Looking at the three options before him, Byakuya was rendered speechless by the third one.
Knowing full well that Kaneki had a crush on Rize, the System wanted him to psychologically devastate the guy? That seemed excessively cruel.
Sure, the third option offered the most Fusion Points, but Byakuya wasn't the type to blindly chase maximum rewards. Context mattered.
Even back when he'd watched Tokyo Ghoul, he'd always felt Kaneki had a rough life from the very beginning. Having the System push him to emotionally destroy the guy... he couldn't bring himself to do it.
The second option would have to do.
It wasn't difficult anyway—just strike up a conversation with Kaneki about books.
But now wasn't the time. Rize was already pulling him toward their date.
Before leaving, Byakuya deliberately glanced in Kaneki's direction to avoid having the System count it as "ignoring" him.
Kaneki, who'd been sneaking peeks their way, immediately noticed and averted his gaze in a panic. The last thing he wanted was the boyfriend catching him and causing trouble.
Rize noticed Byakuya looking elsewhere. "Something wrong?"
Not until they'd stepped outside did Byakuya answer: "Nothing much. I just felt like that guy was staring at you."
"Really?..." Rize tilted her head innocently. "Byakuya-kun, you're not jealous, are you? There's absolutely no need to worry—you're the only one I'm interested in."
She was clearly trying to wrap him around her finger.
"Of course. I'd never doubt how you feel, Rize-san."
Byakuya nodded.
If only he could blush on command, he'd have given her the perfect shy, innocent expression.
...
Walking together, Byakuya didn't reach for Rize's hand.
Normally, a guy should take initiative in moments like this.
But their relationship was fake, after all.
Despite her habit of seducing men before devouring them, Rize had never actually let anyone touch her. She'd lure them in, then slaughter and consume them before things went too far.
Compared to her usual pattern, agreeing to Byakuya's confession was already her most "out of character" move.
Of course, that also meant if Byakuya were truly just an ordinary human, he'd end up suffering the most gruesome death of all her victims.
Given Rize's personality, attempting to hold her hand would probably result in rejection—polite rejection, but rejection nonetheless.
Still... maybe it was worth testing her reaction. It would also make his "naive young man" act more convincing.
With that thought, he boldly reached for her hand.
He played up the hesitation—that typical anxious back-and-forth of wanting to but not daring to—before finally committing and taking her hand.
[Ding! Host has completed "holding hands" with Rize Kamishiro. Reward: 5 Fusion Points!]
By now, Byakuya wasn't surprised that this kind of thing earned points.
A flicker of disgust passed through Rize's eyes. To her, Byakuya was just food—being touched by him was hardly pleasant.
But rather than show resistance, she smoothly withdrew her hand as if naturally, pointing toward something in the distance. "Byakuya-kun, I'd love to try the desserts at that shop over there."
Just as expected, Byakuya thought with an inward smile.
...
Inside the dessert shop, they each ordered something sweet.
Halfway through, Rize stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
"Sure."
Byakuya nodded.
He knew she was probably going to throw up. Ghouls couldn't digest human food—it tasted utterly revolting to them and would damage their bodies if left inside. Many ghouls learned to "fake eat" to blend in: swallow without chewing, then purge before digestion.
...
The date continued without Rize making any move to eat him. She was clearly focused on using flirtation and subtle manipulation to make him fall completely for her.
When it was time to part ways, Rize smiled warmly. "I really enjoyed today. I hope Byakuya-kun did too."
"I had a great time—getting to spend time with such a beautiful girl."
Byakuya scratched his cheek lightly.
Rize's expression turned bashful, delight radiating from her features.
The atmosphere was perfect.
Too bad neither of them was being genuine.
"Um... let's meet at the café again tomorrow? There's a movie I want to see. Would you come with me, Byakuya-kun?"
She wasn't done playing with her prey just yet.
"Absolutely."
Byakuya agreed without hesitation.
...
After parting with Rize, Byakuya returned to Anteiku.
Sure enough, Kaneki was still there, reading.
Their eyes met briefly as Byakuya entered. Kaneki immediately looked away, pretending he hadn't seen him.
Byakuya walked straight toward him. Cold sweat appeared on Kaneki's forehead—he clearly expected confrontation.
"That book you're reading—isn't that one of Takatsuki-sensei's works?"
Byakuya spoke first.
"I'm so sorry!"
Kaneki blurted out an apology on reflex. A moment later, he processed what had actually been said. "Huh?... Oh! Yes, this is Sen Takatsuki's The Black Goat's Egg..."
His flustered reaction made Byakuya smile awkwardly.
"What a coincidence—I'm a fan of Takatsuki-sensei too."
Byakuya kept his tone friendly.
[Ding! Host has completed Option 2. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
Sensing no hostility, Kaneki gradually relaxed.
"Really?"
His face lit up with genuine excitement.
Sure, this guy was dating that cute girl, but finding someone who shared his love for Takatsuki's work was still worth being happy about.
Reading was his only real hobby, after all.