On the large bed, Rias lay on her stomach, her flawless skin glowing softly in the dim light. The elegant curve of her back and the fall of her crimson hair made her look like a living painting — beautiful enough to steal one's breath away.
Ryuichi climbed onto the bed after slipping off his shoes and sat astride her, his palms glowing faintly with demonic energy.
"Relax," he murmured.
The magic-infused warmth from his hands spread across Rias's shoulders, working down toward her lower back. Her skin was smooth and soft beneath his touch, as delicate as porcelain warmed by life itself.
When his fingers pressed lightly along her spine, Rias let out a small, contented hum.
Her face was turned to the side, buried in her arms, her long crimson hair cascading over her bare shoulders as she basked in his care.
"Hehe… what's gotten into you today?" she teased in a languid voice. "You're being unusually sweet."
Ryuichi chuckled softly. "What, I'm not usually?"
His hands didn't pause — moving in steady, practiced rhythm, every motion deliberate and precise. It was obvious he knew exactly where to press to ease her tension.
Rias's breathing deepened. The combination of his steady pressure and the gentle pulse of magic through her muscles made her body feel lighter than air.
A soft, catlike sound escaped her throat. "Mmm… I admit, you're usually good at this. But today, you're being too gentle. It's unfair."
"I figured you've been under a lot of stress," Ryuichi said quietly. "I wanted to do something for you."
Rias paused, her expression softening. "…You noticed?"
"I'd have to be blind not to. It's about your family, isn't it?"
She sighed, voice tinged with resignation. "Yeah. But it's fine. I can still handle it — for now."
Ryuichi was silent for a moment, then said quietly, "If it ever gets too much, don't force yourself. Just tell me. I'll back you up."
That made her lift her head slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "You? How would you even help? You're still not strong enough to take on my family, you know."
"Maybe," he said evenly. "But don't underestimate me."
For a second, the golden light flickered faintly in his eyes.
Rias blinked, startled by the sudden pressure in the air — faint, but undeniable. When she turned her head, she saw that calm, confident expression of his. Always steady, always composed.
"…You're getting mysterious lately," she murmured.
Ryuichi only smirked and gave her lower back a light pat. "Don't move. I'm not done yet."
"Eep!" Rias gave a tiny gasp and giggled. "Honestly… I don't know whether to feel pampered or bullied by you."
Still, she lay back down obediently, smiling to herself. "It's strange… somehow, I feel really safe when you're like this. You're making me fall for you all over again."
"That's what a man's supposed to do," he replied, tone matter-of-fact. Then, after a pause, "And Rias — I wasn't joking earlier."
Her smile softened. "I know. You wouldn't say that unless you meant it."
Her eyes closed halfway, lulled by his touch. "But… I don't want you taking risks for me. This pressure, this responsibility — I can still bear it."
Ryuichi's voice dropped to a murmur. "Just don't push yourself too far."
Rias chuckled quietly. "Don't worry. I'm still the next head of the Gremory family, remember?"
He couldn't help a wry smile. That title doesn't mean much when the system itself is unfair, he thought, but kept it to himself.
After a moment, Rias caught his hand and said softly, "That's enough. Let me turn over."
Ryuichi leaned back, and she rolled onto her back, her long hair fanning out over the pillow. A playful sparkle danced in her eyes as she looked up at him.
"Maybe you should work on the front too," she teased.
"…Fine," he said with a resigned smile, hands hovering for a moment before continuing his careful, measured touch.
The tension in the air shifted — not toward anything indecent, but something warmer. Closer. Their eyes met, and for a brief instant, the room seemed to quiet around them.
"Ryuichi…" Rias whispered, opening her arms. "Just… hold me."
He didn't refuse. He leaned down, and their foreheads touched — a simple, wordless gesture that said more than anything else.
Her hands slid to his shoulders, and before either realized it, their lips met. The kiss was deep, lingering — full of unspoken emotion and all the things they couldn't yet say aloud.
When they finally parted, Rias gazed up at him, eyes shimmering like wine under moonlight. "Ryuichi… I wish we could just stay like this."
He smiled faintly. "Someday, we will. But not yet."
She blinked, surprised. "Why not?"
"Because you're still the heiress of the Gremorys," he said softly. "You're bound by things you didn't choose. If we act on impulse now, it'll make your future harder — maybe even spark something dangerous between our families. I won't let that happen to you."
Rias bit her lip, then exhaled slowly. "…You're right. I just—wanted to forget, for a moment."
"I know," he murmured. "But that's why I have to stay calm. Until you're free — until you can choose on your own — I'll be here."
For a moment, she stared at him quietly. Then, with a trembling smile, she reached up and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"…I love you, Ryuichi."
He smiled into her hair, his voice a low whisper against her ear. "I know."
They stayed that way for a long while, their heartbeats slowly settling into the same rhythm. The night stretched on — quiet, warm, and wrapped in the faint scent of magic and roses.
When Rias finally laughed again, it was light and genuine. "You really are impossible, you know that?"
Ryuichi chuckled. "Maybe. But you like that about me."
Her laughter lingered softly in the air, mingling with the warmth between them — a fleeting but perfect peace beneath the crimson glow of the night.