After class.
Yuuji strolled toward Aika's classroom, accompanied by Erika, Tatsuya, and Koneko. The gentle murmur of students shuffling between periods filled the hallway, mingling with the faint scent of chalk and floor polish.
As they rounded a corner, they spotted Aika standing in animated conversation with Xenovia, Asia, Murayama, Katase—and, surprisingly, Semiramis—outside of their classroom, loitering in the hallway..
Lelouch was nowhere to be seen; he had already slipped off earlier, muttering something about meeting up with Satoru before disappearing to who-knows-where.
Just as they approached, Yuuji's group caught the tail end of Aika's declaration. Her tone was confident, hands gesturing as if delivering a lecture she had given a hundred times before.
"...And that's why you should always remember this: 'Keep your man's stomach full, and his balls empty!'"
Shocked gasps and muffled awes of admiration rippled through the small audience. But Aika continued unfazed, leaning slightly forward to drive her point home.
"And no, that doesn't just mean cooking for him or fulfilling his sexual needs. It's about caring for him, making him feel appreciated, and keeping his spirits high—just like he does for you. Relationships thrive on mutual effort. A little love, a little attention, and you can avoid a lot of stupid fights that never needed to happen in the first place."
Xenovia nodded solemnly, as if she'd just been entrusted with a warrior's secret code.
"Umu. I understand. I shall take your advice to heart."
Asia's face flushed scarlet, her fingers twisting in the hem of her skirt as she muttered something about learning to cook more dishes… and maybe dressing up for Issei from time to time.
Murayama and Katase, meanwhile, exchanged a glance and silently vowed to remember the advice when they eventually found boyfriends of their own.
Semiramis said nothing, though the faint curve of her lips hinted at amusement. Her eyes gleamed with a sly, calculating light, as if filing this little nugget of wisdom away for later use.
Aika, clearly pleased with her impromptu lesson, turned to the side with a bright, knowing smile—just in time to spot Yuuji and his companions approaching.
"Ah! Hubby~ Everyone~!"
Aika's voice carried that familiar lilt of teasing affection, her tone loud enough to draw a few curious glances from nearby students. She looked surprised to see them, but Yuuji knew better—she had sensed his approach the instant he left his classroom.
Just like Tatsuya to his sister, both Yuuji and Aika had permanently devoted a portion of their "Elemental Sight" to one another, allowing them to pinpoint each other's location and condition at all times. It wasn't just a bond of love—it was an unspoken trust, an unbreakable tether.
Of course, Aika had timed her little performance perfectly. She wanted Yuuji and the others with him to overhear her "philosophy" on relationships. It was part of her game—planting provocative ideas into the minds of her listeners and potential "candidates" for Yuuji and her bed. In this case, a handful of young, impressionable teenagers.
Yuuji caught on instantly.
'She's doing this on purpose… She doesn't even need her "Whisper of Evil" skill to plant seeds in people's heads.'
With a sigh, Yuuji brought a palm to his face, his steps carrying him closer despite the growing second-hand embarrassment.
Beside him, Tatsuya wore his usual impassive mask, but to anyone who knew him well, the faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes was as good as a chuckle.
Koneko, on the other hand, was not as composed. Her snow-pale cheeks flushed faintly—not at the suggestive nature of Aika's words, but because those words revolved around Yuuji. She didn't want to admit it, but her mind had already drifted toward… less innocent possibilities.
Meanwhile, Erika—ever the voice of reason—stepped forward with a resigned sigh, as if preparing to do damage control before Aika could corrupt the entire group.
"Hah… What in the world are you saying in public? There are still other students' parents here."
"Hehe~ What's wrong~? It's just a little love advice~!"
"…What kind of 'love advice' are you giving to high school students…?"
"The important ones!"
Aika wasn't entirely wrong—she had explained it wasn't only about food or sex, but about understanding each other, taking care of each other, and cherishing one another with love.
Still… her analogy was far too perverted for the setting.
