This game he was talking about however, Renji wondered to himself if he was the one playing it or he was been controlled by another.

Was he using the Milf Note or was the Note using him?

It was an inconsequential question, he believed. One that held no true answer; at least, no true answer that would change his direction.

It was like the same questions humans asked ourselves. Are we in control of our fate or is God/a god the one leading us to every decision.

With that comparison, he agreed that it truly wasn't something he could bother himself with.

He had chosen this. He had chosen to be the Milf Hunter.

Laughing at the name, Renji dusted off his hands, the last crumbs of takoyaki vanishing as he tossed the skewer into a nearby bin.

The town center's buzz faded behind him as he turned toward the familiar path to the Sunshine Center, his steps purposeful despite the lingering echo of Haru's unexpected question.

The afternoon sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the sidewalks, and a cool breeze carried the scent of street food and exhaust.

He shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked, and after stopping a cab, he made his way to the Center where Mrs Hoshizawa waited, including that new thorn in his side, Akira.

He arrived late of course. The courtyard was already alive as distributors awaited for the bus's arrival.

Volunteers milled about, sorting donations under the watchful eye of coordinators.

Renji slipped in through the side gate, nodding to a familiar face or two, and smiling at some.

"You're late today, Renji," old man Hiroshi said. "That's surprising."

"I had some after school curriculum to get done, Hiroshi-san. I apologize."

Hiroshi smiled, his scarce teeth showing. "Oh, it's alright. You don't need to apologize to me."

Renji nodded kindly. Moving his head, he spotted Akira almost immediately, stationed like a sentinel near Hana's office door.

She was wearing a black suit similar to the last one that she didn't look like she'd changed at all. And her hair was locked in that secret-agent-ponytail again.

Her eyes locked onto him, cold and piercing. But Renji didn't flinch.

He looked away like she didn't matter and walked right past her without another glance, acting as if she were invisible, as if her aggressive shove and wild accusations had never happened.

No acknowledgment, no smirk—just complete indifference.

He could almost feel her irritation prickling the air behind him; ignoring her outright might crawl under her skin more than any retort could.

Inside the art hall, Renji did his painting. He didn't have any ideas so he painting a night sky with stars.

After the Art of the Day was won by him again, they moved to distribution.

There were new volunteers today. A girl and two boys. The Center seemed to love when new volunteers joined the team and that showed in the way the camaraderie was light and fun.

Renji sorted through stacks of canned goods and toiletries, his hands moving efficiently as he chatted with the team.

Stories flew: One of the volunteers named Taro recounted a funny mix-up from last week's delivery, and the newbie girl who was named Miko shared her excitement about the upcoming holiday party.

It was fun. For Renji, it was a brief escape into normalcy where he could play the helpful guy without the weight of his schemes.

As he dusted flour from his palms, Miyu approached from the side office, her slim figure moving with a mix of nervousness and determination.

Renji's gaze immediately darkened when he saw her. It was like a light switch, and he was turning on the scheming side of him.

She clutched a folder to her chest, her eyes darting around before settling on him. "Renji... can we talk? Privately?" Her voice was low, laced with that desperate edge he'd cultivated.

He nodded, leading her to a quiet corner by the supply racks, away from the main bustle. "What's up, Miyu?"

She leaned in, her breath quickening. "I... I did it. For you. I got you into the list for an intern job."

Renji squinted his eyes, then he smirked devilishly. "The way you say that makes me think you didn't do it in a very appropriate way now, did you?"

Miyu nervously fumbled with her fingers. "You… you'll get an interview soon; he won't notice anything." Her flat chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes gleaming with hope, as if this act of rebellion was her ticket to salvation.

Actually, it truly was.

Renji raised an eyebrow, his smile spreading even more. "You're impressing me, Mrs Ishikawa. But I'll have to actually get the interview first. Nothing's set till I get the offer."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "Still, good job. You're close now... real close to getting what you've been craving. My cock, stretching that desperate pussy of yours. Keep it up, and it'll be yours."

Miyu's cheeks flushed deep red, her thighs pressing together instinctively. "Th-thank you... I'll do anything. Just say the word."

She lingered a moment, biting her lip, before scurrying back to her tasks, leaving Renji smirking at her retreating form.

The afternoon wore on with more lighthearted moments. They did the donations as they usually did with no fuss.

Renji spent time with Hana and completely ignored Akira yet again. One would think that after her warning, he would be afraid of her, give her side glances or stay away, but Renji just acted like what happened yesterday never even occured.

Like it was wiped out of his memory by the Men in Black.

After the donations, Hana thanked Renji like she always did. "You've really been a lifesaver, Renji," she said, her smile genuine, eyes sparkling. "Even showing up late, you jump right in. The kids in all the fosters adored you."

He shrugged modestly, hanging on his school bag "It's fun. Beats sitting around. And you've taught me that helping people is important so that's what I'm doing."

Hana smiled warmly. But then Renji saw a thought appear in her eyes and she asked him a sudden question that clicked everything into place.

"By the way, I wanted to ask you, Renji. How has Kaito been treating you at school? Any… issues lately?"

Renji paused. "Wha—?"

Oh! The pieces suddenly snapped together. The reason why the bullies were suddenly quiet, the reason for all the glares without action.

Hana must have talked to Kaito. She must have scolded her son. Kaito might have not told his goons what happened, but he might have ordered them not to touch Renji.

Shit.

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A/N: Do not purchase the next privilege yet. It's still being worked on.

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