One Week Later
The week had been exhausting for Issei. Between school, dealing with ridiculous rumors, and constantly being stalked by Matsuda and Motohama like a pair of obsessed detectives, he barely had a moment of peace.
Kuoh Academy had always been a hit or miss for Issei, but lately, it had reached a whole new level of insanity. Everywhere he went, whispers followed him.
"Did you hear? Hyoudou has multiple wives!"
"I heard he's a secret heir to a martial arts empire!"
"No, no! He's actually an underground crime lord, and his 'wives' are just bodyguards!"
Issei had to physically stop himself from slamming his head against his desk. At this rate, he half-expected someone to claim he was the lost prince of a hidden kingdom or a time traveler from the future.
But, of course, the worst part of his school days was—
"Psst, Issei…"
He twitched.
Matsuda and Motohama crouched next to his desk, eyes gleaming with unhealthy curiosity. "We've been watching you, man. Taking notes. Studying your habits."
Issei glared. "I am not a freaking RESEARCH PROJECT."
Motohama adjusted his glasses dramatically. "And yet, somehow, you've acquired multiple women's affection! Is it a technique? A secret scent? A hidden ability passed down by your ancestors?"
Matsuda grabbed his collar. "JUST TELL US YOUR SECRET, DAMN YOU!"
Issei simply glared. "Never."
—------
Meanwhile, back at his house, things had fallen into a routine. Tamamo and Yuuka took turns helping Miki with cooking and housework, though Tamamo insisted that she was the better wife. Yuuka constantly argued with her, claiming that housework alone didn't make someone a good partner—actual presence did.
One evening, as Issei walked into the kitchen, he heard:
"I am clearly the ideal wife! My skills are unmatched!"
"Tch. Being a wife isn't just about doing chores, you know?"
"Fufufu~! Jealousy is unbecoming, Yuuka-chan~!"
"Says the fox who keeps shoving her tail in my face."
Issei backed away slowly. "Nope."
While the rivalry raged on, Miki and Garou had fully embraced their newfound grandparent roles. Miki delighted in dressing up Sakura in adorable outfits, snapping pictures and squealing over how cute she looked.
Garou, on the other hand, took the role of "wise old man."
"A good midday nap, Sakura-chan, keeps the soul young."
Sakura, holding onto her plushie, nodded seriously. "Mhm… naps are good."
And then promptly fell asleep on his lap.
—------
As December loomed closer, preparations for Yuuka and Sakura's first day of school were in full swing.
Uniforms were purchased.
Yuuka twirled slightly in front of Issei after trying hers on, smirking. "Not bad. While the skirt is a bit short. At least the blouse is made of quality material."
Tamamo, overcome with jealousy, conjured a slightly altered uniform—one tighter and shorter.
"Ara~! Surely, this version is better, darling~!" She purred hugging the boy.
Issei, nose bleeding slightly, and had to physically pry them apart before a full-blown fight started.
School supplies were bought.
Sakura clutched her tiny backpack, her eyes shining with excitement and nervousness.
Issei knelt down beside her, offering a reassuring pat. "You'll do great, kiddo."
Sakura nodded softly, gripping the strap of her new bag tightly.
Yuuka, watching, smirked. "You're doting on her too much."
Issei huffed. "Someone has to. I won't let her go through thinking she isn't loved."
Tamamo giggled, wrapping her arms around Issei. "Ara~! My darling is such a dependable father~!"
Yuuka rolled her eyes but smiled slightly.
—-----------
While everyone was focused on school preparations, Misuki had been unusually quiet. She stood outside the modest two-story building she planned to turn into a business, arms folded, deep in thought. The structure was being renovated, thanks to Sherri's efficient work, but there was still one major problem.
"It has to be something unique," she muttered, flipping through notes and market research.
Sherri had already arranged workers to renovate the building, so the structure would be ready soon.
But the real question was…
'What would make people come? Tamamo had suggested enchanted goods but it was too risky. We don't want to attract supernatural attention too early. Yuuka suggested a café, but that felt too generic.'
So, she kept thinking.
