As they stepped into the store, a wave of cool air mixed with a faint rose fragrance washed over them.
The four walls were set with sleek mirrors edged in fine gold trim, while spotlights scattered star-like reflections across the polished glass display cases. Inside, gold necklaces, diamond rings, and all manner of jewelry lay neatly arranged on black velvet pads—exquisite, expensive, and intimidatingly refined.
On the wall opposite the entrance hung a massive digital screen, showing the real-time fluctuations of global gold prices. At that moment, the rate read $3,050 per ounce. With one ounce equal to 31.1035 grams, that came to roughly 14,000 yen per gram.
The allure of precious metals was undeniable. Even Minamoto Senya, who had only intended to tag along, felt himself waver as his eyes lingered on the honey-colored gold pieces. His mind drifted: Wouldn't a necklace look amazing on Toka-senpai? Her swan-like neck would pair beautifully with something delicate.
Though, knowing her tastes, plain yellow gold probably wasn't her style. Rose gold or platinum might be better—classier, more fitting for someone young.
Then there was Saeko. She'd looked out for him so much, even sparring with him in kendo practice—where he'd accidentally struck her a bit too hard. Maybe now was the perfect chance to pick out earrings for her. A gift of thanks, an apology, and perhaps a way to deepen her affection.
And what about Yukino? She'd supported him for years. Just because she was abroad now didn't mean she should be left out. After all, their new home had gone so smoothly thanks to her assistance. By any fair order of priorities, she should probably come first.
"Welcome~"
A saleswoman glided forward, her voice saccharine enough to melt. Trained in customer service, she showed no hint of dismissing them even though they looked like students.
Hayasaka Ai, however, was distracted by the woman's outfit. The saleswoman wore high heels and a slitted cheongsam, its tight fabric hugging every curve. As she walked, the lace trim of her nude stockings peeked from the slit, dangerously eye-catching.
Ai caught herself staring longer than she should have. If she was captivated, how could Senya-kun not be? Surely a boy his age couldn't resist such an alluring older woman.
Sneaking a glance, she noticed he wasn't looking at the saleswoman at all—he was absorbed in the display cases, studying the jewelry inside. For reasons she couldn't explain, that realization made her strangely happy.
"Excuse me," Ai said softly, turning back to the saleswoman. "I'd like to buy a birthday present for my mother. Could you recommend something?"
"Of course. This way, please. Do you know what type of jewelry or material she prefers?"
"A bracelet, I think. Nothing too flashy."
"Perfect. Please take a look at these."
The saleswoman guided them to the bracelet counter, her tone almost unnaturally warm—whether thanks to training, or the subtle aura of Senya's natural charm.
"I'd like to see that one," Ai said, pointing.
"Certainly, one moment."
The bracelet was placed into her hands, and she examined it carefully, unsure. Then she turned to Senya for reassurance. "What do you think? Does it look good?"
"Looks nice," he said, considering. "Why don't you try it on? Jewelry's different once you see it on your wrist."
The saleswoman chimed in, smiling: "Your boyfriend's right, you should see it on."
Ai's eyes flickered. Boyfriend? A misunderstanding, sure—but did they really look that much like a couple?
Senya laughed awkwardly. "We're not dating."
Realizing her slip, the saleswoman hurried to apologize. But still—what kind of "not dating" pair walked into a jewelry store together, picking out a present for her mother, standing this close? Students these days were baffling.
"It suits you," Senya said sincerely, watching Ai model the bracelet.
She stroked the chain, uncertain. "Do you think Mom will like it…?"
"You could always compare a few more styles before deciding," the saleswoman offered gently.
True enough. And with gold prices so high, there was no room for carelessness. But choosing slowly meant it would take time.
Ai glanced at Senya, worried.
He only smiled. "Take your time. We're not in a rush."
Her lips curved in relief. She nodded.
The saleswoman, watching their interaction, nearly swooned. If this is how sweet they are without dating, then if they actually got together… the sugar content would be lethal.
As Ai continued browsing, Senya's eyes wandered to another display. A necklace caught his interest, and he was just about to ask for it when a loud shout split the air.
The front door burst open. Three men stormed in, faces hidden under motorcycle helmets.
One stationed himself at the entrance while the other two strode straight to the counters, swinging steel baseball bats. The deafening CRASH CRASH CRASH of reinforced glass shattering sent shockwaves through the store.
The four female staff froze, along with the handful of customers. Terror rooted them in place.
Senya's brow furrowed. He had no intention of playing hero—but instinct moved him. He pulled Ai behind him.
She wasn't actually scared. Trained in self-defense and martial arts since childhood, Ai knew she could handle herself, maybe even protect others.
But the sight of Senya stepping protectively in front of her, broad shoulders squared, stirred something deep inside. Her heart fluttered, her eyes lingered. For a ridiculous moment, she wanted nothing more than to hug him from behind.
