Wraithbound

Nine months ago, Amateru Fuyuko was stationed in the barren, freezing wastelands of Antarctica. The air was bitterly cold, yet her body was anything but. Fiery wings, crackling with intense heat, stretched from her back, the molten glow casting an eerie light across the snow-covered landscape. Each beat of her wings sent plumes of steam rising from the frozen earth beneath her. The snow below evaporated in her wake, leaving a charred trail where her fiery presence had passed. She flew low, navigating through the arctic night with a single, focused purpose.

Fuyuko was hunting—tracking an S-grade yokai responsible for a series of suicides sweeping across Sendai. Her target had already left a trail of broken lives, and she was determined to end it.

The wind howled, the icy gusts tugging at her hair, but Fuyuko barely noticed. Her fiery locks blazed in the wind, a cascade of reds, oranges, and golds. She was a living inferno, every movement an embodiment of destruction and power. As she soared through the frozen air, she left a trail of fire that scorched the snow and sent embers drifting across the cold, unforgiving expanse.

"Geez, these entities really seem to have it out for me," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind. "Guess they don't like Primordial Fire."

She gave a dry chuckle, the sound swallowed by the vast, empty landscape. Her eyes darted around, scanning the terrain below. Her target could be anywhere—hidden beneath the snow, cloaked in the shadows of the towering ice formations. As she searched, a sudden flicker of red caught her eye, distant yet unmistakable. A streak of crimson lightning, almost imperceptible, blinked across the sky. Her sharp instincts kicked in, and she squinted, scanning the area for any signs of movement.

There.

Before she could even process what she'd seen, the air around her seemed to warp, crackling with energy. A shockwave, compressed and violent, blasted toward her with terrifying speed. The force of it hit like a freight train, sending her hurtling backwards. She barely managed to regain control of her flight, her wings straining to steady her in the tumultuous winds. The snow below exploded in a violent burst of spray, the ground shuddering from the force of the blast.

BAM!

The sound was deafening, a resounding explosion that rattled her senses. Fuyuko's heart raced, adrenaline surging through her veins. She glanced around, her senses on high alert, searching for any sign of the attacker.

"What the hell was that? Is it the entity?" she muttered under her breath, her voice tense with irritation.

Her hand snapped upward, flames gathering in her palms like a furious storm. She unleashed a massive beam of fire, the inferno roaring across the landscape, cutting through the snow and igniting everything in its path. The fiery stream hurtled toward the point of the attack, determined to scorch whatever had dared to strike her.

But just as the beam was about to hit, a flash of red zipped past her cheek, sharp as a blade.

SLASH!

Pain erupted across her face as a thin line of blood welled up, the cut deep and stinging. Fuyuko's reflexes kicked in, and she shot upward, her wings carrying her higher into the sky. She clutched her cheek, eyes narrowing as she scanned the ground below, searching for her unseen assailant.

From the depths of the storm, a figure emerged. A man, his presence unnerving in the eerie stillness of the Antarctic night. Dressed in dark, flowing clothing, his form was almost otherworldly, blending with the shadows of the storm. His hands were clasped together, and his amber eyes gleamed with a feral intensity, streaked with crackling red electricity.

Fuyuko snapped back to reality as Lila's voice cut through her thoughts.

Lila: "Hey, Fuyuko, you ok? You were kinda spacing out there~." She tilted her head, her bubblegum pink hair cascading over her shoulder in soft waves.

Fuyuko: "Oh, um, yeah, I'm good~." She brushed her fingers across the scar on her left cheek, a quiet reminder of her past. Her gaze flickered to Hikari, a playful smile curling on her lips. "Anyways, it was really nice meeting you, Hikari~." Without another word, Fuyuko pulled the smaller girl into her chest, enveloping her in a tight hug.

Hikari's face flushed instantly, her body stiffening in surprise. She could feel the heat radiating off Fuyuko's body, her soft but firm form pressed against her. The proximity was… a lot.

Hikari: "I-I-it's no big deal~," she stammered, her breaths short as she felt her heart race. It was a little embarrassing, but… a part of her didn't mind being this close to Fuyuko. Her hands, awkwardly hovering, didn't know where to go.

Fuyuko let her go with a soft giggle, her fiery eyes sparkling mischievously.

Fuyuko: "You guys get embarrassed so easily~."

