Chapter 139: Meeting Emi

Kai stepped out of his house, feeling the crisp evening air brush against his skin.

The sky had darkened, painted in shades of deep blue and faint orange remnants of the setting sun.

He pulled his jacket tighter around himself and adjusted his earphones, letting music flood his ears.

But even as he walked, even as he drowned out the world around him, he knew.

He wasn't alone.

Hina and Akira , who walked behind him were out there.

They were watching, following, lurking in the shadows like silent ghosts.

A strange comfort settled in his chest.

Despite all the madness in his life, he felt safe.

With them behind him, nothing could take him by surprise.

Yet, as he walked through the almost empty streets, he still occasionally glanced back over his shoulder.

Nothing.

Not a single trace of them.

"Tch. They're too good at this," he thought, shaking his head.

The streets were unusually quiet for this hour.

A few stray cars passed by, their headlights cutting through the dim glow of the streetlamps.

Kai kept his head down, eyes half-lidded, his mind floating elsewhere as he moved at a steady pace.

He ignored the occasional passerby, their eyes lingering on him for a second longer than necessary—perhaps recognizing him as that rich, silent kid from school.

But Kai didn't care.

He kept his hands in his pockets, earphones blasting a soft melody, and his focus trained on the path ahead.

During his walk, he kept humming the melodies of the songs he was listening to.

Every now and then, he threw another glance behind him.

Still nothing.

Hina and Akira had disappeared into the shadows.

Good.

He smirked to himself, knowing they were still there, watching from the unseen corners of the world.

Ten more minutes of silent walking, and he finally saw the sign ahead.

The Neko Café.

A warm, cozy light glowed from inside, silhouettes of customers moving behind the glass.

Kai sighed. He was ten minutes late.

He pulled out his phone, ready to apologize to Emi via text, but—

Before he could even unlock the screen—

A blur of movement.

A rush of warmth.

And suddenly—he was tackled.

"Kai-Kuuuunnn!"

A soft weight crashed against him, nearly knocking the breath out of his lungs.

His eyes widened in surprise as Emi threw herself onto him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

He stumbled slightly, barely keeping himself upright.

And then—

He felt it.

A sudden sharp pressure in the air.

An unmistakable, bloodthirsty aura creeping up behind him.

His instincts screamed at him to not turn around.

He already knew.

Hina was watching.

And she was not happy.

A bead of sweat formed at the back of his neck as Emi continued clinging to him.

"You're late!" she pouted, finally pulling back to look at him.

Kai let out a nervous chuckle, scratching his cheek. "Y-Yeah, sorry about that... got caught up with some things."

Like trying not to get murdered by my girlfriend.

Emi tilted her head slightly but smiled anyway. "Well, at least you're here now! Come on, let's go inside!"

Kai nodded quickly, subtly glancing around one last time.

Nothing.

But the murderous intent still lingered in the air.

He swallowed and followed Emi inside.

The warm scent of coffee, vanilla, and something sweet filled the air.

A few cats wandered lazily around the café, hopping onto empty seats or curling up in cozy corners.

The atmosphere was light, soft but familiar piano music playing in the background.

There also were a few customers inside and the people who worked there were dressed as cat maids.

Kai and Emi found a quiet table near the window.

As soon as they sat, a maid immediately walked close to them to ask what they wanted.

They ordered two neko milkshakes—chocolate for Kai, vanilla for Emi.

For a few moments, they simply sat there, the soft hum of the café filling the space between them.

Then, Emi spoke.

"So, Kai-Kun… about what we talked about before… On the roof..." She said while looking around the cafè.

Just when she asked that, a maid arrived with the milkshakes and put them on the table.

"Woah... so rapid..." Kai thought in his mind.

"Mmh..." Emi mumbled, while looking into Kai's eyes, with a shy but cute expression.

Kai's expression remained unreadable.

He knew where this was going.

"Your relationship with Hina," Emi continued, stirring her milkshake absentmindedly. "Is it still… bad?"

Kai took a slow sip of his drink.

Then, with just the right amount of hesitation, he exhaled heavily.

"It's even worse than what I've told you..." he murmured, lowering his gaze.

Emi's eyes widened slightly, her grip on her glass tightening. "Really…?"

Kai nodded, running a hand through his hair.

"Her jealousy is… out of control. Every little thing sets her off. I can't breathe without her watching me."

A pause.

Then, just as he planned—he added the final touch.

"I've been thinking of... breaking up with her." He said, with a sad tone of voice.

Emi inhaled sharply while her hands tightened around her drink

Her violet eyes shimmered with something unreadable.

Was it relief? Excitement? Victory?

Kai kept his expression pained, conflicted. He had to sell it.

And it worked.

Emi's lips parted slightly, her voice almost emotional.

"Kai-kun…" she whispered.

She reached across the table, gently placing a hand over his.

"You deserve better," she murmured. "You don't have to be trapped in a relationship like that. You… you could be happy, you know? I also think that you should leave her..."

Kai forced a weak smile. "You really think so?"

Emi nodded enthusiastically.

"I do. And if you ever need support… I'm here for you. Like I've always been in the past..."

Her fingers curled slightly against his hand.

And then—

She leaned forward.

Her chest brushed against his arm.

A slow, deliberate movement.

Kai stiffened slightly.

She was getting too close.

Too comfortable.

She was trying something.

Kai, feeling increasingly uneasy, subtly leaned back, pulling his arm away slightly.

But Emi?

She didn't stop.

She inched forward again, eyes locked onto his, her soft lips slightly parted.

"Kai-kun…" she whispered again, voice dripping with something more than just concern.

Kai swallowed.

"Shit. This is getting dangerous."

"Hina's watching."

"Akira's watching."

And now, Emi was getting too comfortable.

Kai subtly leaned away.

But Emi?

She leaned in again.

"Kai-kun…" she whispered, voice dripping with something more than concern.

Kai swallowed.

"SHIT. SHE'S TRYING SOMETHING."

Just as she was about to get even closer—

He was just about to pull away completely—

When suddenly—

The entrance bell jingled.

The café door swung open.

And standing there—

Was Lala.

Kai's heart stopped.

Emi's eyes widened.

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

Lala stood there, completely composed, her delicate fingers brushing her long, dark locks over her shoulder.

Her piercing, almost amused gaze landed directly on Kai.

Then, her lips curled into a smile.

Not just any smile.

A knowing, dangerously playful smile.

Kai felt a chill run down his spine.

What the hell is she doing here?

Emi turned back to Kai, her expression slightly tense and bothered.

Kai, still frozen in place, could only watch as Lala took a slow step forward.