—------------
Finally every evening, after school, Issei pushed himself harder. His stamina and strength were improving, but he was still struggling with Ki and Magic. Magic felt awkward. Ki felt distant. Even when he made progress, it was slow.
The night before Yuuka and Sakura's first day of school, the atmosphere in the Hyoudou household was tense with anticipation.
Sakura sat on her bed, hugging her plushie, quietly staring at her backpack.
Issei knocked on Sakura's door, peeking inside. "Nervous?"
Sakura lowered her gaze slightly, then nodded.
Issei walked in, crouching beside her. "It's okay to be nervous."
Sakura hesitated. "What if… I don't fit in?"
Issei smiled gently, ruffling her hair. "How can anyone not like such a cute girl like you? If that doesn't work I'll just have to beat up anyone who says otherwise."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, before a tiny giggle escaped her lips. "Papa shouldn't fight…"
Issei chuckled. "Fine, fine. No fighting. But if anything happens, you tell me, okay?"
Sakura nodded, happy that he cares so much for her,
"You're gonna do great, kiddo. Just be yourself."
Sakura nodded softly, holding onto the strap of her bag. "Mhm. I'll try."
Yuuka, standing by the door nearby, smirked at Issei. "You're doting on her way too much."
Issei crossed his arms. "Hey, that's my job. Someone's gotta protect her."
Tamamo giggled, wrapping her arms around Issei's shoulders as she came into the room, also wanting to check up on Sakura. "Ara~! My darling is so fatherly~!"
Yuuka rolled her eyes, but there was no mistaking the small smile she hid behind her hand.
—------------
1st of December, Monday (5 months before Canon)
The morning light streamed through the windows of the Hyoudou household, signaling the start of a new day. For most, this would be just another morning.
For two people, however, it was the start of something new.
Sakura sat quietly at the table, her small hands clutching the straps of her backpack like a lifeline. Her wide violet eyes darted to the clock, watching the minutes tick away.
She was nervous. It wasn't just her first day at school. It was her first real day alone as Sakura Hyoudou. She still wasn't sure what that meant.
Meanwhile, in the hallway, Yuuka stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her brand-new Kuoh Academy uniform. She tugged at the hem of her skirt, flattening out imaginary wrinkles, before turning to check her reflection.
"Not bad," she muttered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. A part of her was annoyed that she had to go back to high school. But another part of her—the one that remembered her old world—felt a little… excited. It was a fresh start. And fresh starts were rare.
In contrast a loud yawn broke the silence. Issei stretched lazily, rolling his shoulders as he pulled on his school blazer with zero urgency. To him, today was just another Monday.
Tamamo, sitting gracefully at the table, sipped her tea with a mischievous twinkle in her golden eyes. "Ara~! Such a big day for our dear Sakura-chan and Yuuka!" Her tails swayed behind her, clearly amused by the contrast between Sakura's nervousness, Yuuka's hidden excitement, and Issei's utter indifference.
Miki, who had been kneeling beside Sakura, fussing over her uniform, adjusted the girl's ribbon with motherly care. "Don't worry, sweetie," Miki said softly, smoothing out a wrinkle. "Grandma and Mama will take you to your first day, okay?"
Sakura nodded hesitantly, gripping her bag tightly.
Issei crouched beside her, resting his arms on his knees as he offered a reassuring grin. "Hey, you'll be fine. Just be yourself, okay? Make some friends. And if anyone gives you trouble—"
Tamamo interrupted with a giggle, "Then tell your Papa immediately~!"
Sakura's lips twitched. Just a little. It was the smallest smile, but it was there. "Mhm… I'll try."
Yuuka, having finished her self-check, crossed her arms and smirked down at the small girl. "Are you sure you're ready? You still look a little nervous, squirt."
Sakura hesitated before gripping her bag a little tighter.
Yuuka softened slightly. "Hey. You'll be fine. Just remember—if anyone messes with you, I'll handle it."
Sakura soon lets go and puts on a brave face ready for today.
Issei smiled ruffling her hair. "That's my girl. First days are always scary, but you'll do great. Trust me."
