Being with Mai Sakurajima was always easy—effortless, joyful. Maybe that's just how it is when you're in love.
Outwardly, Mai was the picture of a sophisticated older girl, but inside she was pure, almost innocent. She loved teasing Draconis, but whenever he managed to turn the tables, she'd get flustered—refusing to admit defeat, chin held high in stubborn pride.
The result? Draconis would just smile and let her win, and Mai would beam, soaking up every bit of his gentle indulgence.
Sometimes, their banter would veer unexpectedly into more risqué territory. When that happened, Mai would combust—face burning, desperately pretending nothing was wrong.
They reached the station and squeezed onto the train. No seats left, so Draconis held Mai close against the wall, swaying with the motion.
Maybe it was knowing he'd used that "common sense alteration" magic to shield her, but Mai relaxed, arms wrapped around his broad back.
After a while, she shifted, bent slightly, and reached down to rub her ankle.
"Feet hurting?" Draconis asked.
"Mm…" Mai murmured.
He glanced down—she was wearing shiny, pointed high heels. Just looking at them made his own feet ache. They'd walked a good distance, and she'd been in those shoes all day for work.
"Why didn't you change before heading out? Those must be killing you."
Draconis's gaze lingered on her legs—long, wrapped in black stockings, heels making them look impossibly straight and elegant.
"I forgot," Mai sighed. She'd been so happy Draconis was coming that she'd made it halfway home before realizing she hadn't switched shoes. Now, her feet throbbed.
Draconis eyed the other passengers. "Want me to get someone to give up their seat?"
He meant using magic, of course. Otherwise, who'd give up a seat for two healthy young people?
Mai shook her head. "No need—it's only two stops."
She didn't want Draconis using his powers for something so selfish. Her sense of right and wrong wouldn't allow it.
He understood, just smiled, and leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Mai blushed. "What was that for…?"
"For being kind," Draconis said, grinning.
"I don't need your random rewards. You just wanted an excuse to kiss me."
Her cheeks reddened, but she tried to keep her cool.
Draconis didn't argue—he just held her quietly until the train reached their stop. Then he crouched, patted his shoulder.
"Hop on. I'll carry you."
Mai blinked. "No need—I'm not that spoiled."
"I know you're not. I just want to pamper my girlfriend a little."
He smiled, and the crowd instinctively parted—no one lingered, thanks to his subtle magic.
"Come on, or we'll block the way."
He urged her.
Mai gave in, laughing softly, and climbed onto his back. Draconis lifted her effortlessly.
Arms around his neck, chin on his shoulder, Mai relaxed completely.
The scenery drifted by in reverse, and Mai thought: This is happiness.
The station wasn't far from her place, so Draconis carried her all the way home, setting her gently on the sofa. He went back to the entrance, grabbed her slippers.
"Thanks," Mai said.
Finally free of those heels, she kicked them off, rubbing her sore ankles.
"Here," Draconis said, sitting beside her. He lifted her legs onto his lap and began to massage them, gentle and careful.
Mai's cheeks flushed. "Y-you don't have to…"
She was clearly embarrassed.
"It's no trouble. It's a reward."
His calm answer made her pause.
"Huh? A reward?"
Draconis just smiled, letting Mai's mind wander—maybe a little too far.
Did he… have a thing for feet?
"You're weird," she said, face pink, trying to sound casual. "I just walked a ton—I haven't even washed my feet yet…"
Draconis raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Isn't it better that way?"
Mai: "…??"
She knew he was a goof, but still—she couldn't help laughing and groaning at the same time.
"…Idiot."
She gave up, letting herself enjoy the massage. Draconis's hands worked wonders; the ache faded away.
"It doesn't hurt anymore," Mai said quietly, still blushing.
"Okay."
Draconis stopped massaging, but didn't move her legs—he just kept them on his lap, absentmindedly stroking her stocking-clad calves.
"Still haven't had enough?" Mai asked, feigning calm.
"Can't help myself."
"Quit it—it tickles."
"Hmm, maybe you should take the stockings off…"
Draconis was shameless, and Mai was helpless. She leaned in, pinched his cheek, tugging playfully.
"Seriously, why do you like playing with feet?"
Draconis tilted his head, matching her pull, answering with mock gravity: "Because you won't let me play with anything else."
Mai: "…"
She froze, then caught on—her face went scarlet.
"Pervert."
She pulled her legs back, slipped on her slippers. "I'm going to shower."
"Can I join?" Draconis asked, grinning.
"No."
She didn't hesitate.
Mai grabbed her change of clothes and disappeared into the bathroom, slamming the door.
Draconis smiled, suddenly serene. The speed at which he could shift from playful to peaceful was almost inhuman.
He felt it—the contract between them, the way his feelings for Mai deepened, the way the devil's pact fed on that love. The feedback was constant, endless.
He glanced at the bathroom, lips curling into a smile.
He'd never imagined loving Mai would make the contract so strong, the emotional power so rich.
Having a girlfriend like her… He really was the luckiest devil alive.
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]