Chapter 89. The Authors and Kazumi

"Yo! You're here!" Kazumi greeted Makoto with an exaggerated wave in front of a restaurant that looked like it belonged in a strange, foreign world.

The signage was written in neon pink with an almost unreadable font that seemed to dance and flicker.

It wasn't quite a high-end establishment, but there was something oddly captivating about it, or maybe it was just the peculiar smell wafting from the door.

Beside Kazumi stood Takeshi, waving just as enthusiastically, though a little more controlled, as if he had been through this routine more times than he cared to admit.

"Thank you for agreeing to come with us." Takeshi said, his voice carrying an air of appreciation that made Makoto feel slightly less awkward.

"No problem." Makoto replied, giving a nervous smile that was more of an apology for his presence than anything else. "You're Azrael Emberlight, right?" he asked, pointing at Takeshi, his eyes wide with excitement.

"That's me." Takeshi replied, a touch of amusement in his voice, and a slightly raised eyebrow.

He gave Makoto a nod, as if to say, Yes, I know. I'm famous. Now stop gushing.

"I love your books!" Makoto said with genuine enthusiasm, his hands moving as if he were trying to convey the magnitude of his admiration.

Takeshi, ever the dramatic author, placed a hand over his heart in mock reverence.

"I feel honored being loved by a legendary writer!" he said with such a theatrical flair that Makoto almost wondered if he was genuinely touched or just putting on a show.

Either way, it was a bit overwhelming.

Before Makoto could respond, Kazumi, who had been bouncing around excitedly like a puppy on caffeine, cut in loudly, "And I'm the great Kazumi Suzuki!"

Makoto blinked, a little startled by Kazumi's sudden boast.

Takeshi, on the other hand, rubbed his temples as if he were trying to alleviate a headache.

"Kazumi, you could have chosen a better restaurant..." he muttered under his breath, looking at the restaurant's exterior with something resembling despair.

Kazumi, however, was undeterred. "This restaurant is great! I heard they have all these exotic cuisines! It's going to be amazing! Let's go in!" He energetically pushed the two of them through the door before anyone could protest.

Once inside, they were greeted by a host who seemed a little too cheerful for the setting.

The walls were adorned with neon art that made Makoto feel like he had entered a retro-futuristic dream—or nightmare, depending on how you looked at it.

Takeshi leaned in closer to Makoto, his tone dropping to a whisper. "If I were you, I wouldn't order anything out of the ordinary." he warned. "Kazumi has weird taste buds. And by weird, I mean 'mysteriously dangerous.'"

Makoto glanced at Kazumi, who was already at a table, excitedly waving his arms around as if he were about to perform some kind of ritual. "Got it." Makoto said with a sheepish smile, his eyes shifting nervously to Kazumi's antics.

After the waiter handed them the menus, Makoto and Takeshi both ordered simple, safe dishes—Takeshi opting for a classic steak with mashed potatoes, while Makoto went for a pasta that looked like it couldn't possibly go wrong.

Both had what appeared to be well within their comfort zones.

But then Kazumi, with an air of someone who had just discovered the world's greatest secret, ordered something that made Makoto question his decision to join them.

Kazumi waved his hand dramatically. "I'll have the fermented eel with raw durian and chili ice cream!" he declared. The words hung in the air like an ominous warning.

Takeshi blinked, his eyebrows shooting up. "Dude, are you serious? You could get an upset stomach from that. It looks awful."

Kazumi, undeterred, grinned like a man who had just uncovered the truth of the universe. "You clearly don't know anything about cuisine, Takeshi!" he exclaimed, already licking his lips in anticipation.

"This is a delicacy!" He looked at Makoto with wide, excited eyes. "You'll see. It's amazing. The combination of flavors... chef's kiss!"

Makoto, not wanting to seem like he was backing out of the adventure, gave a hesitant smile.

"Uh, sure... sounds... interesting." He couldn't shake the feeling that this was a bad idea, but he wasn't going to be the one to ruin the fun.

When the food arrived, both Makoto and Takeshi's dishes looked normal—ordinary even—like something you'd find on a nice, upscale menu.

But then there was Kazumi's dish.

It was an absolutely bizarre creation—fermented eel that looked more like it was staring at him than the other way around, a glob of slimy raw durian that seemed to have a life of its own, and a scoop of bright green chili ice cream that had a suspiciously fiery glow.

Takeshi leaned back in his chair, staring at the dish with a mix of disbelief and resignation. "I'm not even sure I can call this food. What is this combination, Kazumi?"

Kazumi, who had already shoved a huge bite of the eel-durian-chili ice cream concoction into his mouth, beamed at him. "It's delicious, Takeshi! You just don't understand food!"

He took another bite and grimaced slightly, but smiled wider. "Mmm, so good!"

Takeshi and Makoto exchanged a horrified glance as Kazumi continued to shovel spoonfuls into his mouth, his face a mixture of pleasure and sheer willpower.

"Seriously, Kazumi..." Takeshi muttered, rubbing his temples again. "You're going to pay for this later. This is not even food. It's a crime against food."

Kazumi, with a piece of durian dripping from the side of his mouth, looked at them both and, in an exaggerated voice, said, "You guys are just too used to bland food. This right here? This is where a true adventure lies!" He gave a thumbs up and took another bite, clearly enjoying his own suffering.