The little girl nodded, her shyness still present, but the warmth of her new family eased some of her fears.
—---------------
The morning air was crisp, the faint scent of dew and autumn leaves lingering in the breeze as Issei and Yuuka made their way toward Kuoh Academy. The sky above was a soft shade of morning blue, streaked with wisps of clouds, while the streets were full of other students heading to other schools.
With Sakura, Tamamo and Miki having left earlier, it was just the two of them now.
Yuuka walked at a steady pace beside Issei, her gaze flicking ahead, scanning their surroundings. Her Kuoh Academy uniform fit well, but there was something strange about seeing her in it—like it didn't quite match the confident, book-smart woman he had met in the other world.
The rhythmic crunch of fallen leaves beneath their feet was the only sound between them for a while. Until a sudden warmth wrapped around his hand.
Issei blinked and looked down. Yuuka's hand had slipped into his. It wasn't hesitant or fleeting. It was firm. Casual. Natural. "Eh?"
Yuuka kept her gaze forward, her expression neutral, but he could see the way her lips were pressed together.
"Just calming my nerves." She muttered with a blush.
Issei tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "Are you nervous?"
Yuuka scoffed, rolling her eyes. "It's been a long time since I've been 'the new girl' before, dumbass. Of course, I'm nervous." She tightened her grip slightly.
Not desperately, not anxiously. But enough for him to understand.
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "Well… I hope the rumors don't make things too hard for you."
Yuuka finally looked at him then, a smirk curling at her lips. "Oh, please." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Everyone already knows I'm your girlfriend since we came with Mom to register. If anything, it's you who should relax."
Issei groaned. He could already hear the whispers. Feel the stares. He knew his classmates. This was going to be a disaster. "Yeah…" He sighed. "Something tells me today's gonna be a headache."
Yuuka snickered. "Better you than me."
—------
Elementary School
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the small elementary school, its modest yet well-maintained campus filled with the chatter of children arriving for their first day.
Among them a small, soft-spoken girl with delicate violet eyes stood at the school gate, her tiny hands gripping the straps of her backpack. Sakura Hyoudou.
Her heart pounded in her chest, but she stood firm, determined to make her new father proud.
Behind her, two women stood out sharply from the other parents. One was Miki Hyoudou, warm and motherly, her presence radiating a comforting aura. The other Tamamo-no-Mae, in all her ethereal beauty, stood beside Miki, her pink locks shimmering under the morning light.
Her porcelain skin, fox-like charm, and graceful posture made her look more like a young celebrity than a mother. And naturally every single adult in the vicinity was staring at her.
Soon whispers spread like wildfire among the parents.
"W-Who is she?!"
"Is she really a mother?!"
"She looks younger than some of the high school girls!"
"No way is that her daughter?"
One of the fathers nearby gulped nervously. "S-She's married? Who could be so lucky as to marry her?" He was soon smacked by his wife.
Miki, ever the observant one, grinned knowingly at the reactions. "Ara~! Tamamo-chan, you're making the other parents lose their minds."
Tamamo brushed a hand through her hair, sighing dramatically. "Fufufu~! It cannot be helped. A wife as devoted as I shines wherever she goes~!"
Meanwhile, Sakura stood in front of them, taking a deep breath. Her tiny fists clenched, her violet eyes filled with determination. She had spent weeks preparing, working hard to be brave. "I can do this."
Tamamo and Miki knelt beside her, offering warm smiles.
"You're going to do great, dear," Miki said gently, patting her head. "Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."
Tamamo nodded, eyes sparkling with pride. "That's right, my little one~! Mama believes in you!"
Soon memories start to resurface for Tamamo as she remembered when she and her husband rescued the tortured and broken girl. Memories of her defending the girl and teaching her about life. Her greatest wish was to be the perfect wife but soon a new wish formed of being the perfect mother for this child.
Sakura looked up at them, feeling the warmth of their support. "Mhm!" She gave a small, firm nod. "I'll do my best!" She turned toward the school building, stepping forward.
