The shop’s door chimed softly as Ryuiji entered, the comforting scent of books and plastic wrapping greeting him. He adjusted his glasses and headed straight for the New Releases section, his eyes lighting up as he spotted Eternal Petals. Gently picking up a copy, he flipped through the pages, admiring the delicate art.

As he turned toward another aisle, his gaze briefly landed on someone nearby. For a moment, he froze, then quickly looked away, pretending to study the nearest shelf, the manga still clutched in his hand.