With her arm tucked through Draconis's, Mai Sakurajima walked with the kind of calm that only true trust brings. No need to worry about paparazzi or scandal—if anyone so much as tried, Draconis would tweak their memories with a snap of his fingers. Problem solved.
It was perfect. She got to live a normal life, keep her career safe, and all the old headaches just vanished—thanks to him.
They ambled toward the station, chatting as they went.
"How's work going?" Draconis asked.
"Pretty good. Finished the commercial shoot—everything went smoothly." Mai's eyes sparkled; she loved her job, and it showed.
"Well, you are the master of acting, Mai. Smooth sailing is only natural."
Mai basked in the praise, her usual composure giving way to a hint of pride. "Of course. If it were you acting, Draconis, I doubt it'd go so well."
Draconis grinned. "Wow, look at you, talking down to your own boyfriend."
Mai didn't even try to act sorry. She loved teasing him—maybe a little too much. "Because you like it when I mess with you, don't you?"
"Only when it's you."
"Hmph." Her voice was all mock annoyance, but her eyes darted away, betraying a shy smile.
"Your acting's pretty good too, you know," she tossed back, trying to pin his words on performance.
If she didn't deflect, he'd see right through her—her heart was already pounding.
Draconis tilted his head, then slipped an arm around her waist, his smile soft and serene. "This is method acting, straight from the heart. How could it not be good?"
Mai: "…"
His voice was gentle—dangerously charming.
She found herself lost in his eyes, warmth and sincerity shining through. He was magnetic: handsome, yes, but it was the real emotion, the honesty, that made her melt.
Mai hugged him close, gazing up into his eyes, letting herself sink into that feeling. "You don't need any acting, Draconis. Just be yourself. That's what makes you so lovable."
Her words were pure truth.
Draconis just laughed, easy and confident. "Well, if I was too much myself, I'd be too lovable. That's why I have to dial it back with acting."
Mai: "…??"
She couldn't help laughing, exasperated. "You really don't do modesty, do you?"
"Too much modesty is just another kind of arrogance."
Mai rolled her eyes. So he was a little full of himself, after all.
With her in his arms, Draconis's gaze lingered on her lips. Devils had desires—they weren't shy about it. He looked at her mouth, honest and unashamed.
"Mai," he murmured, making no effort to hide what he wanted.
She caught the look, understood instantly, and felt a wave of nerves. Her eyes flickered—twice—watching him lean closer, her cheeks flushed with anticipation.
Just as Draconis was about to kiss her, Mai reached up and gently pinched his cheek, tugging playfully until his serene expression twisted into a silly face.
"Ow, that hurts," he complained—though it didn't, not really.
He let her tease him, acting the part of a boyfriend begging for comfort.
Mai couldn't help but laugh, her smile bright and mischievous. "You thought I was going to kiss you, didn't you?"
Her tone was pure playful torment.
"Ugh… I just want to kiss Mai," Draconis whined, laying on the puppy eyes.
"Nice try."
Mai ignored his theatrics, but seeing the soft affection in his gaze made her heart flutter anyway.
"There are too many people here," she protested.
"That's easy—I'll just use common sense alteration."
"It's not about that." Mai tugged his cheek again, but to Draconis, it felt more like a gentle caress from his queen.
He chuckled. "Got it—not about the magic. You're just shy."
"Hm? What was that? Say it again?" She shot him a cool look—one that carried a hint of threat.
Clearly embarrassed, but too proud to admit it.
Draconis played along, refusing to call her out. "Nothing. I just said you're really cute."
"You say that all the time. I'm totally immune—doesn't move me at all." Mai's face was stone-cold, utterly unimpressed.
She'd been smiling seconds ago.
Classic Mai—her mood could flip in a heartbeat.
But she kept dodging his gaze, hiding her embarrassment in plain sight.
Draconis found her adorable. He leaned in, whispering softly into her ear, "Mai, I love you."
"Eh~?" Her voice was surprised, her expression suddenly sweet and startled.
Definitely caught off guard.
She rallied, trying to keep her cool. "Didn't hear you."
Her reply was flat, her head turned away—but her eyes kept sneaking glances, and her lips couldn't hide a smile.
Draconis saw it all, lips quirking, laughter in his voice. "Huh? I didn't say anything."
Mai: "…??"
She spun around, fixing him with a stare.
Seeing the laughter in his eyes, she knew instantly he was teasing her.
Mai refused to lose. She let out a little huff.
"Is that so? Then let's go home."
"Sounds good."
"You go home. Why are you still following me?" She slipped back into her queenly persona.
Draconis just tilted his head. Oh, so that's how it was…
Stubborn as ever.
As her boyfriend, he knew when to give in. He put on his best pleading voice:
"I really want to walk you home, Mai. Please, let me have this tiny wish."
Mai saw him surrender first, and basked in the affection. Satisfied, she finally relented, the sweetness in her eyes never fading. She coughed lightly, pretending to be casual.
"Alright… I guess I can grant such a small wish for a pitiful boy."
—
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