Yuuji sighed and turned toward Aika's "victims."
"Murayama-senpai, Katase-senpai, Xenovia, Asia… don't take all of her advice at face value. Keep what's actually good. The rest—throw it as far away as you can."
"Hubby?! What do you mean? Don't you like it when I empty your—Mmphhf!"
Yuuji slapped a hand over her mouth before she could finish and started dragging her away.
"Alright, that's enough. We're going somewhere else."
"Mmmppff!"
"No, you're just going to say something perverte—Ah! Don't lick!"
Before the situation could escalate, movement in the hallway caught their attention.
Sona Shitori was walking briskly toward them, her normally composed expression replaced by clenched teeth and a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Right behind her, her Queen and vice president, Shinra Tsubaki, looked both weary and embarrassed, as though she'd been dealing with something exhausting.
Following them at a slower pace were Rias, Akeno, C.C., and Albedo—each with varying degrees of amusement and curiosity on their faces.
"Hm? Sona-senpai?"
Sona's gaze shifted to Yuuji, her steps slowing until she came to a graceful stop. She adjusted her glasses with a measured motion, clearing her throat.
"Ah, Tsubakihara-kun."
"You seem to be in a hurry."
Her eyes darkened instantly—like the dull, lifeless sheen of a fish long salted and dried beneath the summer sun.
"Yes… there are some troublesome matters I need to attend to."
"Troublesome matters… Ah."
Yuuji's expression sharpened slightly as he caught a peculiar presence emanating from the gymnasium.
"I see. The student council must be stepping in to restore order—perhaps to prevent a crowd from gathering in one place."
Sona blinked, mildly surprised, before remembering just how absurdly perceptive this ridiculously handsome man was. She exhaled a faint sigh.
"Yes. Exactly that."
"Mind if I tag along? It sounds interesting… and I should probably get this girl away from innocent students before she poisons their minds."
"Mmphf! Hm hmm mmhhh!"
Sona tilted her head, glancing at Aika—whose mouth was firmly covered by Yuuji's hand—with an unreadable expression.
"…Sure."
And so, Yuuji, Aika, Erika, Koneko, C.C, Albedo, Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, and Issei followed in step behind Sona and Tsubaki, making their way toward the gym.
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
Kuoh Academy, though recently changed into a co-ed school, still had more female students than male.
Yet inside the gymnasium that day, it looked like the entire male student body had gathered—every last one of them crowded shoulder-to-shoulder around a single point, voices raised in rowdy cheers and whistles.
When Yuuji, Rias, Sona, and the others arrived, their reactions split.
Rias, Akeno, Aika, Albedo, and Semiramis wore knowing smirks, already guessing exactly who was at the center of this spectacle.
Xenovia, Asia, and Gasper tilted their heads, puzzled as to why the boys were so lively.
Yuuji, Erika, Koneko, and Tsubaki only sighed in unison, as though resigned to an inevitability.
Tatsuya, C.C, and Sona remained outwardly neutral.
No—on closer inspection, Sona's wasn't neutral at all. Her glasses hid it poorly: her eyes had gone utterly dull, void of all shine, as if life itself had fled her body.
Her shoes clicked sharply as she strode forward, each step slicing through the roar of cheers until silence followed in her wake.
"Enough. All of you—this show is over. Return home, immediately."
Her commanding voice froze the boys mid-cheer. Irritation and disappointment flickered on their faces—until they met Sona's glare. Then, as if struck by divine judgment, fear seized them.
Without a word, the crowd scattered like startled doves, bolting for the exits.
At last, the source of the chaos stood revealed.
A breathtaking young woman stood at the center of the empty gym floor, twin-tails of glossy black hair bound by pink ribbons, clad in a frilly, cutesy magical girl outfit of pink and white. It was childish in design, yet… indecently revealing, hugging her voluptuous figure—ample bust, narrow waist, and pale thighs on proud display. In her hand she held a glittering magical girl staff tipped with a five-pointed star.
