. Although her brother, Light, was tall and handsome enough to receive love letters at school regularly, the truth was that siblings who spent too much time together often overlooked each other's charms.
Moreover.
In terms of looks alone, Light was slightly inferior to Ye Xing.
"Well then, Ito-kun." Light's tone carried distinct weight when pronouncing these three syllables.
He wasn't foolish—by now, he understood that "Mitsuha Miyamizu" had been a pseudonym. As for "Makoto Ito"? Light doubted this was his real name, either.
This person...
Seemed to be guarding against him.
Why?
Were names that important?
Was it caution against a potential investigation into his identity... or did this fellow practitioner of Soul Materialisation know of some name-based supernatural ability?
Given Light's nature, he shouldn't have approached a dangerous stranger who knew the truth without proper reconnaissance. But as a transmigrator, Ye Xing understood Light's psychology better than Light himself—beneath that perfect student facade lay an adrenaline junkie who thrived on life-and-death gambles.
Light produced his mobile phone. In this era of ubiquitous smartphones, he still used an old flip phone. "May I have your contact details?"
"Of course."
Ye Xing smiled, exchanging phone numbers and mailing addresses with Light.
Whether by fate's design or the mutual attraction between psychics...
In any case, these two had established a connection in an entirely reasonable manner that wouldn't raise anyone's suspicions.
"You seemed to be having such a pleasant conversation while I was away?"
Having finished her phone call with her mother to report she'd found a suitable Kengan fighter candidate, Haruno couldn't help but cover her mouth in amusement when she saw Ye Xing sitting at the neighbouring table engaged in friendly conversation with the Yagami siblings.
'This guy's social skills are really something,' she thought.
He'd managed to strike up a conversation with neighbouring customers in the time it took her to make one phone call.
"Hello."
Though Haruno Yukinoshita wore a smile, as the de facto second-in-command of Yukinoshita Construction, the aura she exuded made the middle schooler Sayu Yagami inevitably nervous as she greeted them stiffly.
"I'm Sayu Yagami. Nice to meet you. I look forward to your guidance."
"No need to be so tense."
Upon hearing the surname Yagami, a barely perceptible flicker passed through Haruno's eyes, though her expression remained unchanged as she stepped forward to gently pat Sayu's head, speaking softly.
"I'm Haruno. I'm this guy's..."
Here, Haruno tilted her head slightly, looking at Ye Xing with a meaningful half-smile.
"Actually, what exactly is our relationship now?"
Hearing these words laden with implication, like dialogue straight out of a drama, excitement and anticipation bloomed on Sayu's young face.
What kind of development was this?
Just like in those dramas she watched with her mother, where the female lead and male lead maintained an ambiguous relationship until finally reaching the moment of truth?
Who'd have thought a simple morning tea outing could yield such unexpected rewards!
Sayu Yagami silently enjoyed the unfolding drama.
Though Light Yagami typically had no interest in such gossip, when the subject was Ye Xing - someone who also possessed Soul Materialisation abilities and could understand his thoughts - it became completely different.
Based on the response, he might be able to gauge the other's general personality.
Would it be a cold, ruthless rejection?
A gentle reciprocation?
Or perhaps evading the question with irrelevant talk?
Over a dozen possible responses Ye Xing might choose flashed through Light's mind in an instant.
Yet the words that actually came next were something he could never have anticipated.
"Hmm..."
Ye Xing pondered briefly, as if counting something internally, before looking at Haruno with complete sincerity.
"Though we do have a physical relationship, in terms of sequence, you'd only rank fourth... no, fifth in priority."
In the deafening silence that followed, Ye Xing added with a laugh:
"Of course, you're still one of the regular starting team members. You just made it in time."
Not just Sayu, but even the normally composed Light couldn't help showing astonishment in his eyes.
Seriously, mate.
You're playing this completely straight?
Dating two... no, five people at once is one thing.
But you actually told the fifth person the truth, admitting they're only fifth in line?
Bloody hell, are you running some sort of draft lottery here?
Though it was their first time meeting Haruno, both Light Yagami and his sister Sayu could sense an air of effortless control in her demeanour—the unmistakable presence of a formidable woman.
No doubt, she came from an extraordinary background.
Would a woman of such striking beauty and refined temperament really be content with being fifth in line?
"I see..."