The robbers' bats hammered the glass over and over, but the display cases were built for exactly this. Cracks spread, but the steel-reinforced glass refused to give.
"Damn it!" the lookout at the door barked. "Forget smashing—make the staff open it!"
One robber whirled toward the clerks, raising his bat threateningly. Shaking, they pointed to where the keys were stored. As part-time workers, they had no reason to risk their lives for company property.
The keys were snatched, but nerves and adrenaline made the robber clumsy. He managed to open just one case before the employees bolted into a backroom, locking the door tight.
Frustrated, the criminals turned to the other customers.
Two elderly patrons, a group of five middle-aged men and women… and the young pair who looked like a couple.
Soft targets were obvious.
One thug shoved the key into Senya's chest, pointing his bat at him. "You! Open the cases. Now!"
Senya stared him down, unmoving.
"You little—!"
The thug raised his bat—
—and in a blur, Senya surged forward. His knee drove straight into the robber's gut. Before the man could collapse, Senya tore the bat from his grip and swung it hard against the side of his helmeted head.
The thug slammed into the counter and crumpled, unconscious. Alive, yes—thanks to the helmet—but whether he'd wake up without brain damage was another matter.
Everyone in the store had seen it clearly: the thug had attacked first. Senya had only defended himself.
The shop fell silent, broken only by the gasps of shocked bystanders. Outside, curious onlookers began to gather.
"Shit!" The lookout panicked, fumbling inside his jacket.
Senya's instincts screamed. A gun? He didn't hesitate. The stolen bat flew from his hand like a javelin, striking the robber's shoulder as he rushed forward, kicking him off balance. A vicious stomp pinned him down.
Senya yanked a pistol from the man's jacket—and almost laughed. A replica. A toy.
Even so, when he pulled the trigger, the muzzle spat sparks, the scene surreal: an absurd mix of violence and slapstick, like some postmodern parody of heroism.
Thud!
Behind him, another body dropped.
Ai stood there, her expression carefully blank, the last robber unconscious at her feet.
But as Senya turned, her mask dissolved, replaced by a nervous, almost girlish look. She hadn't meant to reveal that side of herself—decisive, violent, efficient.
In her mind, such strength in a girl wasn't attractive. It felt too aggressive, too unfeminine. Not the kind of softness boys admired.
"Thanks," Senya said simply. "That helped a lot."
Her eyes brightened instantly. "No problem. But I should be the one thanking you—for protecting me first."
"You're a girl. Of course I'd stand in front."
The last robber down, the staff emerged cautiously from the backroom.
Ten minutes later, the police finally arrived.
Because Senya and Ai were both minors—and clearly acted in self-defense—they were only questioned briefly. The supervising inspector, impressed, suggested notifying their families and schools. He even proposed nominating them as model citizens in official reports.
Both refused immediately.
Senya just wanted less attention. Ai had professional reasons—her work as the Shinomiya family's maid meant she couldn't risk public recognition.
The inspector respected their wishes. After all, heroes who became public figures sometimes faced retaliation from criminals. He promised their faces would be blurred in any broadcast footage.
By the time they were released, it was nearly 1 p.m.
Ai had no mood to shop for her mother anymore. The gift could wait.
Instead, the two of them left the district and found a yakiniku place for lunch.
Ai barely ate. Mostly, she cooked meat over the grill, timing it perfectly, then used serving chopsticks to place it on Senya's plate.
Dressed in a maid uniform, she would have looked exactly like a devoted attendant feeding her young master. In truth, the difference wasn't that big.
Because only Senya could see the glowing system interface hovering before him: Ai's affection value had reached the threshold. Her portrait now glowed with the same pink aura as the others. Without realizing it, she had become someone he could "bind."
"Eat some too," Senya said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Don't just feed me."
"Mm." Ai nodded, but her actions didn't change—still, her focus remained on him.
Halfway through the meal, she suddenly spoke. "Sorry… I've never told you."
"About what?"
"I'm not just the Shinomiya family's maid. I'm also their house manager and bodyguard. Like you saw earlier… I've trained in martial arts since I was little."
"That's what you meant? Why apologize?"
"Because I hid it from you." Her gaze fell.
"Not telling isn't the same as lying," Senya replied casually. "We've only known each other a little while. It's normal for things to come out bit by bit."
His easy acceptance blew away the unease clinging to her heart like dry leaves in the autumn wind.
"Come on, eat up. We've still got plans this afternoon."
Her eyes widened. "Plans? I thought after lunch we'd part ways."
"Of course not. Morning was just the appetizer. That whole robbery mess doesn't count. The real fun starts this afternoon."
Curiosity stirred again. "Where are we going?"
He smirked. "That's a secret. But trust me—it'll be fun. You'll forget all about work stress."
Minamoto Senya's smile was brimming with anticipation.
He couldn't wait to see her reaction.