Katsuki: "Alright, alright, enough of the lovey-dovey stuff. I'm starving, so who's up for a café?" He shot a pointed look at the group, his usual confident smirk returning.

Lila: "Ooo, me! I'm always down for some food~!" Lila's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Hikari: She cleared her throat, trying to hide the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. "Me too. I could go for some cake~," she said, her voice light, but there was a noticeable softness to it.

Katsuki: "Great~!" He clapped his hands together enthusiastically, then turned toward Nami. "Nami, you in? You could use a little break, right?"

Nami's eyes narrowed at him, her sharp gaze cutting through the air like a blade. She stood straighter, her silver hair falling perfectly around her shoulders, a hand still resting on her rib where a wound had been. She flipped her hair back dramatically, a cool smirk playing on her lips.

Nami: "As if. I've got better things to do than hang out with you." Her voice was laced with an edge, but there was a subtle twinkle in her pink eyes that suggested she was more annoyed than serious.

Katsuki rolled his eyes, completely unfazed.

Katsuki: "Okay, since Nami's being a pain in the ass, I guess it's just us~."

Just as he turned away, Nami shot a small blast of energy at his back, the crackling energy sizzling in the air.

Nami: "I heard that, you shithead!"

Katsuki: He shot a quick glance back, a smirk on his face. "Oh, whatever. Why don't you get that wound checked out before you drop dead from it?"

Hikari couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the back-and-forth. She turned to Fuyuko, her expression questioning.

Hikari: "Are they always like this?"

Fuyuko: She shrugged nonchalantly, her lips curling into an amused smile. "Yeah, pretty much." She giggled softly, the sound warm and carefree. "But anyways, there's stuff I've got to take care of. So… I'll see you later~."

Before anyone could protest, Fuyuko leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Lila's cheek. "See you later, Lilly~."

With that, she turned to leave, her movements fluid and effortless. Her hips swayed with each step, the soft rustling of her clothes and the gentle flicker of her fiery hair a visual symphony. It was like watching an inferno in motion—the reds, oranges, and golds of her hair dancing with the wind, every strand alive with the energy of flames. Hikari couldn't help but watch, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the sight.

For a moment, Hikari almost forgot to breathe, mesmerized by the sight of Fuyuko walking away. Her figure, so confident and radiant, left a trail of heat in the cold air, and Hikari's eyes lingered on her until she disappeared from view.

She blinked, shaking her head to clear the dazed feeling that had settled over her. What was that?

"If you're done with your little gay panic, we have a café to go to~" Katsuki whispered into Hikari's ear, his voice low and teasing, almost like a subtle taunt.

Hikari's body froze in place. Her pulse shot up as the warmth of his breath brushed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. She whipped her head around, eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and irritation, stepping back instinctively.

Hikari: "Yes, yes, I know… When did you get so close to me?" Her voice trembled slightly, caught between irritation and something else she couldn't quite name. "I swore you were just standing over there…"

Before she could finish, Katsuki clapped his hands together, a smug grin plastered across his face.

Katsuki: "Anyways!" He turned, completely ignoring her words, and redirected his attention to Lila. "Let's go to that café now~."

Hikari muttered a barely audible "Dick" in her mind, her heart still racing from the unexpected closeness, her nerves buzzing with an undercurrent of something more than frustration.

The busy streets of Tokyo stretched out before them as Hikari, Lila, and Katsuki walked toward the café. The world around Hikari felt… wrong. She couldn't pinpoint what it was, but a pervasive, invisible pressure gripped her chest. It was like the air itself had thickened, pressing against her lungs, stealing her breath.

She tried to shake it off, to focus on the chatter around her and the hum of the city. But it didn't work. The pressure intensified, like the weight of invisible eyes were on her from every direction. She looked over her shoulder, half-expecting to see someone standing there, but there was no one. Nothing. But it didn't make her feel any better.

Her heart began to pound, an erratic, wild beat that seemed to reverberate in her ears. Her breath came in shallow gasps, each inhale feeling harder than the last. She turned her head quickly, eyes darting from side to side, but the world around her was spinning. Cars honked, people walked by, their movements a blur. It all felt distant, disconnected, like she wasn't even part of it anymore.

What's going on…? Her mind spiraled into panic. I… I can't breathe… am I going to die? Is something going to kill me?

Her thoughts were spiraling out of control. The world seemed to narrow, her vision blurring as her heart hammered in her chest. Each beat of her heart felt like a drum against her ribs, a relentless pressure pushing her closer to the edge. She could feel her knees beginning to shake, the fear swelling in her chest until it threatened to swallow her whole.

