Byakuya thought about it the entire way back but still couldn't figure it out, what exactly had he done?
After returning home, he didn't bother dwelling on such trivial matters anymore.
He opened his laptop and logged into his document account, where all the revised drafts were automatically synchronized.
Even if the synchronization failed, it didn't matter, he had also backed up these documents in his email, creating a double safeguard.
Meanwhile, Eto borrowed his bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into her new clothes.
"I'm done. Let's get back to editing."
As Eto walked over and sat down, Byakuya caught a faint fragrance drifting through the air.
Of course, it was just the scent of body wash and shampoo.
They continued editing until late at night, at which point Eto placed her old clothes and the two extra sets of new outfits in his home.
Since she didn't have a stable residence, leaving clothes in a place like the 24th Ward would only result in them getting ruined.
Seeing this, Byakuya couldn't help but ask, "How about I help you rent an apartment?"
"..."
Eto paused for a moment, then her lips curled into a faint smirk.
"That seems like a waste of money, isn't your place good enough to stay in?"
"You want to live here?"
Byakuya glanced at her and then replied indifferently, "If you don't mind, I certainly don't either."
"Great, then I won't hold back."
The moment she finished speaking, Eto flopped onto his bed.
Lying on this soft, plush mattress felt incredibly comfortable, in the 24th Ward, beds weren't even really a thing.
However, she felt a little disappointed; no matter how much she teased this guy, he never reacted.
Byakuya continued handling some CCG affairs on his laptop, such as reporting on the investigation, then prepared to take a shower and sleep.
By the time Byakuya stepped out of the bathroom, he saw that Eto was already under the covers, lying down.
It seemed like she wasn't joking earlier, she really intended to stay here.
After drying his hair with a blow dryer, he got into bed as well.
Just then, Eto's head peeked out from beneath the blanket.
"Let's get one thing straight; if you lay a hand on me tonight, I'll make sure that 'thing' of yours goes 'snip' while you're asleep."
"What kind of nonsense are you thinking? Just go to sleep. We have things to do in the morning."
Byakuya replied, completely speechless.
Not long after, he fell asleep.
Eto, on the other hand, had trouble falling asleep; There were too many thoughts running through her mind.
Things were moving in a good direction, but her dream was still far out of reach.
However, there was a glimmer of hope now, and that hope lay in the annoying lolicon sleeping beside her.
The night passed without incident.
Byakuya woke up at his usual time and went about his morning routine, moving quietly so as not to wake Eto.
Then, he went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
He made two simple meals; eggs, toast, and milk.
"Takasuki-sensei, time to wake up for breakfast."
Only then did Byakuya wake Eto up.
"Mmm~..."
Eto let out a soft hum, then slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes.
Since she had stayed up late thinking about things last night, Eto was still a little drowsy.
After washing up, she sat at the dining table and looked at the breakfast already prepared.
She couldn't help but say, "You really went all out. That's thoughtful of you."
"I couldn't just make breakfast for myself, could I?"
Byakuya replied.
"Well, either way, thanks."
Eto took a bite of her breakfast.
Being a half-ghoul had brought her immense suffering, but at this moment, she actually felt a bit lucky to be one; at the very least she could enjoy some normal food.
Then again, it had been years since someone made her breakfast.
Ever since her foster father died, Byakuya was the first to do so.
After breakfast, the two of them headed out.
Byakuya was set to join Arima in investigating the Clowns, while Eto was returning to lead Aogiri Tree in securing the 24th Ward.
Just as they were about to part ways, they ran into Arima Kishou, who happened to live in the same apartment complex.
After all, the 4th Ward's CCG branch had arranged for both of them to stay here.
Seeing Byakuya and Eto appear together in this place, Arima immediately understood.
"Congratulations to you both."
He stated expressionlessly.
"Wait, no… Ugh, forget it."
Byakuya had intended to explain, but after a moment of thought, he figured it wasn't worth the effort.
Seeing him flustered for once, Eto seized the opportunity.
"You're his partner, right? If he ever flirts with other women behind my back, make sure to secretly let me know, okay?"
"That is not within my duties."
Arima replied indifferently; his tone flat and emotionless, entirely devoid of humor.
"Tsk…"
Eto clicked her tongue in disappointment, finding him no fun at all.
She dropped the teasing and simply told Byakuya, "See you later."
Then, she turned and walked off in the opposite direction.
While conducting their investigation, Arima suddenly spoke up.
"Associate Special Class Uchiha, I didn't expect your relationship with the One-Eyed Owl to have progressed this far."
Clearly, Byakuya's closeness with Eto had genuinely surprised him.
"It's not what you think. She's just staying at my place for now because she doesn't have a fixed home."
Byakuya finally explained.
"I see…"
Arima responded calmly.
Then, after a brief pause, he abruptly changed the subject.
"The Clowns have their eyes on us."
Byakuya nodded. "Yeah. I've already alerted the Inaba Squad."
Through his radio device, he sent a message to Inaba Emi and his team.
Now was the perfect time to train them.
Earlier, Byakuya had already sensed multiple hostile presences watching them, his Mangekyō Sharingan picking up the faintest traces of killing intent in the surroundings.
They were currently in a secluded area, far from the residential district, with abandoned buildings and factories nearby, a prime location for ghouls to establish a hideout.
However, the hidden ghouls weren't making a move just yet, it seemed like they were waiting for something.
Soon after, Inaba Emi arrived with his squad.
"Associate Special Class Uchiha, First Class Arima, what's the situation?"
Inaba immediately asked.
"There are at least twenty ghouls hiding in the area. Be mentally prepared, and then engage."
The moment Byakuya finished speaking, his vision momentarily distorted; a fleeting sensation of spatial warping washed over him.
A quinque briefcase suddenly appeared out of thin air, landing in his hand.
"Commence the operation."