Makoto, who had been trying to keep his composure, finally couldn't hold it in. He burst into laughter, holding his stomach as Kazumi continued to eat with all the enthusiasm of a child eating his favorite candy.

Takeshi shook his head with a laugh. "Kazumi, you're insane. I don't know how you do it. I'm pretty sure I'll have nightmares about this meal."

Kazumi grinned through a mouthful of durian and chili ice cream. "And you guys call yourselves adventurers."

Makoto shook his head, still laughing. "I think I'll just stick to my pasta from now on."

As Kazumi continued to suffer through his dish, Makoto and Takeshi exchanged amused glances.

------

The laughter finally began to settle as Kazumi leaned back in his chair with a victorious groan, patting his stomach like he'd just conquered a demon.

The strange glow of the restaurant's neon lights cast flickering colors across their table, and somewhere in the background, a robotic cat statue blinked eerily.

Takeshi wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "I can't believe you actually ate that. You need a doctor."

Kazumi grinned. "I am the cure for boredom. Admit it."

Makoto smiled, still catching his breath. "You're definitely something, alright."

Takeshi leaned forward a little, his expression settling into something more thoughtful. "So, Miura..." he said, tone shifting just enough to signal a change. "You've been spending a lot of time around Ayaka lately."

Kazumi perked up instantly. "Oho? Here we go. Gossip time."

Makoto stiffened slightly, fingers brushing his glass of water. "Uh… yeah. I guess so."

Takeshi tilted his head. "She doesn't usually let people in that easily. Not these days."

Kazumi rested his chin on his hands, eyes glinting with curiosity. "But she let you in. That's saying something."

Makoto stared at the table for a moment.

Then, quietly, "She was hurting. Still is."

The energy around the table shifted again. Even Kazumi didn't interrupt.

"I didn't go looking to replace anyone." Makoto added. "I just… didn't want to stand by and watch her break."

Takeshi watched him carefully. "And now?"

Makoto finally looked up. There was no more nervousness—just quiet conviction.

"Now I want to steal her heart."

Kazumi blinked. "Whoa."

Makoto chuckled softly, almost to himself. "I'm serious. I don't want to just be the guy who's always there when she's down. I want to be the one who makes her smile without all the shadows in her eyes. I want her to choose me—not because she's lonely, not because she's trying to forget someone, but because she sees me, too."

Kazumi leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as a slow, approving smile tugged at his lips. "That's the first time I've heard someone say that and actually believe it."

Makoto's voice dropped slightly, the edge of impatience finally surfacing. "It's not easy. She's still clinging to someone who disappeared without a trace. She won't admit it, but I see it every time she stares at her phone like she's expecting a message that never comes."

Kazumi's grin faded. "She used to laugh more, you know. Before he left."

Makoto nodded. "I know. That's why I want to be the one to bring that back. Even if she pushes me away a hundred times, I'm not giving up."

Takeshi raised an eyebrow. "Even if she never fully lets go of the past?"

Makoto met his gaze. "Then I'll stay by her side anyway. And if he ever shows his face again… I won't lose."

A moment of silence followed.

Then Kazumi let out a long whistle. "Okay, Romeo. That was kinda hot."

Makoto rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

Takeshi laughed. "Don't mind him. He thinks all romance should involve sword fights and rooftop confessions."

Kazumi pointed his fork like a blade. "Takeshi you of all people should appreciate it."

Makoto shook his head with a soft laugh, then looked down at his plate again.

His smile faded just slightly.

He was serious.

"Honestly? I respect that." he said, standing up confidently with a grin. "Go for it. I mean, it's about damn time someone actually fights for Ayaka instead of just… watching her fade."

Makoto blinked, surprised by the sincerity.

"You're good for her." Kazumi added. "She doesn't need an Ice Prince!"

Takeshi didn't respond immediately.

He looked down at his drink, swirled it once, then took a slow sip.

His face remained unreadable, but something in the way he avoided Makoto's gaze said more than words ever could.

Makoto noticed.

But he didn't press. Not here. Not now.

Takeshi finally set the glass down with a soft *clink* "It's… not that simple." he muttered, voice low.

Kazumi shot him a look. "Oh, come on, Takeshi."

"I didn't say it was a bad thing." Takeshi said, still not quite looking up. "I just… I don't know if she's ready. That's all."

Makoto's jaw tightened, but before he could say anything, Kazumi suddenly doubled over, clutching his stomach.

"Oh—oh no!" Kazumi groaned, his face twisting in pain. "I think the eel's fighting back—the eel's alive—!"

Takeshi looked up, startled. "Serves you right. I told you that monstrosity was going to kill you."

Makoto stood up halfway, alarmed. "Should we get help?"

Kazumi wheezed, then slapped the table dramatically. "No—no! This is just the price of a culinary adventure—! I regret nothing!"

"You look like you're about to die." Takeshi deadpanned, but he was already flagging down a waiter. "You're ridiculous."

Kazumi gave them a pained thumbs-up. "If I don't make it—tell Ayaka I supported her love life until the end."

"Maybe we should take him to the hospital." Makoto suggested.

Takeshi sighed, muttering under his breath, "You'd better not throw up in my car again..."