Her bright, sugary smile radiated across the room, her youthful playfulness clashing with her undeniably mature allure.
"Ahhh~! So-tan~! Yahoooo~!"
She bounded forward, skirts fluttering as she practically launched herself into Sona's arms, rubbing her cheek against her little sister's with unrestrained joy.
"I missed you sooo much, So-tan~! It's been forever! I'm soooo happy to see you~!"
Sona's shoulders stiffened, her voice trembling as she muttered, "…Onee-sama." Her entire body quivered as though she was physically suppressing the urge to strike her embarrassing elder sister into orbit.
Before she could, the magical girl turned her attention elsewhere.
"Tsubaki-chan, Rias-tan~! It's been ages, hasn't it~?"
"It has indeed, Serafall-sama." Tsubaki bowed respectfully.
"It's wonderful to see you still so cheerful, Serafall-sama." Rias added with a helpless smile.
"Fufufu~ Of course! This super magical girl Sera-chan will always be bright, cheerful, and spreading happiness to all~!"
She twirled on one foot, striking a dramatic pose with a wink and peace sign, sparkles practically radiating off her presence.
Then her eyes landed on Yuuji.
Her cheer shifted—just slightly. Her gaze sharpened, her smile curved with mischief, and a spark of dangerous curiosity glimmered within her.
She circled him like a cat eyeing a rare prize, her eyes raking up and down his tall frame. Then she glanced at the girls around him—Aika, Erika, Albedo, Semiramis, Xenovia—before returning her focus to Yuuji.
Finally, she clapped her hands together, nodding as if she'd reached a conclusion.
"Umu! Not bad at all! In fact… you're perfect! So, Tsubakihara-kun~" she sang, drawing out his name. "How about this? Will you take my beautiful, cute So-tan as your bride~? If you say 'yes' right now… you'll get me too~! Two sisters, one word~! What do you say?"
For one long, unbearable moment, silence reigned in the gym.
And then—
"ONEE-CHAAAAAN!!!"
Sona's shriek of despair shook the rafters, echoing through the entire building.
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
(
Kuroka, in her small black cat form, was perched lightly upon the branch of a tall sakura tree just outside Kuoh Academy's main courtyard. Her golden eyes followed the figure of her little sister—no, Shirone—walking alongside her classmates toward the gym building.
Her tail swayed slowly, betraying her inner emotions despite her composed feline posture.
"…Shirone-chan…" she whispered softly, though no one could hear her.
There was longing in her eyes. Guilt. Regret. Relief. It had been so long since she last saw her little sister this close. And though she couldn't yet reveal herself, just watching Shirone's small smile, the faint contentment on her usually stoic face, eased something in Kuroka's heart.
"…You look happier than before. Nyaa… that's good."
But then, her gaze drifted to the tall, striking figure walking right next to Shirone.
Her feline pupils narrowed.
"That face…!"
The memory struck her instantly—of when she had snuck closer to this human, curious and playful, only to find herself being gently petted like an ordinary cat.
Kuroka's fur bristled lightly in embarrassment, her tail puffing up.
'T-That guy! That shameless guy who touched me like it was the most natural thing in the world! Don't tell me… he knows Shirone-chan?!'
Her eyes flickered between him and the devils surrounding him—Rias, Akeno, the Sitri heiress, even Tsubaki. It wasn't just anyone walking with him.
"…He's right in the middle of them all, like he belongs there."
But despite being surrounded by devils, his aura was… strange. Ordinary. Too ordinary. No devil's taint. No holy trace. No dragon's breath.
And yet—her instincts screamed that he was far from normal.
Kuroka's fur settled, and a look of shock crept onto her feline face.
'…Could he be?'
Her golden eyes gleamed with curiosity and desire as she leapt silently to another branch, keeping herself hidden while tailing them from afar.
"Ufufufu~ This is getting more interesting, nyaa!"
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!