Only to suddenly feel a pair of arms wrap tightly around her waist. "NOOOOOOOO! I CAN'T LET YOU GOOOOOO!"
Sakura stumbled as she was pulled back into Tamamo's embrace, the goddess fox mother clutching her like she was being stolen away.
The entire schoolyard fell silent. The parents, the teachers, and even some of the kids turned to watch the bizarre scene unfold.
Tamamo, now openly sobbing, rocked back and forth, still hugging Sakura for dear life. "M-My little one is leaving the nest so soon! Nooo~!"
Sakura, her face turning pink with embarrassment, tried to wiggle out. "Mamaaa…! You said it's important!"
Tamamo sniffled dramatically. "I changed my mind!"
Miki sighed, rubbing her temple. "Tamamo, dear… she's going to school, not leaving forever."
Tamamo wailed. "But it will be hours before I see her again!"
The watching parents whispered even more.
"She's that attached to her daughter? That's adorable."
"I wish my mom cared that much!"
"She's… oddly dramatic, isn't she?"
Some of the mothers nodded sympathetically, while others looked exasperated.
The teacher assigned to welcome the students awkwardly cleared her throat. "Um, ma'am… we really need to—"
Tamamo turned sharply, eyes fierce. "NO! I REFUSE!"
Miki, stepping forward with a knowing smile, gently pried Sakura from Tamamo's grasp. "Now, now, Tamamo-chan~! We wouldn't want Sakura-chan to be late on her first day, would we?"
Tamamo whimpered. "B-But…"
Sakura, despite her embarrassment, reached up and grabbed her mother's hands, squeezing them. Her small voice, quiet but filled with warmth, calmed Tamamo instantly. "Mama… I'll be back soon. I promise."
Tamamo's lips trembled. "Really…?"
Sakura nodded, giving a tiny smile. "Mhm. And when I come home, I'll tell you everything."
Tamamo sniffled again, then finally let go.
She wiped away imaginary tears. "Then go forth, my precious daughter! And know that Mama will be waiting with open arms when you return!"
Sakura bowed politely. "See you later, Mama. See you later, Grandma." With one last glance back, she turned and walked toward her classroom.
Tamamo watched her go, holding both hands over her heart, visibly trembling.
Miki patted her back with a smirk. "You're acting like she's leaving for college."
Tamamo sniffed. "But… she's so small… and so precious…! What if she gets bullied?! What if she needs help?! What if—"
Miki shook her head. "She'll be fine. You raised a strong daughter, Tamamo-chan."
Tamamo sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. "Fufu… of course! Because she has the best mother in the world!"
The watching parents still stared.
One of the fathers, clearly flustered, coughed into his fist. "Ehem… how is she this beautiful and this dramatic at the same time?"
Another mother crossed her arms. "If I didn't know better, I'd say she was a acrtess in disguise."
Miki stifled a chuckle. 'If only they knew what she is.'
Tamamo, finally calming down, exhaled deeply. "Alright! Let's go home, Mother-in-law~!"
Miki smiled. "And maybe let's avoid causing a scene on the way back?"
Tamamo winked. "No promises~!"
And with that Sakura's first day had officially begun.
And her mother was an emotional wreck because of it.
—-------
As soon as Issei and Yuuka stepped onto the school grounds, all it took was one student noticing them walking hand-in-hand and then.
"W-WAIT! HYOUDOU IS HOLDING HANDS WITH A GIRL?!"
The reaction was instant. It was like a rock had been thrown into a still pond, sending ripples of shock, horror, and sheer disbelief across the entire courtyard.
The reaction was instantaneous. A wave of whispers, gasps, and horrified screams spread across the campus like wildfire.
"No way! This has to be a joke! I thought last time was just a nightmare!"
"The Perverted Beast has a GIRLFRIEND?! Who is she?!"
"He must have blackmailed the new girl! That's the only explanation!"
Yuuka, completely unfazed, leaned into Issei's arm with a smug smile, her fingers lacing with his just to rub salt in the wound. She simply wanted to laugh at their reactions as she was having more fun with the chaos Issei brings to her life.
