Chapter 3: First encounter

The soft hum of conversation and the faint clinking of silverware filled the air of Kyokusei, Tokyo's most exclusive five-star restaurant. Nestled atop a sleek skyscraper, the restaurant offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. Its modern, minimalist décor—black marble floors, warm golden lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows—exuded sophistication. Every detail, from the elegantly folded napkins to the soft glow of candles, spoke of luxury and perfection.

At a corner table, Renzaki Kiryūjin lounged comfortably, his lean, athletic frame draped in a midnight-blue blazer that shimmered subtly under the dim lights. His tailored black dress shirt was unbuttoned just enough to give him an air of relaxed elegance, and his red eyes glimmered with mischief as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass.

Opposite him sat Kaito Tenma and Mei Seitei. Kaito, dressed in a sharp gray suit and black turtleneck, leaned back in his chair, his sharp features softened by his perpetually calm demeanor. His lean, muscular build gave him an aura of quiet strength, though his slightly slouched posture screamed indifference. Mei, on the other hand, radiated poise and grace. Her fitted emerald-green blouse and high-waisted black trousers accentuated her hourglass figure without being ostentatious. Her long, dark hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, and her gentle green eyes glimmered with a quiet warmth as she sipped her tea.

"Honestly, Renzaki," Kaito began, his tone laced with mild exasperation, "this whole thing feels like a headache waiting to happen. You dragged us here to talk about the curse outbreaks, right? Let's get on with it."

Renzaki smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Patience, Kaito. A good conversation is like a fine meal—it takes time to savor. Besides," he gestured toward the city lights outside, "why not enjoy the view? It's not every day you get to eat at Kyokusei."

Kaito rolled his eyes, muttering something about "troublesome billionaires," while Mei chuckled softly. "You really do enjoy your theatrics, Renzaki," she said, her voice light and melodic.

"Life's too short to be boring," Renzaki replied smoothly, flashing her a playful grin.

The mood was interrupted by the sudden clatter of a tray hitting the ground. All three turned to see a young server, Lucian, frozen in place, his face pale as he stared at the glass of water he'd just spilled—onto Renzaki's lap. The room seemed to hold its breath as Lucian scrambled to grab a napkin, his hands shaking.

"I-I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't mean—"

Renzaki's sharp red eyes locked onto him, but instead of anger, they held an amused glint. He raised a brow, leaning back in his chair as though utterly unbothered by the incident.

"Well," Renzaki said, his deep voice smooth and teasing, "this is certainly one way to make an impression." He plucked a napkin from the table and began dabbing at his suit with a casual grace that only he could pull off.

Lucian blinked, unsure if he'd heard correctly. "I-I'll—let me—"

Renzaki held up a hand, cutting him off with an easy smile. "Relax, kid. It's just water. I've survived worse." His tone was calm, almost playful. "Though, if you wanted my attention, there are less dramatic ways to go about it."

Kaito snorted softly, muttering, "Show-off," under his breath, while Mei shot Lucian a kind smile. "It's alright," she reassured him gently. "No harm done."

Lucian's face burned as he nodded hurriedly, retreating with murmured apologies. He glanced back once, catching Renzaki's knowing smirk, before disappearing into the kitchen.

"Do you always have to make everything a scene?" Kaito asked, arching a brow.

"It's called charisma, Kaito," Renzaki replied, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. "You should try it sometime."

Mei shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "At least you handled it gracefully this time. Poor boy looked like he was about to faint."

"That's what makes it fun," Renzaki said with a shrug, leaning back in his chair. "People are so easy to rattle."

As the evening progressed, the trio delved into the real reason for their gathering. The recent spike in curse activity was troubling, even for clans as powerful as theirs. Mei spoke softly but with conviction, her green eyes serious as she detailed reports from her clan's scouts. Kaito chimed in occasionally, his sharp mind piecing together patterns with ease, though he kept his tone as lazy and nonchalant as ever.

Renzaki, true to form, listened with a relaxed air, occasionally interjecting with a wry comment or incisive observation. Despite his outward demeanor, it was clear he was taking everything in, his mind working several steps ahead.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, the tension easing. Lucian, peeking from the kitchen, couldn't help but watch them. They were unlike anyone he'd ever seen—confident, powerful, and completely at ease in their world.

But it was Renzaki who captivated him most. There was something magnetic about the man, something that went beyond his good looks and charm. For a brief moment, Renzaki glanced toward the kitchen, his crimson eyes meeting Lucian's. A small, knowing smile played on his lips, as though he could see right through him.

Lucian ducked back into the shadows, his heart pounding. He didn't know what it was, but something told him his life was about to change forever.