Vol. 1: Chapter 2 - Part 7

Volume 1: Chapter 2 – Part 7Author: Geraint

The next day, the six delinquents I beat up yesterday gathered at the park. Soon after, more arrived—high schoolers from another district—riding motorcycles and wielding wooden bats with spikes, metal pipes, and other blunt weapons.

The beaten guys told them everything.

"I'm telling you the truth! That bastard stole Riko from me! Please, teach him a lesson!"

"Is that all of you?"

"Gyaaah!"

The guy yelped as I jumped down from a tree above them.

"I got tired of waiting," I said with a yawn, cracking my knuckles as I walked toward them.

"Why are you here?!" he stammered, pointing at me in fear.

"I knew you'd be back for revenge, so I thought I'd take the initiative."

"H-He's the one I was talking about! Hurry and beat him up already!"

While stretching, I grinned and charged into their group.

One of them swung his nail-studded bat. I caught it barehanded and crushed it, letting the twisted nails fall to the ground—my hand completely unscathed.

"Huh?!"

He froze just before my fist smashed into his face, launching him into his friends.

"What's wrong? If you don't all come at me, none of you stand a chance."

"Eep!"

They all hesitated, too scared to attack.

"—So it's true… he's the reason the delinquents around here straightened up."

"Don't tell me... he really exists! The demon who hunts punks like us!"

"This is bad! My older brother warned me never to come here! He got beat up by this guy!"

"So the rumors were true?! Everyone—run!!"

"GYAAAA!"

"…Huh."

They all bolted like scared cats. I scratched my head in disappointment.

"Well, I guess they won't bother her anymore." I sighed. "I'll go check in on her today."

When I stopped by the new ramen shop, I saw Riko working as a waitress in her uniform—cheerfully greeting customers. The shop was packed, mostly with guys enchanted by her bright smile. She hadn't changed much since we first met two years ago.

"Good for her."

I smiled, happy to see her doing well. The place had quickly grown popular thanks to her effort and charm. I silently wished her continued success.

As she turned to go back inside, she paused and squinted at me.

"…What are you smiling at? It's creepy and kind of disturbing."

…I froze.

"And stop loitering there. If you're not a customer, leave. You're bad for business," she said coldly.

"Huh?" I blinked, stunned.

"Don't think I'll fall for your stupid tricks just because you helped those goons yesterday. I'm not falling for it! I don't trust punks like you!"

"Wait! I think you're—"

She turned and stormed back inside before I could finish.

"I just wanted to repay you for helping me two years ago…" I muttered with a sigh and started walking away.

"Wait!"

Riko called out from behind me. This time, she was with her father.

"Ow! Dad, that hurt!" she whined, rubbing her head where he smacked her.

"You're the one who saved my daughter yesterday, right? I'm really sorry for her behavior!" Her father bowed deeply, pulling her into a forced bow too.

"Dad, don't trust this guy! He's probably in cahoots with the ones from yesterday! I'm not falling for the same trick again!"

"Quiet! You trusted the wrong people and got burned. You even dyed your hair blonde to fit in with those fake friends! Now look where it got you—getting mixed up with delinquents and forcing us to move!"

Riko fell silent, remorseful under her father's scolding.

"I'm sorry again," he said, bowing again. "She's going through a rebellious phase and has become distrustful. She used to be so friendly…"

I didn't say anything—I just smiled.

"…Huh?"

"Heh… must be tough raising a daughter like Riko."

"Well, yeah—haha… Eh?" Her father paused, eyes narrowing. "Wait. You just… called her by her first name?"

"See?! That's what I'm saying, Dad! I don't even know him, but he keeps acting like we're close!"

Oh. That explains it. I called her by name without introducing myself. She didn't recognize me—it has been two years, after all.

"Honestly, even I find it suspicious," her father said. "Riko tends to attract bad guys…"

…Well, he's not wrong. Lilith and I are demons.

With both of them looking at me suspiciously, I decided to come clean.

"Hey, Riko!"

"Stop it! I don't even know who you are!" she got mad at me.

"Since you're the one who didn't remember me, can I be the one who punch you in the gut?"

"I told you, I don't know—wait. Did you say you want to punch me in the gut?!"

Sweat beaded on her forehead as something clicked.

"I remember now! You're that kid we helped two years ago!" her father said, pointing at me.

"Yup, that's me! Now, Riko—get ready."

I playfully practiced air punches.

"W-Wait! Your name was… Seir, right? I remember now! It's been so long that I forgot…"

"And even though I saved you again, you still said all those things."

"Waaah! I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I'll make it up to you!"

"Heh… She didn't recognize you because you've grown up," her father chuckled. "Back then, you were wearing weird clothes, and that girl in the maid outfit was with you. You could barely speak."

"Yeah… we were a mess back then."

"To make up for it, how about I treat you to a bowl of ramen?" Riko offered.

"Sounds good. Give me the best on the menu."

"Alright! Come on in!"

She beamed, then pushed me into the shop.

"For this special reunion, let's have a celebration!" her father said, joining in cheerfully.

(To be continued.)