[8] I'm handsome, you know

Kaoru's smile was faint, yet laden with an enigma that seemed unsolvable. "What do I want from you?" he repeated, his words carefully measured, like an artist chiselling a sculpture from a block of stone.

He then studied Asuka more intently, his eyes noting every detail of the woman before him. "The prosthetic hands and legs you use... they're truly impressive," he said, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, almost seductive. "And I'm certain they aren't available on the market, are they?"

Asuka lowered her cup of tea slowly, her slender fingers caressing the cold metal surface of her arm. That touch brought back painful memories, old wounds she had tried to bury deeply, but now surfaced once more. The memories struck her mind like an unexpected storm, making her feel small and vulnerable in the presence of the man she had just met.

Kaoru noticed the change in Asuka, observing the shadow of sadness that passed over her beautiful eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt, realising he might have stirred up something painful from her past—something he didn't know but was significant enough to leave a mark on Asuka's heart.

Attempting to lighten the mood, Kaoru considered for a moment. He shifted his gaze to the small table in the corner of the room, where his smartphone lay, broken and useless. "Actually," Kaoru began, his tone softer now, trying to redirect Asuka's attention, "I'm in need of some assistance. Perhaps you know someone who can repair this smartphone?"

Asuka raised her gaze slowly, looking at Kaoru with eyes that were somewhat dimmed but still sharp. "A smartphone? An old model, I presume?" she asked, her tone still holding traces of the recent turbulence, though there was a hint of curiosity there.

Kaoru nodded. "Yes, from the year 2022. Unfortunately, in this world, such technology is quite outdated. But it's important to me, and I'd like to have it repaired. Perhaps you know someone skilled in this area?"

Asuka took a deep breath, trying to calm herself after the tumult of emotions. "I might know a few people who could help," she replied, her voice starting to stabilise again, though with remnants of anxiety. "But I can't guarantee anything. Old technology like that... it might be impossible to repair."

Kaoru smiled faintly, this time with a genuine warmth, devoid of the mysterious aura he usually carried. "I appreciate your help, Asuka. Thank you," he said gently, though his deep eyes still held many secrets yet to be revealed.

Asuka looked at him with a gaze that was beginning to soften, the calm slowly replacing the anxiety in her heart. She sighed in relief, feeling the weight that had been pressing on her lift. "Well, I suppose... I don't know," she murmured quietly, her tone reflecting the relief she had just felt.

Kaoru observed the change in Asuka's expression and smiled wider, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Hmm? Do you think I have ulterior motives with you?" he asked, his voice laced with playful teasing.

Asuka flinched, her face flushing instantly. "W-what! No... certainly not!" she stammered, her voice rising an octave due to the sudden surge of embarrassment.

Kaoru chuckled softly, his laughter like gentle music echoing in the room. "Oh? So you think I'm some kind of wolfish man, ready to devour you?" he teased, adding a playful twist to the atmosphere that was beginning to thaw.

Asuka nearly toppled from her seat at his comment. "N-not at all! That's not what I meant!" she said quickly, her voice bouncing off the walls of the apartment as she desperately tried to cover her blush.

Kaoru simply chuckled, his tone resembling the rustling of a night breeze through leaves. "Fufufu~ You're quite amusing," he said, looking at Asuka with admiration and a warmth that hinted at the jest behind his words.

Asuka fell silent, feeling her heart race faster. "Huh!? Amusing?" she said, still in disbelief at Kaoru's words, yet feeling a strange, inexplicable thrill.

Kaoru gazed at her with a deep, knowing look, as if savouring every moment of Asuka's confusion. "Yes, you are amusing," he said softly, but there was something in his tone that made his words feel more than just a casual compliment. "Beneath your strong exterior, there's a sweet side that's hard to ignore."

Asuka felt her entire face heat up, as if her blood were boiling uncontrollably. She was bewildered, unsure of how to respond. The silence between them was thick with tension, yet charged with an unspoken energy, as if something significant was waiting to be revealed.

"You... We don't even know each other. So stop teasing me!" Asuka finally spoke, her voice slightly trembling despite her efforts to sound firm.

Kaoru looked at her with an unchanged expression, full of warmth and a hint of naughty amusement. "Hmm~ Is that so? Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself," he said lightly. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Kaoru Rasputin."

At the mention of the name, Asuka suddenly jolted, her eyes widening slightly, unable to suppress a small laugh. "A-unique name," she murmured, trying to mask her surprise with a thin smile.

Kaoru simply shrugged casually, his smile never leaving his face. "Indeed, and I don't mind at all," he replied calmly, as though the name was the most natural thing in the world. There was no sign that he was bothered or felt awkward about Asuka's reaction.

Asuka turned her face away, feeling slightly unsettled by Kaoru's relaxed attitude. But she eventually gave in to the atmosphere created by the man. "Tch... I'm Asuka Koukawa," she said with a slightly calmer tone, though traces of her nervousness remained.

Kaoru smiled broadly, this time with a gentler gaze. "Nice to meet you, Asuka Koukawa," he said with a tone that felt very warm and familiar, as though they had known each other for a long time.

Asuka felt a strange sensation in her chest, something that made her feel more at ease, yet also more confused. Although Kaoru was a stranger, there was something about him that made Asuka feel comfortable and connected, even if she couldn't fully understand why.

In the silence that enveloped them once more, Asuka and Kaoru stared at each other, as if the world around them had come to a halt.