Talking with Mai Sakurajima always left Draconis feeling warm inside. Even for someone as reserved as him, the conversation would stretch on and on, sweet and effortless, as if there were always more to say.
It wasn't until the bathwater had gone cold that he finally said goodnight and hung up. He lay back, letting the memory of their exchange linger, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
So this was what being in love felt like. Not bad at all.
He got out, dried off without much care, and wandered to his bed, too lazy to bother with clothes. Tomorrow's Familiar Forest trip was already on his mind as he closed his eyes and drifted toward sleep.
Magic pulsed suddenly in the room, rousing him instantly. He opened his eyes, scanning the darkness—devil senses made night vision easy, every detail sharper than daylight.
A magic circle shimmered to life, and Rias stepped out, her silhouette glowing faintly in the gloom.
Draconis watched her, speechless for a moment. His house really was an open door for devils who could teleport at will.
"Draconis, did I wake you?" Rias asked, noticing his gaze.
"Yeah, but I'm up now." He squinted lazily, not the least bit annoyed.
"Sorry. I couldn't sleep, so I came to see if you'd share your bed."
"Share my bed, huh? That's a tempting offer." He teased, but it was routine by now.
Rias smiled and began undressing, movements graceful and unhurried. Draconis shifted over, making space as she slipped under the covers, settling into the warmth he'd left behind—close enough that their skin touched.
He pulled her gently into his arms, marveling at the softness of her body. His hands wandered, just a little, but Rias didn't mind. She nestled against him, content.
"I don't know why, but I sleep better with you. It's so peaceful, so safe."
"Guess that makes me a pretty decent pillow."
Rias laughed softly, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "You've got a very clear sense of your role."
Draconis closed his eyes, smiling. There was no official label between them, but their closeness was undeniable.
"Rias, do you think I could marry you?"
He said it so calmly, it almost didn't sound like a question.
Rias stiffened, surprised by the suddenness of it. She stared at him, searching his face.
"You…"
"I know I like you," he continued, voice steady. "But I don't always understand you. If this isn't love, then what are we doing—being this close?"
He wasn't accusing, just laying out the facts. He'd never quite grasped Rias's feelings. Maybe it was the difference between devils and humans—her affection sometimes felt more like a master's fondness for a prized possession than real romance.
She never hesitated to share his bed, even naked, but he'd always held back, unwilling to cross a line he couldn't see. After this morning's intimacy, though, he knew it was time to talk.
Maybe he was still too human in the way he thought about these things.
Rias looked lost for a moment, then realization dawned.
"So that's what you've been thinking…"
She took a breath, voice trembling with honesty. "Of course I like you. I never noticed before, but lately I miss you all the time. Even when I try to sleep, I end up thinking about you. That's why I keep coming here—I can't rest unless I'm with you."
Her confession was raw, but her eyes held a shadow.
"If I could, I'd want to be your wife… But I can't."
She looked away, torn and sorrowful.
Draconis frowned. "Why not?"
Rias hesitated, then met his gaze, defeated. "…Because I'm already engaged. To someone else."
The news hit him hard. Rias—engaged?
And yet she was here, nearly crossing every boundary with him…
He wasn't naïve. It clicked quickly.
"You don't love him, do you?"
"…No." The word was barely audible, but it was the truth.
Rias's emotions spilled over, her composure cracking. Finally, Draconis understood the weight she'd been carrying.
As heir to the Gremory family, her fiancé had to be someone of equal standing—another noble, probably. The engagement wasn't her choice, but family obligation. She wanted him to help her break free, which was why she kept pushing him to grow stronger.
Draconis pieced it together, sharp as ever.
"I get it," he said, a gentle smile forming.
"…What?"
"I'll help you, Rias." His voice was steady, reassuring. "You should've told me sooner."
"But you're no match for him. Not even I'm sure I could win."
She looked down, relief and anxiety tangled together. Telling the truth helped, but the problem remained.
"We'll figure it out," Draconis replied, shaking his head. "At least you're not bottling it up anymore. That's what matters."
He pulled her closer, savoring the smoothness of her skin, whispering,
"Stress doesn't break people—emotions do."
Rias gazed at him, overwhelmed by the tenderness in his words.
He was always like this—gentle, thoughtful.
Moved, she leaned in and kissed him, soft and lingering.
Even this morning, their passion hadn't led to a kiss so honest, so open. Now, she gave herself to him completely.
"This is my first kiss," she whispered, breathless.
—
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