"Well, you’re lucky I’m here. Since you’re my friend, let’s go get something to eat. But first, freshen up, bro," Renji said.
"Thanks... I’ll take you up on that offer," Raito replied, scratching his head as he grabbed his clothes and slipped into the washroom.
A few minutes later, freshly dressed, he stepped out.
"Ready, bro?" Renji asked.
"Yes, I’m ready, buddy," Raito said with a small smile.
They walked out of the apartment together and stopped at a noodle shop nearby.
"Two bowls of noodles," Renji ordered as they sat down.
The old man soon returned with a tray, setting down two steaming bowls.
"Wow... this is actually huge," Raito said, eyes wide.
"Yeah, it is. The last time I came by your place, on my way back, I ate here," Renji said casually.
Raito frowned. "Oh, that’s not good. You didn’t even tell me to join you. I never come here because it’s too expensive."
"Well, man... let’s just eat." Renji picked up his chopsticks and started slowly.
Raito, stomach empty, wasted no time. The first bite made his eyes widen. I haven’t eaten in so long... this is really good.
But Renji was watching him. "So, man... did something happen between you and Ayane? Why did she call me instead of calling you?"
Raito froze, chewing slowly, then forced himself to swallow before answering. "We had an argument. That’s all."
"What kind of argument? You’re not the type to fight with Ayane," Renji pressed.
Raito sighed, lowering his chopsticks. "Let me just be straightforward. Did you know Ayane... had a boyfriend?"
Renji’s head lowered. He stayed silent for a moment before finally raising it. "I knew. Sorry, man... I didn’t mean to hide it. I figured you’d find out on your own."
"I understand. But why didn’t you tell me?" Raito asked quietly.
Renji leaned back, his expression heavy. "Because I know you. Things have always been tough for you, but you try so hard to force a smile... even when you’re breaking inside. If I told you something like that, I was afraid it’d shatter you completely."
Raito nodded slowly. "I already knew. A year ago. But I pretended I didn’t."
Renji blinked. "Damn... you’re actually stronger than I thought. To keep that locked inside... I can tell, Raito. You loved Ayane."
"Well, yeah. I used to. But from the very day I found out she had a boyfriend... I stopped. She already knew how I felt. She just wanted to protect me from the truth, to spare my feelings. But that doesn’t mean she loved me. Not even a bit. She forced herself to be nice. I saw through her a long time ago. When we were younger, I thought I knew her. But as we grew older... it felt like she became a completely different person."
"But... I don’t know, Raito," Renji said, studying his face. "There’s something in your eyes. You look different. Like you’ve changed. But tell me, how did you confront Ayane?"
Raito took a deep breath. "Well... I want to tell you something. My power has finally manifested."
The chopsticks slipped from Renji’s hand. His eyes widened. "What?" he shouted, standing so suddenly that every customer turned to stare. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⟡𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
"Oh, sorry, sorry," he muttered, bowing quickly before sinking back into his seat. Then, lowering his voice, he leaned forward. "What did you just say?"
"My power," Raito repeated firmly. "It manifested. I think I should tell you."
Renji’s mouth hung open. "Wow... this is... this is amazing. Honestly, I didn’t expect this. To be sincere, I had almost given up hope. I didn’t think you’d ever awaken. But are you serious?"
"Yeah," Raito said, voice quieter now. "Deep down, I’d given up on myself too. But for some reason, it happened."
Renji’s eyes softened, filling with pride. "I’m so proud of you, man."
Raito smiled faintly. "Since you and Ayane work in the same guild, please... look after her for me."
Renji frowned, shaking his head. "What are you even saying, bro? She’ll be fine. It was just an argument. Don’t talk like that." His voice lowered, heavy now. "And besides, I heard the news too. The hunters who died." He hesitated before meeting Raito’s eyes. "Touzuki and Makito. They’re gone."