Haruno pressed her lips together in a faint smile, then murmured meaningfully under the siblings' astonished gazes.
"Some things aren't about who came first."
Light and Sayu exchanged glances, both utterly dumbfounded.
Wait, that's not the normal reaction.
Shouldn't you be slamming the table and cursing the scumbag at this point!?
Why do you look like you're fired up instead?
Are you getting competitive?
"Quite confident, aren't you, Ms Haruno?"
Haruno Yukinoshita took a seat at the table, resting her cheek on one hand as she smiled.
"Alright, enough jokes. I have things to do later, so let's eat first."
"Fine."
As Ye Xing sat down opposite Haruno, Light stood up and nodded at him with a polite smile.
"Well then, Ito-kun, I'll be staying in Kyoto for a few more days. If anything comes up, I might have to trouble you."
Ye Xing took a sip from his water glass before replying leisurely.
"Of course. Just remember not to go out at night. Though Kyoto's crime rate has dropped, some places are still dangerous for outsiders."
With Light's intellect, he immediately grasped the emphasis in Ye Xing's words.
Outsiders.
This was a warning—Kyoto was his territory.
"Thanks for the reminder. I'm well aware."
Since awakening his Soul Materialisation ability, Light had been punishing criminals. But this trip to Kyoto wasn't for "work."
After all, this wasn't Tokyo.
Moreover, the Director of Kyoto's Metropolitan Police Department was his father, and he was here with his sister and mother.
Sneaking out recklessly would only raise suspicions.
Light wasn't foolish enough to make such a basic mistake.
...
After Light and Sayu left, Haruno picked up a steaming pastry with her chopsticks, popped it between her soft pink lips, and nodded approvingly.
"The food here really is delicious. No wonder those siblings from Tokyo made a special trip to try it."
Pausing, she tucked a strand of her short black hair behind her ear and added casually,
"By the way, the Director of Kyoto's Metropolitan Police Department shares the same surname—Yagami. Quite an uncommon name, isn't it?"
Ye Xing took a sip of tea and replied flatly,
"Light and Sayu are his son and daughter. Of course they share the surname."
"I see."
Haruno nodded noncommittally.
Then, wiping her hands with a napkin, she pulled out a stack of bills from her wallet and placed them on the table.
"My treat. The yen for yesterday's soda water is included."
"Leaving already?"
Ye Xing didn't immediately take the money; instead, asking with a smile.
Haruno nodded slightly, her eyes revealing complex emotions as she murmured in response.
"As the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family, I bear many people's expectations."
"Therefore, I don't have the freedom to decide what I want to do, nor the freedom to choose who I spend my leisure time with."
At this point, Haruno paused, her beautiful face showing traces of dejection.
"Sometimes I really envy Yukino... never mind."
Her despondent expression lasted only a moment before transforming back into her usual mature demeanour, the corners of her lips curling upwards as she smiled.
"You must have heard enough last night. Anyway, there's an urgent matter at the company - I should go. I'll contact you in advance about the specific time and location for the martial arts competition."
With that, Haruno leaned close to Ye Xing, bending down to whisper in his ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids.
"I had a wonderful time last night. Until next time."
...
In the blink of an eye, time advanced to that afternoon.
In Ye Xing's living room.
"Hmm..."
Miko Yotsuya stared intently at the clearly defined black-and-white board before her.
Her eyes shone with sharp intensity as she fixed her gaze on Yui Yuigahama's face across from her.
Then, with slender white fingers, she delicately picked up a white piece between her index and middle fingers, placing it slowly on the board as she enunciated each word clearly.
"Double three. I win."
Seeing the board's situation, Yui Yuigahama froze momentarily before belatedly realising her mistake, expressing deep regret.
"Ah, really... I completely overlooked that spot. Such a basic mistake."
"Hmph."
Miko Yotsuya shook her head with the air of a victorious general, stating solemnly.
"Yui, lacking a comprehensive vision of the whole battlefield will cost you dearly in life-or-death situations."
Yui Yuigahama nodded with a sweet smile.
"As expected of Miko, you're truly amazing."
"Of course."
Sitting nearby with a coffee cup in hand, Rio Futaba sighed and facepalmed at the sight of the two girls.
It's just Gomoku.
Was there any need to be this serious?
They're even getting all fired up about it.
