Hearing Ryuichi's compliment, Mai Sakurajima's lips curved just slightly.
"I'm not that cute," she said, almost as if denying it to herself.
"That just means you're very cute," Ryuichi replied without missing a beat.
Mai looked amused, keeping her calm expression as she said softly, "You're pretty honest. I like that."
"Are you trying to praise yourself by praising me instead?"
"Does it bother you that I complimented you?"
"Not at all. I'm very happy."
"Then that settles it."
With a faint smile on her face and her small backpack slung over one shoulder, Mai walked ahead with a lighter step. It was clear she was in a good mood.
After a short walk, the glass dome of the aquarium came into view.
"We're here," she announced.
"How exciting," Ryuichi said with a light grin. "So what's the proper etiquette when you're on a date at an aquarium with a pretty girl?"
"You could start by bringing your brain with you," Mai shot back coolly. "Try not to let people see how much of an idiot you really are."
"Mai-san, that's a rude word," Ryuichi replied casually, unbothered.
"Is it? My apologies," she said airily.
Neither of them took the exchange seriously. Side by side, they passed through the entrance of the aquarium and walked into the softly lit interior.
Since it was a Saturday, the place was fairly crowded.
Mai glanced around. Not a single person was reacting to her presence.
Seeing that, Ryuichi stepped forward, subtly placing himself between her and the crowd to block anyone who might've walked right into her invisible form.
Watching his back as he shielded her, Mai's gaze softened a little.
Who would've thought… the only one who could still see her would end up being someone who called himself a Devil.
"Nothing out of the ordinary's happening, huh."
Ryuichi murmured under his breath, disappointment creeping into his tone. He'd half expected to find some kind of clue about Mai's mysterious condition here, but no such luck.
Mai, on the other hand, didn't seem as bothered.
"I didn't really expect much to begin with," she admitted.
"Still, we should at least ask around a bit," Ryuichi suggested.
"I suppose we could… but Ryuichi," she said, turning her gaze toward him. "Why are you even helping me? Is it really just because of that so-called 'contract' you mentioned?"
"For now, yes. That's pretty much the reason."
"I don't really get it. But wouldn't it be easier to make a contract with someone else?"
Ryuichi shrugged lightly. "Can't help it. You're the only one who's fallen for me, after all."
Mai turned away immediately. "What a disgusting performance. I'm suddenly not in the mood to sign any contracts."
"I was wrong, Mai-sama," Ryuichi said instantly.
"Once you find someone else to form a contract with, just drop me, okay?" she replied in a deceptively casual tone. It sounded indifferent—too indifferent.
But Ryuichi caught the faintest quiver beneath her words.
She was scared, wasn't she?
Scared that once he found someone else, he'd really abandon her.
Pretending not to care… was just her way of hiding it.
Still, Ryuichi didn't point that out.
"Not happening," he said lightly. "I don't give up on any potential contract partners. I've already made my move, and quitting halfway just isn't my style."
Mai went quiet.
But inside, she felt… oddly happy.
After all, Ryuichi was the only one left in this world who could still see her.
She'd been terrified—terrified that even he might one day give up on her. Then she really would be all alone.
Hiding her relief, she said simply, "Suit yourself. Just don't blame me if it ends up being a pain."
"No worries. I'm all fired up," Ryuichi replied casually, stealing a sideways glance at her. He could tell exactly what she was feeling.
He smiled faintly to himself, then began stopping random visitors around the aquarium, asking each of them the same question:
"Excuse me, can you see this girl next to me?"
The results were, of course, predictable. No one could.
Every single person shook their head, confused.
It was strange—no, tragic. Not long ago, Mai Sakurajima had been a household name. A national idol. It used to be hard to find anyone who didn't recognize her.
And now, she could stand right in front of them… and it was like she didn't exist.
Mai stood quietly nearby, watching Ryuichi repeat the same question to person after person. Each time, her eyes filled with a flicker of hope.
But every time, that hope faded into disappointment.
Before they knew it, the entire morning had passed.
Ryuichi hadn't even stopped to look at the aquarium's colorful marine displays. He'd spent the whole time trying to help her. Seeing that made Mai feel a twinge of guilt.
"Let's stop," she said softly. "You've done enough."
"Yeah…" Ryuichi exhaled. "Guess this really isn't the right place."
"It's fine. You've done more than enough. As far as I'm concerned, you've already fulfilled your end of the deal. So… if it helps, I'll agree to the contract," Mai said with a small smile.
Ryuichi blinked, then laughed quietly.
"I'd like that, but I already promised that I'd only make the contract after solving your problem. I don't break promises. And you shouldn't give up so quickly."
Stretching lazily, he added, "Besides, I can see you. So you don't need to worry so much."
Maybe it was his tone, or maybe just the simple reassurance, but Mai felt her chest lighten a bit.
"You've got a point," she said softly.
"It's getting late. Let's head out."
Glancing one last time at the aquarium they'd visited twice without ever properly enjoying, Mai sighed helplessly and followed Ryuichi outside.
"If it's not the company, and not the place where the symptoms first appeared," Ryuichi mused aloud, "then that just leaves the two most familiar environments—your home and your school."
He paused, then asked, "By the way, what about your family? They must remember you, right?"
The moment he said it, he noticed a subtle shift in Mai's expression—her eyes tightening ever so slightly, her body tensing.
"Let's… go to those places some other time," she said after a pause, sidestepping the question.
"Huh? But it's still early," Ryuichi replied, feigning ignorance even though he already sensed the minefield.
"I said we'll go later."
Her tone was sharp—firm enough that he didn't push further.
Ryuichi looked at her for a couple of seconds, noticed the faint irritation on her face, and shrugged.
"Got it."
He didn't bother prying. It was clear that there was something complicated between Mai and her family.
Thinking back, she had been avoiding that topic every time it came up.
So maybe… things at home weren't so peaceful after all.