"That's right."
Byakuya didn't deny it, nor did he show the slightest surprise.
The Washuu Clan's speculation about him was entirely within his expectations. He'd long known they would most likely assu he was a half-human.
"So Byakuya-senpai really is a half-human."
Hairu said. "Then I don't need to worry—like being rejected by Byakuya-senpai for having a short lifespan or anything."
"...What are you saying? Even if I weren't a half-human, I wouldn't reject you because of lifespan issues."
Byakuya countered.
"That's true. After all, Byakuya-senpai is so kind."
Hairu said with a smile.
"Wait, hold on."
Byakuya quickly interjected. "You can complint my other qualities, but let's skip the 'kind' part."
Perhaps because he'd watched too much ani in his previous life, hearing the word "yasashii" just made him feel sowhat awkward...
"Eh? But I really do think Byakuya-senpai is kind. I also really like the feeling of being with Byakuya-senpai."
Hairu said.
"...Alright then."
Byakuya said.
"Being fellow half-humans, Byakuya-senpai should know, right? At our current age, we've already reached about half of our maximum lifespan."
Hairu said. "In other words... we only have about ten-sothing years left. If I could grow old together with Byakuya-senpai, I feel like I'd have no regrets."
When Hairu spoke of "growing old together," she really wasn't joking.
It was known that Arima had still had blue hair at age nineteen, but by twenty-four, his hair had turned completely white.
This was different from Kaneki Ken's hair turning white from psychological trauma—Arima's hair had whitened because his body was aging.
This ant that Hairu, who still looked like a young girl now, would have completely white hair like Arima's in just a few years.
"We're nowhere near that point yet. Don't say such depressing things."
Byakuya said imdiately.
"It's not depressing—I'm just stating facts."
Hairu said.
"Those aren't the facts either. The half-human lifespan issue isn't unsolvable."
Byakuya said calmly.
"That... shouldn't be possible, right? We've never heard of any way to solve the lifespan problem."
Hairu's expression turned incredulous.
If such a solution existed, the Washuu Clan would surely know about it.
In fact, the Washuu Clan did know of that thod—using the Dragon's toxin to allow half-humans to evolve and gain lifespans equivalent to normal humans.
At the very least, Kaiko definitely knew about it. In the original story, that was precisely why he had cooperated with Furuta to create the Dragon—to extend his own lifespan and replace both the CCG and the Washuu Clan.
After all, the original One-Eyed King who had beco the Dragon—the Underground King—was a mber of the Washuu Clan from a hundred years ago. Such information was probably forbidden knowledge within the Washuu Clan, unknown to ordinary people.
The Washuu Clan probably also knew the origin of ghouls, since what turned humans into ghouls was the toxin released by the Dragon, and only those with Washuu bloodline could beco the Dragon.
However, the current Washuu Clan, in their efforts to cleanse their image and solidify their position of power, was focused on becoming human again. The Dragon corpse in the underground world was useless to them. Even though the original One-Eyed King had died of old age, they had no intention of exploring the underground world.
As for having CCG investigators explore Ward 24, that was rely for show. If the Washuu Clan really wanted to, they could easily send the V Organization into the underground world beneath Ward 24.
"There is a way. You'll probably find out soon enough."
Byakuya said.
Since now wasn't the ti to tell Hairu about these matters, he could only speak cryptically.
But Hairu didn't take it to heart—she didn't expect there to actually be a solution to the lifespan problem anyway.
"By the way, does Byakuya-senpai know what people do on dates?"
Hairu changed to the main topic. "I have zero experience with dating. Though I did do so research beforehand, I feel it's better to ask Byakuya-senpai's opinion first."
"..."
Hearing this, Byakuya was montarily speechless.
As if he had all that much experience himself.
But compared to Hairu, who was practically a blank slate, he did have relatively more experience...
"So where would you like to go? I think dates don't have to be rigid—just go wherever you want and have fun."
Byakuya said.
"I..."
Hairu thought for a mont before imdiately answering. "I want to eat desserts. That would make happiest."
"Alright, then let's go browse the food street."
Byakuya said promptly.
He'd known Hairu's answer would involve sweets.
"But does Byakuya-senpai like desserts?"
Though Hairu was very happy at the mont, she still considered Byakuya-senpai's feelings.
A date was for two people, after all. If only one person enjoyed it, that wouldn't do—or so she believed.
"I think they're alright."
Byakuya answered.
"What does 'alright' specifically an—do you like them or not? If Byakuya-senpai has to force himself, then let's forget it..."
Hairu said with concern.
"Don't be so rigid. It's not like I have to love them too."
Byakuya smiled helplessly. "Besides, when a guy sees the girl he likes showing a happy expression, it can't really be called forcing himself, right?"
"Oh..."
Hearing this, Hairu's expression beca sowhat dazed as she nodded, seeming to half-understand.
But there was one thing she clearly understood—when Byakuya-senpai said "the girl he likes," he ant her.
"So, let's head out."
Byakuya smiled.
"Mm!"
Hairu's face imdiately blood into a sweet smile.
...
At this mont, Byakuya had arrived with Hairu at Tokyo's most famous food street.
The entire street was filled with all kinds of cuisines, hence its na.
There were naturally many desserts as well—that's exactly what Hairu had co here for.
"Byakuya-senpai! There's candied hawthorn over there. Want to try so?"
Hairu had spotted a street stall specializing in candied hawthorn.
"Sure."
Byakuya nodded slightly.
Japan had candied hawthorn too, just with a slightly different style.
For instance, each stick had only two or three hawthorn berries, with various other fruits interspersed between them.
"Ma'am, two sticks of candied hawthorn please."
Hairu called out.
"Coming right up!"
The vendor smiled cheerfully. "There's actually a special offer right now. If you're a couple, it's buy one get one free—but the condition is you have to demonstrate feeding each other mouth-to-mouth~"
...
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