When will I die? The thought screamed through her mind, the fear turning into something more primal. It wasn't just the pressure—it was the unrelenting certainty that something was waiting for her, that something would come out of nowhere to end her.

She gripped her head, squeezing her eyes shut, trying to hold herself together, but the world seemed to be crashing down on her, pulling her deeper into the suffocating panic.

Just as she felt the floor start to drop away beneath her, she felt warmth—soft, comforting warmth. Lila's arms wrapped around her, pulling her in close, her body pressing gently against hers. Lila's cheek rested against hers, her breath warm and steady against her skin.

Lila: "You must be having your first supernatural panic attack~." Lila's voice was soft, soothing, like a balm to the chaos inside Hikari's mind. "We all have one of those after gaining supernatural affinity~."

Hikari's frantic heartbeat began to slow, just slightly at first, then more as Lila's presence anchored her. Lila's vibrant energy, warm and alive, seeped into her, like sunlight breaking through the storm clouds in Hikari's mind.

The pressure didn't completely lift, but it softened, the edges of her panic blurring into something more manageable. Her breathing began to even out as Lila held her close, the steady rhythm of her breaths grounding Hikari in a way nothing else could.

For a moment, Hikari didn't even care about the café, about Katsuki's teasing, or even the strange, overwhelming pressure of the supernatural world pressing down on her. All that mattered was the warmth and safety in Lila's embrace, the gentle, comforting presence that wrapped around her like a blanket.

She blinked, her pulse slowing further, and allowed herself to melt into the contact, the pressure inside her chest giving way to something else—a soft warmth that grew with every passing second, with every breath shared between them.

It was terrifying, that feeling—this proximity to Lila, the way her heart fluttered as she realized how desperately she craved more of it. But it was also… comforting. In a world where everything felt like it was slipping away, Lila's presence, her touch, was an anchor Hikari never knew she needed until now.

Hikari stayed there, nestled against Lila's warmth, not ready to let go just yet. She didn't know what it was about this feeling—about Lila—but it felt right. Maybe too right. But for now, it was the only thing that made sense in a world turned upside down.

"Oh my god, can you two finish this later? Maybe you two can scissor in a love hotel or something, I don't care. I just want to get to the café~" Katsuki said, his voice dripping with the kind of arrogant humor that only someone like him could pull off. The words were careless, thrown out in the middle of their conversation with a grin that made it clear he was enjoying the chaos he was causing.

Hikari's cheeks immediately flushed, a mix of embarrassment and frustration clouding her thoughts. She pulled away from Lila quickly, turning her head to avoid his teasing gaze, but the damage had already been done.

Hikari: "Jesus, Sutaro, why do you have to be such a dick?"

Lila, who had initially seemed amused by the playful tension, narrowed her eyes at Katsuki and swatted his chest, the sound of the hits faint but sharp.

Lila: "What she said. That was a totally inappropriate thing to say, you perv!" Each slap was more playful than aggressive, but it was clear from her expression that she wasn't going to let it slide.

Katsuki chuckled, clearly unfazed by their reactions. He leaned back slightly, hands casually shoved into his pockets, adopting the same cocky posture that he always did when he thought he had the upper hand.

Katsuki: "Oh, come on, it totally looked like you were gonna kiss~"

Lila: "You're so weird!" Lila's voice was almost in disbelief, but the playfulness in her tone couldn't be ignored. She shook her head, clearly used to his antics by now.

The back-and-forth between Lila and Katsuki played out like a well-rehearsed routine, their banter smooth and easy, like siblings who had spent years teasing and pushing each other's buttons. Hikari couldn't help but smile despite herself. The atmosphere felt almost normal—almost like a regular day, free from the looming dangers that threatened their lives at every corner. Their laughter, their teasing, it felt like something she'd forgotten was possible in a world where darkness always seemed just a step behind them.

It made Hikari think of something, or rather, someone. Her smile faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a pang of nostalgia she couldn't quite place. Her heart felt heavy, but in a subtle way, like there was something she should remember, something important that slipped just beyond her reach. She blinked and tried to push the feeling aside.

Hikari: "Wait, I don't have a brother…" she murmured aloud, confused by the sudden thought that surfaced in her mind.

