Chapter Text
The sound of the rumbling thunder and deafening rain overtook one of Tokyo’s most peaceful wards, the 19th ward.
Today was the raven’s turn to survey the famous suicide spot that gained quite a popularity on the internet due to the rumors that the prospect can disappear without leaving a trace. He wondered about today’s results, whether the rain would have lowered the spirits of those believers who come to this place in hope of not having to face this cruel world again. He understood them completely, having been in their position before.
Only if ghouls can kill themselves this easily…
Luckily, today turned out to be another fruitful harvest with help from the rain to lessen the cleaning up process. He quickly wrapped the cold, unmoving body before disappearing in the midst of the downpour.
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Sagiriyama Cafe got busy as it could during the morning rush, where office workers were desperate to get caffeine into their system. This was not the best day for Giyuu as today was his turn to take the counter. Giyuu curbed his urge to escape from the cashier and take the barista position. He wondered what his sensei, Urogodaki-san, was thinking as he should know by now that he was not the best candidate for customer service or communications in general.
With another chime, two figures came into the cafe. Both of them were covered in a white coat with a large suitcase, separating them from the rest of the salarymen from their appearance and aura.
Doves huh…
All staff (and some of the customers) went on high alert, even Urogodaki-san shifted stance from the back of the counter. Giyuu’s expression twitched a bit, but to most people they would not be able to notice such a minimal change.
“Welcome to Sagiriyama Cafe, what would you like today?”
He stated the default line for taking orders, appearing neutral as always.
The smaller blonde (though he is about the same height as Giyuu) froze for a second, as if we could see the gears being stuck momentarily before the officer composed himself.
“I would like a cup of hot cappuccino, please. Thank you!” The order could be heard throughout the shop with the overpowering loud voice of the man in front of Giyuu. He had strange hair with a blonde base and sprinkles of red, reminding him of a burning flame.
“One hot cappucino, would you like anything else?”
“May I know your name?” The taller man behind the fire guy let out a laugh from the interaction of his co-worker. Giyuu was not sure if he was seeing things, as he could see a faint blush on the customer in front of him.
“It’s written here.” Giyuu pointed to the nameplate on the left, saying Tomioka.
“Oh, right! Then, may I call you Tomioka-san?”
“…” Giyuu contemplated what would be the best response here. While he did not want the investigator to be familiar with him or his name, he was also unsure of what the officer would do if he was upset with Giyuu’s answer. Luckily, the taller dove behind saved the socially awkward ghoul by cutting in.
“As much as I'm amused by this, I also don’t want you to get complained for sexual harassment from this pretty guy over here. Why don't we end the conversation by having you introduce yourself in exchange?”
“Oh right, where are my manners! My name is Rengoku Kyoujurou. It is a pleasure to meet you!” The blonde extended his hand forward and Giyuu reluctantly took it, making sure not to put too much strength in it.
Just perfect… Now you have got yourself on Officer Rengoku’s radar.
Nothing much happen afterwards as the taller white hair guy normally (or, what he claimed to be flamboyantly) ordered his drink and both investigators did not linger long once they got their takeout coffees. The air in the shop got lighter and everyone relaxed. Well, maybe everyone except for a certain raven who couldn’t help but be left with a mixed feeling of dread and bewilderment.
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Rengoku and Uzui left the cafe, but, apparently, only Rengo’s body had.
“Oi~ Are you still here?” Uzui teased with a wide smirk, taking a sip of coffee while they headed towards the branch office of the 19th ward for a weekly meeting. The pair was just assigned from the head office to station in the 19th ward to investigate the recent appearance of a binge eater, disrupting the pattern of this ward’s tendency to be more peaceful than other places.
“Sorry, Uzui. I didn’t quite catch that.” Rengoku snapped back to reality and got surprised at himself for being lost in his own thoughts to this point.
“I was just wondering what you see in that plain and boring-looking guy. I’ve never seen you like this before for all the years we have been partners. Though I had to admit he is pretty even for my flamboyant standard.”
Uzui had a point. Well, not the “plain and boring” part, but he was also surprised by his own reaction as well. He had never felt like this for anyone in his life, not to mention that it was at first sight.
“I got to admit I am surprised as well…”
”Well, you are still young, why don't you enjoy the privilege while you still can. Or, you can also take me as a role model, as you can see me and my wives flamboyant and passionate marriage.” Uzui’s love life was not a secret to anyone in the CCG as he often propagated his successful personal life.
Taking his own sip, Rengoku's eyes lingered on the cafe's name imprinted on the cup and couldn't wait for the opportunity to stop by next time to see the certain raven again.
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Giyuu sighed, wondering what he had done to deserve today’s fate. Not only did he had to take the cashier, he had to face two investigators and one seemed to remember his name now on top of that. He did not know what step had gone wrong to attract the attention of the blonde investigator, as he was sure that he had acted as a normal human coffee shop worker, or that was what he hoped to portray.
Maybe he shouldn’t have tasted his luck. Just as Giyuu turned left to take the shortcut back to his apartment, he was met with a scene that was still imprinted on his mind until this moment. A boy in a high school uniform was trying to restrain a younger girl, fighting her way and drooling over the other two figures in the back of the alley. Or rather, over the one unmoving body that was lying on the ground.
“Nezuko! Calm down!” The high schooler continued to restrain the berserking girl. The girl continued to struggle against the boy’s arms, almost breaking free.
“Urghh!”
Giyuu was not surprised at the ghoul savoring the unfortunate human on the back of the alley. What he could not understand was the struggling duo in the middle of the passage. The boy reeked human scents while the girl’s smell was mixed in a way he was not sure how to describe. The answer was suddenly clear to him when the girl turned to face the raven.
One eye…!
He thought it was a myth, some made up stories to be told when there was nothing to talk about. Even if it was true, the scene before him was too peculiar from the the human boy that was trying to keep the struggling one-eyed ghoul at bay.
The boy seemed to just notice Giyuu’s presence, quickly turned over to face the older guy.
“Please help my sister! Please, I don’t know what to do. She has been acting strange lately!”
Giyuu hesitated, not wishing to be involved with the whole situation, which seemed so far from normal.
A human boy and a one-eyed ghoul sister huh…
”Please, I beg you… Please”
”Don’t leave yourself defenseless like that! Your sister is a ghoul…"
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