Issei groaned, already feeling a headache coming. "Told you."
Yuuka chuckled. "You gotta admit that they are quite the lively bunch."
"That's one way to put it." Issei muttered.
Unfortunately, things only got worse when.
"ISSEI!" Matsuda and Motohama rushed toward him like starving hyenas.
Matsuda and Motohama practically skidded to a stop in front of Issei.
Matsuda grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. "YOU BROUGHT THE NEW GIRL BACK?!"
Motohama pushed his glasses up, the lenses flashing ominously. "HOW?! WHAT DARK MAGIC DID YOU USE?!"
Issei pried them off, scowling. "Oi! Hands off! Why do you guys act like this is some unnatural phenomenon?!"
Matsuda pointed an accusatory finger at him. "BECAUSE IT IS!"
Motohama nodded solemnly."This defies the laws of reality."
Before Issei could retaliate, a new voice joined the conversation.
"Because it does, Issei~! Now spill." Aika Kiryuu, somehow appearing beside them without warning, grinned deviously. She adjusted her glasses, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "How did this happen? How did you—the guy who gets smacked by girls on a daily basis—end up with her?"
Yuuka, watching the entire exchange like it was a comedy show, smirked. She tilted her head slightly, her grip on Issei's hand tightening for effect. "Oh, I just like him. That's all."
The courtyard fell into silence.
The entire school held its breath.
And then—
"YOU… LIKE HIM?!" Matsuda clutched his chest like he was having a heart attack.
Motohama slumped to his knees, his glasses slipping down his nose.
"This isn't fair… this breaks every law of reality… it's like seeing a cat swim willingly…
Issei rubbed his temples. "You guys are too dramatic."
Aika chuckled, nudging him with her elbow. "Oh, come on, Issei! You can't just drop a bombshell like 'I have a hot girlfriend now' and expect people not to react."
Issei groaned.
Yuuka, fully enjoying this, leaned in closer. "What's the big deal? It's not like I said I'm marrying him or anything. At least not yet."
Matsuda gasped, clutching his chest harder.
Motohama fell onto his hands. "She said 'not yet'… she said 'not yet'…!"
Issei felt the migraine coming.
Yuuka grinned up at him."So… still think today's just gonna be a headache?"
Issei sighed.
—------------
Classroom 2-A
After the morning's chaos, which involved too much screaming, Matsuda nearly dying of heartbreak, and Issei looking like he wanted to walk into traffic, Yuuka was finally introduced to her new class.
The classroom was buzzing with curiosity. Students whispered among themselves, stealing glances at the mysterious new girl who had already become the center of attention thanks to her… not-so-subtle entrance with Issei.
At the front of the room, Yuuka stood with a confidence that made half the class sit up straighter. She wasn't shy, she wasn't timid, and she sure as hell wasn't going to act like she was. She gave the room a small, self-assured smile. "I'm Yuuka Hana. I was homeschooled before this, but I decided to enroll here. Looking forward to it." Her voice was steady, calm.
As she scanned the room, her blue eyes locked onto two students in particular.
Yuuka's gaze locked onto the back of the classroom.
Sitting near the window, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, was a strikingly beautiful girl. Her long crimson hair cascaded down her back, her blue eyes holding a quiet power. She sat with a graceful stillness, her fingers resting elegantly against her chin.
And beside her—
A raven-haired girl, leaning forward slightly, her purple eyes filled with mirth. Unlike the redhead's calm elegance, this one oozed mischief. A small, teasing smile played on her lips, as if Yuuka had already amused her somehow.
Even at a glance, Yuuka knew. These two were not normal humans. They radiated a presence beyond the ordinary, something that reminded her of Tamamo.
'Tch. More monsters. Great.' She quickly shoved the thought aside. She had lived with Tamamo long enough to not be fazed by this sort of thing.
As the teacher directed her to an open seat, she caught the redhead and raven-haired girl exchanging glances.
As the teacher directed Yuuka to an open seat, she could feel the two girls watching her.
It wasn't hostile. But it was curious. As if they were assessing her. Testing her.