The realization made her pause, but before she could dig any deeper, her surroundings pulled her back into the present. She felt the weight of the conversation shift back into something lighter, the nagging sense of something missing barely a whisper in the back of her mind.

She glanced at Katsuki and Lila, who were already starting to walk again, their bickering continuing in the background, as though nothing had happened. Hikari found herself lost in the flow of their casual exchange, momentarily distracted.

Why did I think that? she wondered, still unable to shake the feeling that her memory was fragmented, like pieces of her past didn't quite fit together.

Before she could dive any deeper into her thoughts, she realized that she had fallen behind. They were already a few paces ahead of her, their easy conversation floating on the air between them, and she hurried to catch up, her footsteps quickening.

Hikari: "Hey, wait up!" she called out, but her voice felt distant to her own ears, as though she wasn't fully present in her own body. She pushed the strange feeling away as she caught up to Lila and Katsuki, their footsteps steady as they moved forward.

But that odd feeling, the one that made her question whether she really didn't have a brother, stayed with her. It gnawed at the back of her mind, a fleeting thought she couldn't quite grasp. Was she forgetting something important? Something she should remember?

As she joined them, Katsuki threw an exaggerated arm around her shoulder, snapping her attention back to the present.

Katsuki: "Yo, what's with the spaced-out look? You good? Or did Lila here kiss you into a daze?" he teased, his grin playful, but with a hint of concern hidden beneath the cocky bravado.

Lila: "Shut up, Sutaro. Not everything is about you." Her voice was light, but there was a softness in her eyes as she glanced at Hikari, making sure she was alright.

Hikari gave a small, reassuring smile, the flicker of unease inside her fading slightly. But the nagging feeling that something was missing, something crucial that should have been there, didn't leave her.

As they walked, the city's chaotic hum surrounded them—the sound of rushing footsteps, car engines revving, the distant chatter of strangers on the street. Hikari's thoughts drifted, but not entirely in peace. The weight of her forgotten memories seemed to follow her, lurking just out of reach, like a shadow waiting to be acknowledged.

She glanced at the two of them again, Lila's vibrant energy and Katsuki's arrogant, easy charm filling the space between them. It almost felt like normal, the way they joked and bickered. It almost felt like a dream—one she didn't want to wake from.

But the deeper she thought about it, the more that quiet unease gnawed at her. Something she had forgotten, something from before.

Something important.

They soon arrived at Shizuna no Kumo, a quaint café nestled along a narrow side street, where the city's constant hum seemed to recede into the background. The exterior exuded a rustic charm, designed with simplicity in mind but crafted to make a statement. The building was a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, with its dark wooden panels and faded cream-colored paint giving it a timeless, weathered appeal. Soft, earthy tones dominated the façade, offering a warm contrast to the bustling, neon-lit chaos of the Tokyo streets. Hanging potted plants adorned the glass windows, their lush green foliage spilling over the edges and adding a fresh burst of life against the muted tones of the building. On clear days, sunlight filtered through the nearby trees, dappling the sidewalk and casting shifting, soft shadows that danced across the building's wooden steps, inviting passersby in like an open embrace.

Stepping inside was like crossing into an entirely different world. The moment Hikari crossed the threshold, the noise and hustle of the city outside seemed to melt away, replaced by a calm atmosphere that felt almost otherworldly. The space of Shizuna no Kumo existed somewhere between eras, an eclectic fusion of the vintage and the modern, as though time had been suspended here. The air carried a faint scent of freshly ground coffee beans and old books, a blend that welcomed anyone in need of a pause.

The décor was a delightful juxtaposition of textures, colors, and styles. The walls were made of exposed brick, their rough, earthy surface softened by delicate pastel illustrations and small, framed photographs from local artists. The art was carefully curated, each piece telling its own story, but never overwhelming the space. Subtle floral patterns weaved through the fabric of the furniture, their soft petals curling around the edges of velvet cushions and throw pillows, giving the space a gentle, natural vibe. The lighting was soft but purposeful, warm yellow tones spilling from Edison bulbs suspended from the ceiling, casting a mellow glow over the entire room.

A gentle hum of ambient music filled the background, mixing with the soft clink of coffee cups and the low murmur of conversations. There was an unspoken understanding in the café that no one was rushing; the space invited people to slow down, take a moment, and let time drift. The casual elegance of the place was subtle—nothing screamed for attention, but every detail seemed deliberately chosen, from the mismatched chairs that gave the room a lived-in feel to the hand-carved wooden tables scattered throughout the space. Even the sound of laughter and chatter was muffled, as though the café itself absorbed the energy of its visitors and softened it into something peaceful.

