Chapter 10: Buddha

"Where is Ryuji from? Who's at home? What are his parents like?"

After settling on the sofa, Yotsuya Touko couldn't help but fire off a series of questions. It almost felt like a mother-in-law interrogating her future son-in-law.

Miko quickly realized this and blushed, trying to stop her mother before she went any further.

"Mom, how can you ask that? This is Ryuji-kun's first time here!" Miko said, clearly flustered. She was worried that her mother's prying would leave a bad impression on Ryuji. They weren't even a couple yet, and Miko didn't want him to get the wrong idea.

"I'm sorry, Ryuji-kun! My mom didn't mean anything by it!" Miko apologized, her cheeks still tinged with embarrassment.

Touko remained silent but thought to herself that her "precious daughter" was being a little too obvious.

Ryuji, however, just smiled and shook his head. "It's alright, Auntie is just worried about you, that's all."

Then, with a calm tone, he continued, "I'm originally from Kyushu. As for my parents… they passed away not too long ago, so I live alone now."

"Ah…!"

Both Touko and Miko stared at Ryuji, taken aback by this revelation.

Miko had no idea about Ryuji's family situation, and she suddenly felt a pang of guilt for not knowing sooner.

"I'm so sorry!" Touko quickly apologized, realizing that her earlier questions might have brought up painful memories. Tears welled up in her eyes, empathetic to his loss, especially since she had also recently lost her husband and son.

"It must be hard for you, living all alone like that," Touko said softly, her voice full of sympathy.

"Ryuji-kun..." Miko murmured, reaching out to hold Ryuji's hand. She hadn't expected him to have gone through so much. She'd seen him act so strong and confident, but now she wondered if it was all just a front to hide his sadness.

The caring looks from both of them made Ryuji feel a little awkward.

What are they imagining in their heads right now? he thought to himself, feeling like they were making assumptions about his inner emotional state.

Clearing his throat, Ryuji decided to shift the mood. "Well, it was tough at first, but life goes on. We all have to live well, including for the ones we've lost. That's how we honor them."

"You're right," Touko said, her voice a bit stronger. "We need to keep living, for Kyousuke and Mamoru's sake too." Kyousuke and Mamoru were her late husband and son.

Miko nodded vigorously in agreement, her expression determined. "Yes! We need to live well for them too!"

As the somber atmosphere began to lift, a sudden voice broke the silence.

"My sister has really found herself a good man!"

The voice startled Miko, but Touko seemed oblivious to it. Miko didn't even have to turn around to know who was speakingbit was the voices of her father and brother.

Ryuji, on the other hand, wasn't surprised. From the moment he had entered the house, he could sense their presence. Though they hadn't revealed themselves at first, they had been quietly observing everything.

"I was worried you wouldn't be able to manage without us, but seeing you now, I'm relieved. You're living well," Miko's father said. "I've stayed here because I didn't want to leave you."

"And sister, you've got good taste! You found a great boyfriend!" her brother chimed in.

Miko trembled. Did she have bad taste before?

"But now, we can leave in peace," her father said, his tone softening.

Those words hit Miko like a ton of bricks. Are they really leaving?

Before, she had been scared of their presence, but she had grown used to it. Coming home and seeing her father and brother, even as spirits, had given her comfort. Now, knowing they were going to leave completely... the feeling of loss surged within her once more, and she couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

Ryuji noticed the spirits of Miko's father and brother beginning to glow softly, their expressions peaceful and relieved. It looked like they were about to ascend, moving on to the afterlife.

Is reincarnation really a thing? Ryuji thought to himself. Considering the fact that I reincarnated here, it wouldn't be that strange for reincarnation to be real too.

"Don't be too sad, Miko," Touko said gently, misunderstanding the reason for her daughter's tears. "Ryuji-kun is right here."

"It's fine," Ryuji replied with a warm smile. "No matter what she's feeling, Miko is cute in any situation."

"Woo!"

Miko couldn't hold back any longer. She suddenly rushed into Ryuji's arms, her face buried in his chest as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Touko watched from the side, a bit surprised by her daughter's boldness but also quietly approving. Seeing the way Ryuji comforted her daughter, she could tell he was a good person. Someone reliable.

She felt grateful that Miko had found someone like him.

"You two rest for now," Touko said, standing up. "I'll go prepare dinner. Ryuji-kun, you'll be staying to eat with us, right?"

As Touko busied herself in the kitchen, Ryuji followed Miko into her room. Miko, still a little embarrassed from earlier, knelt on the floor, trying to compose herself.

"S-sorry about earlier," she stammered. "I didn't mean to"

Ryuji chuckled. "It's no big deal. Besides, it felt nice holding you. You smell great, by the way. Thanks for the hospitality!"

Hearing this, Miko's face turned beet red. She wasn't used to such teasing, and her heart was racing. She knew Ryuji was just joking, but still... it made her feel flustered.

Sensing she was getting overwhelmed, Ryuji cleared his throat and decided to change the subject.

"So, about that strange thing in your room. Do you know where exactly it's coming from?"

Relieved that they were back to more serious matters, Miko quickly collected herself and nodded. "Yeah, I think it came from the closet last night."

Following her directions, Ryuji walked over to the closet.

Bang!

When he swung the closet doors open, he was greeted by the sight of a hideous, grotesque creature lurking inside.

"Yo!" Ryuji casually greeted the entity, raising his hand as if it were an old friend.

"Yo?!" The creature was startled by Ryuji's nonchalance.

But before it could do anything, Ryuji's eyes narrowed, and in the next instant, he unleashed his power.

"Soul Devourer!"

The creature didn't even have time to scream before it was completely consumed, disappearing into nothingness.

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