Yuuka glanced at them one last time.
The redhead met her gaze, calm and unreadable.
The raven-haired girl smirked, tilting her head slightly.
Yuuka tch'd internally. 'Are they watching me?' She wasn't here to play games with whatever supernatural nonsense they were involved in. She was here to get through her first day.
Yuuka soon ignored it, focusing on getting through her first day.
—-----------------------
As soon as the lunch bell rang, Yuuka was surrounded.
Her classmates crowded around her, bombarding her with questions.
"Where did you come from?"
"Why did you enroll so late?"
"Are you really dating Hyoudou?"
So, with complete calm, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs casually. "I was homeschooled before this." She answered smoothly. "But I decided to enroll like any other student—mostly because my boyfriend, Issei, told me I should enjoy my student life while I can."
Silence. The class stopped breathing.
"BOYFRIEND?! DID SHE JUST SAY BOYFRIEND?!"
Yuuka barely had time to react before the floodgates of horror and disbelief burst open.
"You don't know what he's like!"
"He's the worst pervert in the school!"
"He literally brings porn to school!"
"He SPIES on girls while they're changing!"
"And don't forget—he shouts about becoming a Harem King in public!"
Yuuka felt her eyebrow twitch. She hadn't needed to question if any of that was true. Because she could absolutely picture Issei doing all of it. 'Yeah… that tracks.'
But she quickly speaks out to defend him saying how kind he is and assures the girls that now that she is here, Issei will be in his best behavior.
Yuuka sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, yeah. I can picture all that."
The girls perked up, until they saw her smirk.
"But still… he's a good guy."
The entire group looked like they had just been stabbed.
"H-HUH?!"
Yuuka leaned back in her chair, completely relaxed. "And don't worry~! Now that I'm here, he'll behave."
The girls stared at her. Hard. Like they were trying to find some kind of brainwashing spell on her.
Yuuka just simply smiled.
But she wasn't the only one paying attention.
Across the classroom, sitting by the windows, two of Kuoh's beauties were watching the conversation unfold.
A crimson-haired girl rested her chin on her hand, her piercing blue eyes studying Yuuka with quiet curiosity.
Beside her, a raven-haired girl with violet eyes sipped her tea, her lips curling into a teasing smile.
Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima.
They weren't just eavesdropping for entertainment. They were investigating.
Akeno took another sip, glancing at Rias. "What do you think, Rias?"
Rias tilted her head slightly, watching Yuuka closely. "She doesn't feel like anything special" She murmured, tapping a finger against her cheek. "But I admit, I'm curious."
Akeno's smile widened. "Me too~."
There was something about Yuuka.
Something that felt different.
And considering she was dating Issei Hyoudou. She was definitely worth watching.
—---------------------------
While Yuuka masterfully handled her classmates' interrogation, Issei was dealing with his own.
Specifically Katase and Murayama, two of Kuoh Academy's kendo club members, stood over him with matching expressions of suspicion and sheer disbelief.
Their arms were crossed. Their eyes burned with judgment. And their patience was already running thin.
"Hyoudou."
Issei winced. Whenever a girl at this school said his last name like that, it meant trouble. He looked up from his seat, already bracing himself. "Yeah?"
Katase leaned in slightly, her gaze narrowing. "HOW did YOU get a girlfriend?!"
Murayama nodded firmly, slamming her hands on his desk. "Yeah! It makes NO sense!"
Issei sighed heavily, tired of dealing with this question again. "I dunno. You'll have to ask her."
Murayama scowled. "Some girls already did."
Katase crossed her arms. "And you know what she said?"
Issei blinked in confusion. "That she likes me?"
Katase and Murayama glared. "EXACTLY!"
Issei groaned, slumping forward. "Why is it so impossible to believe that a girl actually likes me?"
Murayama tilted her head. "Well, let's go over the facts."
She counted on her fingers.
"One, you and your two dumbass friends constantly spy on us while we're changing."
"In my defense I don't even see anything."
"Two, you have brought porn to school multiple times."
"I simply forgot it was in my bag."
