"Senpai is so slow, what on earth was he doing?"
Ignoring the strange looks from passersby, Suzuya squatted on top of a trash can, waiting patiently.Just as boredom began to settle in, a familiar figure finally appeared in his line of sight.
"Senpai, you're finally here!"
Suzuya's crimson-brown eyes lit up, and like a little cat, he hopped down from the trash can.
"Sorry, I'm late. Something came up on the way."
Hayashi ruffled his fluffy hair, his gaze carrying a hint of apology.
(It was nothing—he had just casually killed one of Rize's lapdogs along the way.)
"I'm starving. I wanna go upstairs and eat!"
Suzuya lifted his head, eyes gleaming with faint grievance.
At that moment, he looked like a kitten whose owner had forgotten to feed him.
"Then let's head up. I've got food at home."
Hayashi said this as he stepped into the apartment building, making his way upstairs.
Click!
The crisp sound echoed as Hayashi unlocked the door.
"There are slippers by the shoe cabinet. Wash your hands once you're in, then sit wherever you like. I'll cook."
Hayashi slipped into his slippers with practiced ease and headed straight into the kitchen.
"Wow…"
After changing shoes, Suzuya walked into the living room, curiously scanning his surroundings.It was his first time visiting someone else's home, and everything felt novel to him.
"Wash your hands first!"
Hayashi poked his head out of the kitchen to remind him.
"Got it!"
Suzuya obediently nodded and went to wash his hands.
"Senpai said I could sit wherever I want, right?"
His bright eyes sparkled as he glanced around. The living room wasn't very spacious—about thirty square meters. The furniture wasn't perfectly tidy, but it radiated a sense of homeliness.
His gaze soon landed on the large bed near the edge of the living room. Without a shred of hesitation, Suzuya leapt onto it.
"This bed is so soft… so comfy!"
Hugging Hayashi's pillow tightly, he basked in its warmth and softness. Suzuya narrowed his eyes, his delicate face carrying a trace of pure satisfaction.
"Dinner's ready."
At that moment, Hayashi stepped out of the kitchen with plates in hand. But the first thing he saw was Suzuya's small figure curled up on the bed.
Thankfully, he had thrown away the strange scraps of paper from yesterday. Otherwise, explaining them would have been troublesome.
Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, he set the plates on the table.
"Come eat."
"Eh~? Dinner's ready already?"
Suzuya lazily drew out his tone, reluctant to leave the comfort of the bed, but eventually dragged himself over.
At the table, the two devoured the food hungrily, completely disregarding manners. By the end, it almost turned into a battle over each other's portions.
Hayashi's cooking wasn't exactly masterful, but the taste was decent enough. Soon, they cleared every last dish, leaving nothing behind.
"I'm stuffed… so comfy."
Suzuya slumped lazily on the couch, looking utterly relaxed. It was hard to imagine this laid-back boy would one day become CCG's strongest force, second only to Arima.
"It's getting late. You should head home."
Hayashi checked the clock—it was already six in the evening.The sun had set, and the sky outside was steadily darkening.Everyone knew the truth: after nightfall, the world no longer belonged to humans.That was when ghouls prowled the streets, hunting and feasting.
Of course, if some unlucky ghoul dared to attack Suzuya, they'd quickly learn who was prey and who was the real hunter. Thinking that, Hayashi felt no real concern.
"Thanks for everything today, Hayashi. I'll see you tomorrow."
Suzuya rose from the sofa with a faint smile, bowing politely before turning to leave.
But just then, Hayashi quickly stopped him.
"Wait, I still have something for you."
"Hm?"
Suzuya turned back, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"I picked this up on my way back. Not sure if you'll like it, but here."
From his pocket, Hayashi pulled out a dagger and handed it over. He had bought it at a private weapons shop earlier — meant as a gift.
After all, Shinohara had entrusted Suzuya to him. This was a matter of trust. And since they were partners now, it felt right to give him something as a token.
Though technically, Suzuya was older than him.
With that thought, Hayashi pressed the dagger into Suzuya's hands.
The smile froze on Suzuya's face. He simply stared blankly at the weapon.
"What's wrong? You don't like it?"
Hayashi was a bit puzzled by the reaction.Did he misremember — did Suzuya actually dislike daggers?Or maybe he didn't like receiving gifts from someone he wasn't close to?
Dozens of possibilities flashed through his mind in an instant.
Thud—
The sound of sudden impact cut through the air.
"No… I like it a lot."
Suzuya had suddenly thrown his arms around Hayashi, shaking his head softly. The sudden hug caught Hayashi off guard.
"Thank you… Hayashi."
"Since I was little, I never had many friends. I'd almost forgotten what friendship feels like. Aside from Shinohara, you're the second person who's ever treated me kindly… I'll never forget this feeling."
His voice trembled faintly as he clung tighter, his small frame shivering.
"So this dagger… I'll treasure it as my most precious keepsake."
His pale fingers gripped the weapon tightly against his chest, his delicate face glowing with rare happiness.
"I'm grateful to you, Hayashi. From now on, I'll give my all to support you!"
He lifted his head, a teary glimmer shining in his crimson-brown eyes, yet a smile spread across his lips.
"Keep pushing forward. I'll be watching you."
Hayashi nodded, his handsome face carrying a gentle smile.
"Then it's a promise. From now on… make sure you really keep your eyes on me."
Suzuya tilted his head with a small grin.
And just as those words left his mouth, a familiar chime rang in Hayashi's mind.
[You have successfully completed the mission: Juuzou Suzuya's Admiration]
[Mission reward being distributed...]