The cool autumn wind carried a sense of desolation, swirling through the treetops, shaking down golden leaves that danced in eddies on the pavement outside the coffee shop.
To He Xi Qian Yu's surprise, Mado Kureo never came back to the coffee shop after that day, and the CCG's surveillance of him seemed to have stopped too.
These past few days, he had become quite familiar with Kaneki Ken.
Everything seemed to have returned to normal.
The Slaughter's consciousness carried a hint of bored disdain: "...The bugs have hidden themselves..."
"Perhaps the Gluttony has made them too busy to deal with anything else," He Xi Qian Yu said, setting down the crystal-clear glass he had been wiping and turning his gaze to the wall-mounted television screen.
"In the early hours of this morning, several unidentified male bodies were discovered inside the Chihe Building, a commercial facility in Tokyo's Twenty Ward. Traces of saliva, suspected to be from Ghouls, were found on the bodies. The police believe the perpetrators are Ghouls and have launched an investigation..."
"That guy really doesn't hold back..."
He Xi Qian Yu mused to himself.
"Hahahaha!" A burst of extremely cheerful, even exaggerated laughter instantly broke the stagnant air in the shop and sharply pulled He Xi Qian Yu's thoughts back.
He turned his head.
By the window, Kaneki Ken was setting down his coffee cup with an embarrassed expression, his ears flushed. Yongjin Hideyoshi, sitting opposite him, was slapping the table and laughing without any regard for his image, his golden hair trembling with his movements.
"It's not that funny, is it...?" Kaneki Ken muttered softly, putting down his coffee, trying to defend himself.
"Who goes to a bookstore for a first date?" Yongjin Hideyoshi continued to relentlessly tease Jin Mu.
"Why not? Maybe she would be happy?" Kaneki Ken's face grew redder, and his eyes instinctively sought out He Xi Qian Yu, who was walking over: "Qianyu Ge... what do you think? Is a bookstore... really not okay?" His eyes were full of anticipation, seeking approval.
"What?" He Xi Qian Yu was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting the topic to suddenly be thrown at him.
"Hmm..." After a moment of silence, he raised his hand and patted Kaneki Ken's shoulder with moderate force, a look of affirmation on his face, like someone who had been through it all. His tone was serious: "I think... for this kind of thing, sincerity is the most important. Honesty is key, Jin Mu, believe in yourself."
Even he himself felt a bit hollow after saying that.
"R-really?" Kaneki Ken seemed to have received a shot in the arm, greatly encouraged, and even straightened his back a bit, looking at Yongjin Hideyoshi with a little more confidence.
Yongjin Hideyoshi rolled his eyes and spread his hands exaggeratedly: "Alright, alright, you're both right. I wish you and your goddess a pleasant stroll through the ocean of knowledge." His tone was full of teasing.
"Provided the other person is also sincere."
He Xi Qian Yu sighed inwardly. He didn't say that sentence out loud—he still couldn't bring himself to break Kaneki Ken's beautiful fantasy.
Poor Jin Mu, at the age when he was first experiencing love, he met someone who had a big appetite for him.
...
He Xi Qian Yu silently walked back to the bar, watching Kaneki Ken fall back into a whispered argument with Yongjin Hideyoshi about "date details," the young man's face glowing with shyness and anticipation.
He couldn't help but sigh softly: "Ah, young men in love... Back in my day, I..."
The Slaughter's cold voice cut in without warning, striking precisely: "...What about your day? You've never been in love, have you?"
"...I really need to find some time to teach you what 'seeing through without speaking through' means, and 'the right time to speak,'" he retorted through gritted teeth in his mind, feeling his cheeks flush slightly.
...
The afternoon hours flowed peacefully amidst the aroma of coffee and hushed whispers. The only small interlude was the reappearance of the "Gluttony," Kamishiro Rize, who had been missing for several days.
Her arrival was like a brilliant gem dropped into a calm lake, instantly drawing everyone's gaze. Kamishiro Rize gracefully walked towards the seat Kaneki Ken had reserved, her posture impeccably elegant.
Yongjin Hideyoshi, seeing her for the first time, his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, gasped softly, "I've already seen the moment Jin Mu gets heartbroken," then quickly grabbed his backpack and scurried away, giving He Xi Qian Yu a complex look that said, "See? I told you so," before he left.
Kaneki Ken almost stood up with his arms and legs moving in sync to greet her, his voice trembling with nervousness: "Ri-Rize-san... please come this way..."
Kamishiro Rize wore an impeccable, gentle smile, offering a tolerant gaze to Kaneki Ken's awkwardness. She sat down elegantly, and the two began to converse in low tones. Through the fragments of their conversation, filled with shy invitations and demure acceptances, He Xi Qian Yu clearly caught the key information:
They had arranged a "date" this Sunday at the bookstore.
He Xi Qian Yu subtly glanced at his phone screen: Friday.
He retracted his gaze, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the cool glass.
He had no intention of interfering.
Given Kaneki Ken's love-struck demeanor, even if he were to rush over now, grab him by the collar, and tell him word for word, "Kamishiro Rize is an SS-rank 'Gluttony,' and she's only approaching you to make you a big meal," Kaneki Ken would absolutely take it as a joke.
Besides, He Xi Qian Yu had his own matters to attend to.
A few days ago, he had listed his idle apartment on a rental website—that place wasn't close to Antique, and leaving it empty was a waste.
Earlier today, he had received an email from a prospective tenant. The person's words were earnest, hoping to discuss rental details in person after viewing the apartment.
The agreed viewing time was tonight.
The Slaughter's voice carried a strong sense of disdain: "...Boring human transactions... A waste of time..."
"Shut up, rent is money too," He Xi Qian Yu retorted grumpily in his mind.
The lingering glow of the setting sun streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, painting the coffee shop in a warm golden hue. Kaneki Ken was still whispering something to Kamishiro Rize, the girl occasionally covering her mouth with a light laugh, her purple eyes swirling with charm, while Jin Mu's face was as red as a ripe tomato.
He Xi Qian Yu silently calculated the time, tidied up the bar, nodded to Yoshimura, then took off his apron and picked up the jacket draped over the back of a chair.
"I'm leaving now, Yoshimura, Dong Xiang," his voice was as steady as usual.
Dong Xiang was washing utensils with her back to him; upon hearing him, she merely gave an almost imperceptible nod. Yoshimura responded gently: "Be careful on your way, Qianyu Jun."
Pushing open the door, the cool autumn wind immediately enveloped him, carrying the scent of fallen leaves. He Xi Qian Yu cast one last glance back at the shop—under the warm lights, Kaneki Ken's figure, immersed in illusory happiness, seemed particularly frail.
He averted his gaze, tightened his collar, and quickly merged into the bustling crowd on the street.