Ultimate Man [JJK X SOL]: Loading Golden Entries at The Start

"Alright, everyone. Thanks for tagging along. Let's wrap it up for today."

As most of the group began to disperse, Mimiko and Nanako hung back. Their usual playful energy seemed to be missing, and it didn't take long for Ryuji to notice.

"You two okay?" he asked, his sharp gaze flicking between them.

Nanako hesitated, glancing at Mimiko before she nodded. "We… won't be going back with you tonight, Ryuji."

Mimiko crossed her arms, her expression unusually serious. "We got contacted by one of Geto's old followers. It's nothing critical, but we have to take care of it."

Ryuji's face hardened slightly. "You're sure it's not serious?"

Nanako gave a small, reassuring smile. "It's fine. Don't worry about. We'll be careful."

"Also, with our current power, there shouldn't be any danger."

He sighed. "Alright. But call me if anything feels off, got it?"

"We will," Mimiko promised solemnly.

As they turned to leave, Nanako glanced over her shoulder with a cheeky grin. "Don't have too much fun without us!"

"I'll try," Ryuji muttered, shaking his head as he watched them go.

---

"Upon reaching his street, Ryuji paused before entering his apartment, deciding to check on Sae and Sagiri instead."

Ryuji arrived at the Izumi residence, he knocked lightly before stepping inside. Almost immediately, Sagiri's bright voice rang out.

"Brother Ryuji! You're here!" she exclaimed, rushing over with an infectious smile.

Ryuji crouched slightly to ruffle her hair. "What, did you miss me already?"

Sagiri puffed out her cheeks, trying her best to look serious. "Of course! It's been forever since you visited!"

"Forever? Wasn't I just here a few days ago?"

"Still too long!" she declared, grabbing his hand and dragging him toward the living room.

Inside, Sae was setting down a teapot on the table. She looked up as they entered, her cheeks tinged faintly pink. "Welcome back, Ryuji. I didn't think we'd see you tonight."

"Had some free time," Ryuji said casually, settling onto the couch. "Thought I'd stop by and check in."

Sae poured him a cup of tea, her movements careful, almost hesitant. "It's always nice having you here."

Ryuji took a sip, letting the warmth settle in. "You should say that more often, Sae-san. Makes a guy feel wanted, you know."

Her blush deepened, and she quickly turned her attention to refilling Sagiri's cup. "Don't tease me, Ryuji."

He chuckled. "I'm not teasing. I mean it."

"Brother Ryuji, will you stay for dinner? Mom made something really good tonight!" Sagiri chirped, looking up at him expectantly.

Sae's gaze flickered toward him briefly. "It's nothing fancy, but you're welcome to join us if you'd like."

"How could I say no to that?" Ryuji leaned back, giving her a grin.

---

Dinner turned out to be lively and full of energy. Sagiri was a nonstop chatterbox, eagerly recounting her day at school with bright eyes and animated gestures. Ryuji listened patiently, occasionally throwing in questions that made her smile even wider.

Across the table, Sae watched the two of them with a quiet sense of warmth. Moments like these, when the house felt so alive, filled her heart in ways she couldn't quite put into words.

After they finished eating, Sagiri insisted on showing Ryuji her newest drawing. She darted into her room and returned moments later, proudly holding up a colorful sketch.

"See? This is you, Brother Ryuji!" she said, pointing to the central figure.

Ryuji examined the drawing with a chuckle. She'd drawn him with exaggerated muscles and a dramatic superhero pose. "Quite the imagination you've got, Sagiri-chan."

"That's because you're a hero!" she declared, her tone so earnest it made Ryuji pause.

"Thanks, Sagiri," he said softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair again.

Sagiri eventually nodded off on the couch, her head resting against Ryuji's arm. Sae smiled at the sight, stepping forward to gently pick her up.

"I'll put her to bed," she said quietly.

Ryuji stood, stretching his arms over his head. "Guess I'll head out, then—"

After the wild session with Mei Mei, he was a bit worn out

"You're staying," Sae interrupted, her voice firm.

Ryuji blinked, slightly surprised. "I am?"

Her cheeks flushed, but she kept her tone steady. "It's late. I don't want you walking home this time of night. Besides…" Her voice softened. "Sagiri would be upset if she woke up and you were gone."

"Alright, if you say so."

Sae nodded, avoiding his gaze. "There's… an extra futon in my room. You can sleep there."

---

Ryuji sat cross-legged on the futon, his arms resting on his knees as he took in the space.

Sae, meanwhile, was busy folding a blanket, her movements overly deliberate.

"You know, you don't have to act so formally after everything," Ryuji said, breaking the silence.

"I'm not," she replied quickly, though her hands fumbled slightly.

He smirked. "Sure you're not."

Sae sighed, finally sitting down on the edge of her bed. "It's just… I'm not used to this."

"Used to what?"

She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Having you here."

"Ryuji," she started, her tone hesitant.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything."

He turned his head toward her, surprised by the sudden sincerity. "You don't have to thank me, Sae. I'm just doing what anyone would."

She shook her head. "No. Not everyone would. You're… different."

Then Sae moved closer to him with a sly smile. 

"As the "Hero" of Sagiri, it's only natural to reward the "Hero" for his hard work."

She then used her lips to tease the zipper of his trousers, tugging it down with slow, deliberate care, as her fingers deftly reached behind her to dim the lamp.