The reason Miko Yotsuya, Yui Yuigahama and Rio Futaba had all come to Ye Xing's house today was because he'd said they needed to hold an internal Supernatural Society meeting to discuss their next course of action.
And to introduce them to a new member.
Ding.
After the doorbell rang, Rio Futaba set down her coffee cup and was about to stand up to answer the door.
Unexpectedly...
The person outside used a key to open it.
Appearing before the three girls - Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya - was a beautiful young woman wearing a short-sleeved top and jeans, accompanied by a light blue cap.
Just one glance made them momentarily dazed.
Her flawless skin, silky black hair, and slender figure were evident even in casual clothes.
Her exquisite face carried a unique charm - mature yet languid.
Perhaps from walking over, her fair cheeks were slightly flushed, making her even more captivating.
"Hello."
Seeing Yui Yuigahama and the others seated in the living room, Mai Sakurajima wore a flawless, sweet smile, gave a slight bow, and waved as she greeted them.
"My name is Mai Sakurajima. Pleased to meet you."
Even the usually calm and composed Rio Futaba, upon seeing Mai Sakurajima in person for the first time, was just as stunned as Yui Yuigahama and Miko Yotsuya by the other girl's breathtaking beauty and unique charm.
Yes, 'stunned' was not an exaggeration.
After Mai's Adolescence Syndrome was cured, everyone's memories of her had been restored—including Rio's.
As the intelligence analyst of the Supernatural Society and the brain substitute for its leader, Ye Xing, Rio had naturally looked up information about Mai Sakurajima.
Only then did she realise.
Mai had become a nationally renowned idol actress, not just because of her exceptionally rare and outstanding looks.
But also due to her superb acting skills and the unique charm she exuded with every gesture.
Even through a computer screen, even as a fellow girl, Rio couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration when watching that beautiful girl on screen.
And now.
Having finally met Mai in person, she found that the other's charm hadn't diminished in the slightest from close, real-life contact.
If anything, she seemed even more genuine and sweet than the idol on screen.
"You're here?"
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Ye Xing came downstairs and glanced at Mai standing in the entryway, speaking nonchalantly.
"Change your shoes and come in."
"Alright."
Mai nodded in response, took off her shoes, and slipped into a pair of slippers placed on the entryway shoe rack before walking in with natural ease.
Witnessing this, a flicker of surprise passed through Rio's eyes behind her glasses.
What's going on?
Had Mai been to Ye Xing's house before?
No, it wasn't just a visit.
She even has her own dedicated slippers...
Could it be that Mai had stayed at Ye Xing's place during her Adolescence Syndrome?
Doesn't that mean they were literally living together!?
As Rio pondered this, Mai had already walked up to Ye Xing and spoke softly.
"You haven't had dinner yet, have you?"
Ye Xing answered matter-of-factly.
"Right, that's why I specifically asked you to come."
Mai blinked, then frowned slightly and lightly punched his shoulder with a clenched fist, displeased.
"Do you really see me as your personal chef now?"
"Ah, that's not quite accurate."
Ye Xing waved his hand with great seriousness.
"Mai, you're not my personal chef—you're the Supernatural Society's official head chef."
"Tch, as if anyone wants to be one."
Mai Sakurajima pursed her lips, then turned her gaze towards Yui Yuigahama and the others seated on the sofa, her tone instantly softening.
"Yuigahama-san, Yotsuha-san, and Futaba-san, dinner will be ready soon. I'll bring it out when it's done so we can all eat together."
Of course, Rio Futaba and the others couldn't be as blunt as Ye Xing, since Mai Sakurajima was their senior.
"Thank you for your trouble, Mai-senpai," they replied.
Yui Yuigahama volunteered eagerly: "Mai-senpai, let me help you cook."
Mai shook her head with a smile.
"It's alright, I can manage alone. Don't you all have important matters to discuss?"
With that, Mai entered the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began working with practised ease.
Watching this scene, Rio Futaba couldn't help but sigh softly.
Mai Sakurajima's appearance and demeanour were outstanding, her manners impeccable, and she was even skilled at cooking.
She was practically the perfect girlfriend candidate.
Rio found it impossible to harbour even the slightest hostility towards such a person.
Even though somewhere deep inside, she could feel that from a certain perspective, she and Mai Sakurajima...
Were rivals.