Tokyo Exorcism Diary

The sports car finally came to a stop in front of a café.

A wooden sign reading “Temporarily Closed” hung on the chic, modern glass door of the café, but Asakura Meika pushed the door open without hesitation, leading Hoshino Gen inside.

The café wasn’t particularly spacious, but its décor was both elegant and contemporary. Wicker tables and chairs paired with a wooden ceiling and gleaming white tiled floor created a cozy atmosphere. Most of the walls were made of transparent glass, making it a prime spot for modern youth to unwind and relax.

Contrary to the “closed” sign, the café wasn’t empty. Behind the bar stood a server in a black-and-white uniform, and two young individuals, a boy and a girl, were seated on high stools by the counter, chatting.

As the glass door opened, the sound of a cheerful chime echoed, reminiscent of the antique store owned by Hoshino Gen. The sound naturally caught the attention of the two youths seated on the stools.

The girl appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. She had twin pigtails, wore a white blouse and a navy-blue skirt, and sported a pink ribbon tied in a bow at her collar. Her white sneakers and black knee-high socks accentuated her long, shapely legs. With her fair skin and large eyes, she was the picture of a sweet and adorable young girl.

“Meika-nee is back! Is this the guy who beat Shiina-nee? He’s so handsome!” Her big eyes sparkled as she gazed at Hoshino Gen with admiration, like a neighborhood little sister idolizing her older brother.

The boy beside her, on the other hand, seemed about sixteen or seventeen, roughly Hoshino Gen’s age. He wore black leggings under knee-length shorts and a layered top with an inner long-sleeved shirt and a shorter outer layer. A large pair of black and red headphones hung around his neck. His demeanor exuded a cool and aloof vibe. After glancing at Hoshino Gen, he scoffed and turned his head away.

Asakura Meika smiled and introduced, “This is Kiryu Rakuye, the youngest member of the Special Operations Team. She’s fourteen and currently in middle school.”

Hoshino Gen looked at the twin-tailed girl, who waved at him cheerfully, her cuteness undeniable.

“This is Shiina Yuto. He’s your age and attends the same school as you, though I don’t think you’re in the same class.” Asakura Meika smiled slyly and added, “Hearing his name, does anything come to mind?”

“Shiina Wakana’s younger brother?” Hoshino Gen asked with a faint smile.

Asakura Meika nodded, but before she could respond, Shiina Yuto suddenly spoke coldly. “Hoshino Gen, I’ve heard about you. Everyone at school says you’re a mute who doesn’t talk. Well, here you are talking just fine. Quite the act you’ve got going.”

The words were far from friendly, but Hoshino Gen could understand. After all, just yesterday, he had beaten his sister and even electrocuted her with a lightning talisman.

“Yuto!” Asakura Meika scolded sharply, and the boy clicked his tongue in annoyance before shooting Hoshino Gen another disdainful look.

Hoshino Gen simply smiled and didn’t take offense—not because he was magnanimous, but because he felt a twinge of guilt over his actions toward Shiina Wakana the day before.

Asakura Meika offered an apologetic smile to Hoshino Gen. “Please don’t mind him. Yuto is actually quite loyal and kind-hearted. It’s just that you accidentally hurt his sister yesterday…” She gestured for him to sit at a wicker table. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Hot milk, with sugar,” Hoshino Gen replied without a hint of reservation.

Asakura Meika glanced at the server behind the counter, who responded with an “OK” gesture to indicate the order was received.

“Well then. This is one of the Special Operations Team’s safe houses. There are no unrelated parties here, so we can speak freely.” Asakura Meika said as she sat across from Hoshino Gen, crossing her legs and leaning forward. Her elbows rested on the table as she interlaced her fingers under her chin. With her refined makeup and mature charm, she offered him a friendly smile.

Leaning back in his chair, Hoshino Gen matched her relaxed demeanor. With a soft smile, he said, “Sure, what do you want to talk about?”

“Rakuye, bring the contracts.”

“Got it~!”

The sound of quick, light footsteps echoed through the café. Soon, the faint scent of milk wafted through the air as Kiryu Rakuye trotted over to the table. She placed two contracts written in black and white text before Hoshino Gen, then quickly scampered back to her stool by the bar.

Hoshino Gen glanced down at the documents but didn’t have time to read them before Asakura Meika began to explain. “The one on your left is an employment contract, and the one on your right is a collaboration and confidentiality agreement.”

“We’ve gathered a lot of intel about you. Your background is clean, and your abilities are exceptional. Someone like you would be a great fit for our team. If you’re willing to join us, I’ll make sure you get the best benefits. Of course, even if you choose not to, we can still work together. After all, this line of work is dangerous and difficult to navigate alone, don’t you agree?”

A steaming cup of sweet milk was placed on the table. Hoshino Gen took a sip, his tongue sweeping away the milk foam from his upper lip. He smiled and said, “That makes sense, but I’m curious—how much information have you gathered about me? To convince me to cooperate, you’ll need to prove your worth.”

His phrasing made it clear he was leaning toward collaboration rather than joining outright. Asakura Meika’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered and began.

“Hoshino Gen, born in Tokyo, along with your younger sister, Hoshino Rin, at the University of Tokyo Medical School Hospital. Your father, Hoshino Sosuke, is the second heir of the Hoshino conglomerate. At twenty, while still in university, he established the independent Stardust Group. During a business trip to the UK the following year, he met your mother.

“Your mother, Tillina Adeline Isabelle, hails from the London-based Isabelle family. She is the third granddaughter of the current Viscountess Isabelle and eleventh in line to inherit the title.

“Thirteen years ago, your parents divorced. Your sister moved to the UK with your mother, while you stayed in Japan with your father…

“We couldn’t determine the origin of your abilities, as it’s the deepest secret for anyone with special powers. However, based on your spending records, it’s evident you’ve mastered alchemy and talisman crafting, the latter likely derived from the traditions of a certain mysterious nation to the west…”

“That’s enough,” Hoshino Gen interrupted, his smile unwavering. “I understand. Your intel network relies on ‘official’ channels, far surpassing any private organization or individual. If you can do me a favor, I’m willing to collaborate with you.”

“What kind of favor?” Asakura Meika showed no irritation at being interrupted. On the contrary, Hoshino Gen’s willingness to cooperate seemed to please her.

Hoshino Gen placed a phone wrapped in red string on the table and grinned. “Teach me how to craft this red string.”