The café was divided into several sections, each offering its own atmosphere, catering to the various moods of its patrons. At the center of the room, a large, circular couch upholstered in soft brown velvet sat beneath a hanging light fixture. Surrounding it were low coffee tables made from reclaimed wood, their rough-hewn surfaces giving the space an earthy, grounded feel. This was the heart of Shizuna no Kumo, a perfect spot for friends and small groups to settle in, as they sipped their drinks and exchanged quiet words. The seating surrounding the couch was an eclectic mix—high-backed chairs with clean, modern lines sat next to plush armchairs that looked as though they could swallow you whole, inviting you to lose yourself in a book or simply in the moment. The furniture was intentionally mismatched, yet everything fit together like pieces of a puzzle, with the vibrant personalities of those who sat within it adding the final touch to the overall warmth of the space.

Along the walls, booths were tucked into corners, each offering a slightly more intimate atmosphere, with deep cushioned seats that cradled those who chose to settle there. The dim lighting above each table created a private, almost secretive ambiance, perfect for deep conversations or quiet moments alone. In these booths, the outside world felt farther away, with only the soft murmur of the café and the occasional clink of a cup breaking the silence.

The sense of comfort and seclusion within Shizuna no Kumo was palpable. It was a place where time didn't quite work the same way as it did outside—here, you could lose track of hours, a precious reprieve from the chaos of the world beyond. Everything about it—from the soft lighting to the warm wood—was designed to encourage relaxation, to let you breathe a little easier. Even with the weight of the supernatural world hanging heavy over them, for a moment, Hikari and her friends could forget about the danger and just enjoy being in each other's company.

As they settled into the cozy space, the world outside Shizuna no Kumo continued its relentless pace, but inside, they were free to pause, to breathe, to exist—however fleetingly—outside the pressure of the world they had to survive.

"Gotta admit, Katsuki, this isn't the kind of café I thought you'd bring us to~," Hikari said, her voice laced with playful sarcasm as she leaned back into the plush cushioning of the booth. The warm glow of the café's ambient lighting reflected in her hazel eyes, which flickered with curiosity as she glanced around. "Honestly, I thought you'd drag us to some edgy café-bar hybrid, the kind with neon lights and overpriced cocktails~."

Lila, seated across from her, giggled softly. Her bubblegum-pink hair shimmered as the sunlight filtering through the café's large windows caught its bouncy curls. She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, her laughter as light and bubbly as her personality. "I can't lie, that does sound exactly like something you'd do, Katsuki~," she teased, flashing a grin in his direction.

Katsuki, seated between them, rolled his eyes with exaggerated flair. He placed a hand over his chest as if wounded, his grin betraying the mock offense in his tone. "Wow, I didn't know you both thought so lowly of me~. I'm actually hurt." He gave a dramatic sigh before flipping open the leather-bound menu in front of him. "But since you're so quick to judge, how about we focus on what really matters—food. Let's eat something~."

Lila giggled again, her laughter mixing with the quiet hum of conversation around them as she reached for her menu. Hikari followed suit, her eyes scanning the beautifully designed pages. The café's menu was a work of art in itself, featuring intricate illustrations of each dish alongside elegant calligraphy describing the ingredients. It was clear that Shizuna no Kumo prided itself on more than just its ambiance—the seasonal menu reflected a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, with offerings as diverse as its patrons.

Hikari's gaze lingered on the options, each description more mouthwatering than the last.

Shizuna Brew: The café's signature coffee blend, crafted from carefully selected dark roast beans. The aroma alone was said to be intoxicating, with subtle notes of citrus zest that gave the rich brew a refreshing finish. Whether served as a piping hot espresso or an icy cold brew, it promised an unparalleled experience for any coffee lover.

Cloud Macchiato: A visual masterpiece, this creamy espresso drink was topped with swirls of steamed milk that resembled soft clouds drifting lazily across the sky. A delicate sprinkle of cinnamon added a warm, fragrant touch, perfect for anyone seeking a balance of sweet and bold flavors.

Gyaru Pancakes: A playful nod to the café's younger, trendier clientele, this towering stack of fluffy, golden pancakes was as vibrant as Hikari herself. They came adorned with dollops of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of golden honey, and a colorful array of fresh fruits—strawberries, mango, and blueberries gleaming like jewels under the light.