"Three, you scream about wanting to be a 'Harem King' in public. Regularly."
Issei paused. He couldn't even argue that last one.
Murayama smirked. "See?"
Katase leaned closer. "Face it, Hyoudou. Something's fishy."
Issei groaned again. "Think what you want but we really are just dating."
—-----------------------
The final school bell rang, signaling the end of another day at Kuoh Academy.
For Issei, this meant freedom—or at least, it should have.
As he gathered his things, a familiar presence loomed behind him.
"Isseeeei~!"
Issei groaned. 'Oh no.'
Before he could react, two human missiles crashed into him from both sides.
Matsuda and Motohama.
"Bro, let's go to the arcade! Or better yet, let's hit up a café! Maybe we'll see some cute waitresses!" Matsuda grinned.
Motohama adjusted his glasses. "Yes. Statistical data suggests that cafés have the highest number of friendly female interactions for guys of our… status."
Issei, completely unamused, shoved them off. "Yeah, hard pass."
Matsuda recoiled like he had been slapped. "What?! WHY?!"
Motohama squinted at him. "This is the third time in a row you've ditched us after school."
Issei grinned smugly. "That's because I have to pick up my girlfriend."
Silence.
Then—
"GAH!" Both of them clutched their chests, dramatically falling to their knees.
"IT STILL HURTS!" Matsuda wailed.
Motohama wiped an invisible tear. "Every day, I pray this is just a nightmare, but it keeps getting worse…"
Issei, feeling even more smug, patted their shoulders. "You guys wouldn't understand. Love is a beautiful thing."
"SCREW YOU, HYODOU!"
Still grinning, Issei waved them off and headed to Yuuka's classroom.
—--------------
As Issei arrived at Yuuka's classroom, he peered inside.
To his pleasant surprise, Yuuka was chatting casually with a group of classmates.
They were laughing at something she said, and unlike how she usually acted around strangers, she looked… comfortable.
Issei felt a sense of relief wash over him. 'Good. She's fitting in.'
Yuuka, noticing him standing in the doorway, smirked. "Oh, my boyfriend's here."
The moment she said that, all the girls turned.
Silence.
Yuuka rolled her eyes, standing up. "Yeah, yeah. I've heard it all. But sorry, girls, I gotta go spend time with him."
One of the girls hesitated. "Well… if you like him, I guess maybe he's not as bad as we thought…?"
Yuuka smirked, grabbing Issei's arm. "That's the spirit. Later!"
As they left the room, Issei sighed. "You really don't care what people say about me, huh?"
Yuuka squeezed his hand. "Nope."
—--------------------------------
As they walked down the street, Yuuka suddenly stopped.
She pointed toward a convenience store across the road. "Hey, I'm gonna grab a few things. Just wait here, alright?"
Issei nodded. "Got it."
Yuuka smirked. "Be a good boy and don't run off."
With that, she headed inside.
Issei leaned against a lamppost, hands in his pockets, waiting.
And that's when—
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
The Dimensional Watch on his wrist suddenly flared to life, pulsing with energy.
Issei's eyes widened in panic. "Oh, crap. Not here!"
Immediately, he pressed the device trying to stop the sound and light, whispering urgently. "Sherri, what the hell is happening?!"
Sherri's voice answered calmly. "It has been exactly two weeks since your last jump. A random dimensional gate is about to open."
Issei's stomach dropped. "WHAT?! I thought I had more time!"
Ddraig finally chimed in, his deep voice amused. "About time! I was getting bored with how little action there was."
Issei gritted his teeth. "Next time, at least give me a countdown!"
The watch's energy spiked, a swirling blue vortex forming at his feet.
"Understood next I shall include a countdown."
Issei had mere seconds before he was sucked into another world.
"DAMN IT—!"
And then—
He was gone.
Yuuka finally walked out of the store, plastic bag in hand.
She glanced around. "Alright, let's—" She stopped.
Issei was gone.
Her blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "…Where the hell did he go?" Her grip on the bag tightened.
And just like that—
Issei had disappeared.
And Yuuka was not happy.