The clock showed 8:15 PM, and the lights inside the restaurant began to dim, signaling closing time.
Eiji stood near the cash register, his face expressionless as usual. Nino was busy counting inventory, while Miku was changing the dirty linens.
Nino glanced at Eiji, who was counting money at the register.
"Since Eiji started working here, the restaurant has become increasingly busy with many customers. But... why are most of the customers women? Is it just my feeling? What do you think, Eiji?"
"..."
Sensing the sarcasm and complaint in her words, Eiji remained calm, as if he were an enlightened monk.
"It's because of me. The women come not just to eat, but to see me."
"Pfft... Even though it sounds narcissistic, Kamiki-kun is right." Miku laughed upon hearing that.
"Those who use their bodies and looks to attract others will lose support when their appearance fades, and when that support is gone, any benefits they gained will also disappear." Nino chuckled with a scornful look in her eyes.
"Nino-san doesn't need to worry; by that time, I won't be relying on my looks." Eiji didn't believe his amnesia would ever heal.
At that moment, the sound from the LCD TV in the corner of the restaurant caught their attention. A female reporter on the screen was delivering serious news in a worried tone.
"A stabbing case has occurred again in Tokyo tonight. The tenth victim was found a few hours ago. Three of the victims died from blood loss. So far, the police have not been able to catch the perpetrator. Citizens are urged to be vigilant, especially at night."
"So there's another stabbing case...?" Miku looked worried.
Nino frowned, her tone firm but with a hint of concern.
"That's terrifying. Ten people? How can the police not find it?"
"..."
Eiji, who heard the conversation, remained silent, but his eyes were sharply focused on the TV screen. Miku noticed his gaze looked more serious than usual.
"Kamiki-kun… are you okay?" Miku tried to divert attention from the tense news.
Eiji nodded slowly, returning to his neutral expression.
"I'm fine. But it's better if we stay alert. This case is getting worse. I'll take you home tonight."
"Eiji, are you sure? You live at the restaurant; you don't need to trouble yourself."
On the surface, Nino was reluctant, but she was actually pleased with his concern for her.
"As long as the perpetrator is still on the loose, I don't want you to go home alone." Eiji said lightly.
"Thank you, Kamiki-kun. That makes me feel more at ease." Miku smiled faintly, feeling relieved.
"Alright, if you don't mind." Nino stopped pretending to refuse.
Eiji turned off the last light in the restaurant, and the three of them stepped out into the increasingly quiet street.
In two days, this year would end. Soft snowflakes began to fall from the sky, decorating the cold sidewalk. The low temperature forced people to wear thick clothing, trying to ward off the biting cold.
Eiji opened the large umbrella he had brought, shielding himself and the two girls on either side of him. Nino was on his left, and Miku was on his right.
The three of them walked towards the apartment where Nino and Miku lived, leaving footprints on the thin layer of snow covering the road.
Other pedestrians glanced at them, some with expressions of surprise and envy at seeing Eiji strolling casually flanked by two beautiful twin girls.
Some men whispered to each other, casting jealous looks at Eiji.
"Hey, look at that guy. He's got two beautiful girls beside him. I'm so jealous; I want to take his place..." murmured one man, not hiding his resentment.
"Just you? Come on, is your face as handsome as that guy's? I'm more interested in how that young man survived Shuraba."
The friend next to him stated a harsh truth.
"If you give up, you'll never see your dreams, even if they're right in front of you!"
"Don't quote Marshall D. Teach from the One Piece manga. You sound pathetic, dude."
Nino and Miku didn't hear the conversation of the two men because they were too far away, but Eiji, who was the main topic of their discussion, heard clearly.
'No signs of suspicious people.'
Relying on his extraordinary perception and sensitivity to others' emotions, he didn't sense any malicious intent directed at Nino and Miku.
The distance between the restaurant and the apartment wasn't far, only about a 15-minute walk.
Along the way, Nino and Miku engaged in light conversation, and occasionally Eiji joined in. The cold night atmosphere felt warm thanks to their togetherness.
After arriving in front of the apartment building, Nino looked at him and said, "Eiji, don't you want to stop by for a bit? At least for some warm tea before heading back."
"Yeah, it's really cold outside. We can make you some warm tea." Miku nodded in agreement.
Eiji shook his head gently, his face remaining calm.
"Thank you, but maybe another time. I still want to take a walk before heading back."
"Alright, don't stay out too late."
"Take care, Kamiki-kun. Tokyo isn't safe yet."
"I understand. Goodnight, Nino-san, Miku-san."
Nino looked a bit disappointed but understood, then they both waved goodbye before entering the apartment building equipped with good security systems.
"..."
Eiji waited until Nino and Miku were safely inside, ensuring that both were secure.
"Mm. Let's do a final check. Better safe than sorry."
After saying that, he didn't immediately turn back to the restaurant. After confirming the street was empty of other pedestrians, he stepped into the dark area near the building.
There, Eiji knelt down, and with a single extraordinary leap, his body soared high and landed smoothly on the roof of a five-story building.
Over the last two weeks, Eiji had realized that he possessed unusual physical strength. His jumps were much higher than a normal human's, and his speed and strength seemed to have surpassed ordinary limits. In fact, with his eyes, he could scan the surroundings within a wide radius, catching small details in the darkness that might be invisible to an ordinary person.
He named this ability Six Eyes.
"Phew... Let's do this."
Eiji stood on the roof, looking towards Nino and Miku's apartment.
With the sharp gaze of Six Eyes, Eiji scanned every corner of the apartment environment, searching for signs of suspicious movement or people lurking with malicious intent. He didn't want to overlook any possibility that could endanger the safety of the two girls, especially with the news of the stabbing case making Tokyo citizens afraid to go out at night, particularly women.
After several minutes of scanning, nothing suspicious caught his eye. The surroundings appeared safe, and only the sound of the night wind rustling between the buildings could be heard. Eiji breathed a sigh of relief but remained vigilant.
"It seems safe tonight." He murmured softly.
Eiji stood there for a moment longer, ensuring there was nothing suspicious before finally stepping to the edge of the building. Once again, he jumped effortlessly, landing silently back on the street and began walking back to the restaurant.
Although his face remained calm and expressionless, in his heart, he vowed to continue watching over and ensuring the safety of Nino and Miku without them realizing it.
The two girls were his benefactors; Eiji would not let anything bad happen to them!