The Faded Sakura Latte: A seasonal favorite, this soft pink latte was as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. Made with cherry blossom syrup and a hint of vanilla, it captured the ephemeral beauty of Tokyo's sakura season in every sip, its delicate floral notes dancing on the tongue.

Heavenly Toast: A crowd-pleaser that lived up to its name, this dish featured thick slices of freshly baked bread, toasted to perfection and topped with a velvety layer of sweet cream cheese. Sliced fruits—kiwis, strawberries, and peaches—were artfully arranged on top, making it as Instagram-worthy as it was delicious.

The descriptions alone were enough to make Hikari's stomach growl faintly, and she placed a hand over her midsection, glancing at Katsuki with a raised brow. "Alright, I'll admit it, this place has some solid options."

Katsuki smirked, not bothering to look up from his menu. "See? I'm full of surprises. Maybe next time you two will trust my impeccable taste~."

Lila snorted, peeking over the top of her menu. "Your taste? Please, you probably chose this place because you saw a cute girl post about it online."

Katsuki gasped dramatically, setting his menu down and clasping his hands together. "Lila, how dare you! I am offended by your baseless accusations. My decision-making is driven by research and—"

"—your stomach," Hikari cut in with a smirk, earning a round of laughter from Lila.

As the three continued their banter, the cozy ambiance of the café seemed to wrap around them, a comforting bubble of warmth and light amidst the chaotic world outside. Here, in this small, carefully crafted haven, the weight of supernatural dangers felt momentarily distant, and for a fleeting moment, they were just three teenagers deciding what to eat.

The café's warm and inviting ambiance seemed to freeze as a sharp, commanding voice sliced through the chatter. "KATSUUUUUUKI!!!"

Katsuki leaned back in his seat, a knowing chuckle escaping his lips as he tossed the menu onto the table. "Guess it was only a matter of time before she found me."

Before anyone could react, a sudden crackle of electricity rippled through the air, the atmosphere humming with static energy. In an instant, she appeared in front of their booth—a whirlwind of presence and personality. Her hands rested on her hips, her stance defiant, as though she had just descended from the heavens to deliver a personal scolding.

The girl was nothing short of mesmerizing. Honey-blonde waves cascaded down her back, shimmering in the café's soft lighting. Subtle streaks of electric blue threaded through her hair, catching the eye like bolts of lightning against a golden sky. A star-shaped clip pinned back one side of her hair, adding a playful touch to her striking beauty. Her almond-shaped eyes, a radiant golden-brown, burned with a mix of annoyance and affection, their intensity impossible to ignore. Beneath her fiery gaze, her lips—a perfect balance of softness and sharpness—curled into a pout that spoke volumes.

Her outfit was as much a declaration as her entrance: a cropped pastel pink bomber jacket with a faux fur trim, worn over a white lace-trimmed cami that hinted at her femininity. A pleated, high-waisted plaid skirt in shades of lilac and sky blue swayed with each movement, barely brushing the tops of her sheer thigh-high stockings. Her platform sneakers—white with accents of electric blue—gave her an edge of rebellious charm. Gold star-shaped earrings dangled from her ears, completing the look of someone who demanded attention and got it effortlessly.

Her voice, sharp yet melodic, carried her frustration clearly. "Katsuki, why do I find you here of all places!?"

Katsuki smirked, leaning back with practiced ease. "Relax, can't a guy just come here to eat without it being a whole thing?"

Her eyes narrowed, her pout deepening as she crossed her arms. "Yeah, but you didn't answer any of my calls! What, do you think you're better than me or something?"

Katsuki chuckled again, his tone deliberately playful. "No, baby, I just got caught up in some supernatural junk. You know how it is."

Hikari, seated across from him, leaned toward Lila, her voice barely above a whisper. "Who's that? She seems kinda… mean."

Lila stifled a giggle, her bubblegum-pink curls bouncing as she leaned closer to Hikari. "That's Katsuki's girlfriend. She's, like, a huge tsundere."

The girl's ears twitched slightly, as if she'd heard the whispered exchange, but her focus remained squarely on Katsuki. Her electrifying presence was impossible to ignore, and even in her frustration, there was a magnetic energy to her, drawing everyone's attention like moths to a flame. Her debut wasn't just an entrance—it was a storm that reshaped the entire atmosphere of the café.