Ayaka didn't even need a second opinion.
The moment she saw Augusto's piss-wet hair and the reek of urinal water rolling off him, her brain auto-filled the blanks.
These two were planning something disgusting, and Satoru had just delivered instant karma.
Done.
She slid out of her seat like a runway model, long legs carrying her in two smooth strides until she was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Satoru.
Mikami's face went from tanned bronze to furious purple.
"AYAKA-CHAN, WHAT THE HELL—YOU KNOW THIS PSYCHO?!"
Ayaka didn't spare him a glance.
"Kobayashi-kun," she said calmly, voice suddenly sweet as honey, "you're here to pick me up, right?"
Satoru blinked once.
…Wait, is she giving me an out?
He instantly caught the assist.
"Yeah," he answered, sliding the bokutō back onto his shoulder with a soft clack. "I was in the area. Figured I'd save you the boredom."
Ayaka's lips curved into a razor-sharp smile.
"Perfect timing."
Behind them, Augusto was still whimpering on the floor, clutching his head. Handa hadn't even dared come out of the toilet yet.
Mikami took one step forward, fists clenched. "Hey, pretty boy, you think you can just—"
Satoru's gaze flicked up.
Conqueror's Glare Lv.4 → casual activation.
Mikami's words died in his throat. The temperature in the restaurant dropped ten degrees.
Ayaka leaned in just enough for her shoulder to brush Satoru's arm.
"Let's go," she murmured. "Sakura's waiting for you, isn't she?"
Then, loud enough for the entire table to hear:
"Next time you invite me to a mixer, Yui-chan, make sure your friends aren't planning to drug girls in the bathroom."
Yui's round face went ghost-white.
"W-What…? Ayaka, that's not—"
But Ayaka was already turning, fingers lightly hooking Satoru's sleeve like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Shall we?"
Satoru gave the table one last lazy glance—Augusto still leaking tears and other fluids, Mikami frozen mid-rage, Yui on the verge of crying—and shrugged.
"Sure."
They walked out side by side, bokutō tapping rhythmically against Satoru's shoulder, Ayaka's long legs matching his stride perfectly.
The second they hit sunlight, Ayaka let out a long, satisfied breath.
"…That felt good."
Satoru glanced sideways. "You didn't even ask for details."
"Don't need to," she said, flipping her hair. "I've got eyes. And I trust your judgment way more than those losers' entire existence."
A tiny pause.
Then she smirked.
"Also… you just cockblocked two rapists and white-knighted me out of the most boring mixer in history. I officially owe you one, kouhai♡"
Satoru scratched his cheek, suddenly awkward.
"…It's fine. They said my name while planning it. Had to step in."
Ayaka's eyes widened slightly.
Wait—they were planning to use your name as bait?
She suddenly burst out laughing, bright, genuine, and a little dangerous.
"Oh my god, that's hilarious. They picked the worst possible fake identity in Tokyo."
She looped her arm through his without asking, tugging him toward Center-gai.
"Come on. Sakura owes me a full report later, but right now you're stuck with me until three. I'm cashing in that favor early—buy me something sweet. And tell me exactly how hard you hit them."
Satoru exhaled through his nose, half-resigned, half-amused.
"…Fine. But I'm still treating Sakura to the movie later."
Ayaka's grin sharpened.
"Good. I'll make sure she knows who her real best friend is."
She squeezed his arm once.
"Let's go, hero."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 20 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!