"Sit in your shop for a while?" Hearing that, Hayashi could not help feeling that something about it sounded… off.
If he did not already know she ran a bar, he might have seriously misunderstood what kind of place she was inviting him to.
As the thought crossed his mind, his gaze naturally drifted to the nearly transparent lace outerwear she was wearing. That faint, see-through texture allowed him to vaguely make out the black camisole underneath.
Paired with her light red hair and that undeniably hot figure, it was hard to look away.
Before he realized it, Hayashi had already spaced out.
"Oh?" Noticing his gaze, Itori's lips curved into a knowing smile.
She stepped down the stairs, her high heels clicking crisply in the narrow space.
"Little brother, looks like you really do not understand at all," she teased.
Her pale finger lightly traced across his smooth cheek. That seductive, bewitching aura bloomed fully, like a fox spirit that had taken human form.
"Understand what?" Hayashi snapped back to his senses and lifted his head.
"Just come with me and you will find out," Itori said with a faint smile, turning gracefully up the stairs. "I will open the door to a whole new world for you."
With nothing better to do, Hayashi followed after her.
...
The 14th Ward, also known as Nakano ward, was one of Tokyo's designated districts.
Itori's bar, which doubled as an information hub for ghouls, was located in this area.
As he looked around, Hayashi narrowed his eyes slightly.
There was a faint scent of blood lingering in the air.
This was not a safe place. At night, it transformed into a slaughterhouse and playground for ghouls.
It was said that the 14th Ward was especially fond of cannibalism, making it a particularly dangerous area.
Cannibalism meant ghouls devouring other ghouls. Although the taste was revolting and could cause mental instability, it could also strengthen one's power.
Notably, becoming a Kakuja or a half-Kakuja was impossible without cannibalism.
"Move it, why are you walking so slow?" Itori's voice called from ahead.
Coming back to himself, Hayashi quickened his pace.
Soon, the two arrived at a hidden location in the center of the 14th Ward and entered a bar called Helter Skelter.
Ding-ling.
The crisp sound of a bell rang as the door opened.
"Sit wherever you like. There is no one else here anyway," Itori said casually, waving her hand as she walked straight to the bar counter.
Hayashi nodded and glanced around.
The layout was that of a typical bar. There was no luxurious decor, rather the opposite. Simple and understated.
After taking a quick look around, he picked a seat and sat down.
Behind the counter, shelves were lined with all kinds of alcohol and crystal-clear glasses that gleamed invitingly.
"Little brother," a soft, alluring voice suddenly sounded by his ear.
Hayashi looked up.
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of high heels echoed through the bar.
A long, slender, beautifully shaped leg entered his view. Those legs were practically works of art, wrapped in black stockings and resting in elegant black heels.
There was even a small black bow tied onto the shoes, adding a touch of refinement.
His gaze followed upward, taking in her crossed long legs.
Above them was a wine-red dress, as vivid and noble as fresh blood.The slit at the hem revealed just enough, a glimpse of spring scenery that stirred endless imagination.
When Hayashi finally looked up, he met Itori's exquisite face.
"What are you staring at, little one?" She chuckled softly, her eyes full of teasing.
She gently swirled the wine glass in her hand, the red liquid rippling.
"Itori?" Seeing her dressed like this was clearly unexpected for him.
"Are you looking at the wine," she asked with a smile, "or are you looking at me?"
She set the glass down, and faint ripples spread across the surface.
"Both," Hayashi replied after collecting himself, smiling calmly. "But the person seems even more delicious than the wine."
"My, such a sweet mouth. You really are a cute one," Itori said, resting her chin on her slender arm as she leaned lazily over the counter.
Even the warm breath she exhaled carried an indescribable allure.
People naturally found themselves drawn in, unconsciously falling for her. This was an innate charm, an unreplaceable advantage she was born with.
At the same time, it made one question reality itself.
Was she really this… impressive?
By normal standards, it should not have been this exaggerated. What he was seeing felt like a leap from ordinary to overwhelming.
Hayashi appraised her with honest seriousness.
"You can drink anything here. Whatever you want," Itori said, gently swirling her wine glass. "So, have you decided what you want to drink?"
"I have." Hayashi nodded and pointed at the glass in her hand. "I want that one."
"This glass?" She blinked, then smiled. "Then I will pour you a cup. It really does taste quite good."
She turned to grab another bottle, but Hayashi stopped her.
"No need. I want the one you are holding."
"That one?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"Why, is that not allowed?" Hayashi leaned closer, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
After being teased for so long, it was time to strike back. Otherwise, she would really treat him like some harmless younger boy.
"Allowed? Of course it is," Itori laughed softly, a faint blush appearing on her elegant face.
Her pale fingers lifted his chin gently, tilting his face upward as the wine glass tipped.
In an instant, Hayashi felt the sweet liquid flow into his mouth and down his throat.
"Are you satisfied with this level of service?" she asked softly, her mature, seductive voice dangerously captivating.
"Good boy," she murmured with a smile. "Since you chose it yourself, make sure you drink it all properly."