The school day trudged on as usual, but for Yuuji Hoshino, everything felt just a little off. Classes continued, teachers droned on, and students whispered, laughed, and passed notes like normal. But in the back of his mind, Yuuji wrestled with thoughts that wouldn't leave him alone. Supernatural beings. A dying Issei. A glowing palm. Rias Gremory appearing out of a magic circle in his room.
Yeah… totally normal week.
He stared blankly at the classroom window, catching his own reflection. Black messy hair, eyes as dark as the night, a face that wouldn't stand out in a crowd even if he tried. He wasn't ugly, just… average. His grades? Slightly above average. His physical abilities? Decent. And now, somehow, he was tangled up in a hidden world with glowing hands and life-saving magic.
"Screw it," he muttered under his breath.
He didn't understand what was going on, and Rias didn't have time to explain it the night before—thanks to his parents coming home mid-revelation. All he knew was that she promised to send someone to "fetch" him and Issei for a proper talk. Yuuji wasn't sure what that even meant, but he didn't have long to wait.
Just as he slipped on his headphones, the class stirred with a sudden commotion. A group of girls crowded the classroom door, giggling and gossiping. A classmate nudged Yuuji's arm, trying to get his attention.
"What?" Yuuji grumbled, pulling off his headphones—only to find them standing there.
First was Issei, looking annoyed and a little flustered. "Yo," he said.
Yuuji raised a brow. "What's with the face?"
"Ask him," Issei growled, gesturing to the second figure beside him—none other than Kiba, the so-called "Prince of Kuoh Academy." Blonde hair, charming smile, perfect posture. Girls swooned as he merely existed.
Kiba smiled at Yuuji. "Are you Yuuji Hoshino?"
"Yeah…?"
"I've come to escort you and Issei to the Occult Research Club," he said politely.
It clicked instantly. Rias's "fetch." Of course.
Grabbing his bag, Yuuji stood up with a sigh. "Figures…"
As they left, Yuuji overheard some girls whispering behind them. "The prince, the pervert, and the quiet guy? What a combo…"
He and Issei shared a look of mutual irritation. Yuuji scoffed. "The quiet kid? Seriously?"
—
They crossed campus toward the old building that housed the Occult Research Club. Yuuji tried not to stare at how eerily out-of-place it looked compared to the rest of the school. Gothic windows. Ivy on the walls. The works.
"So," Yuuji muttered, glancing sideways, "Kiba… are you… y'know… one of them?"
Kiba raised an eyebrow. "One of what?"
"A Devil. Like Rias."
Kiba gave a light smile, then leaned closer so only the three of them could hear. "Indeed I am."
Yuuji wasn't sure if he should be relieved or more confused.
—
Inside, the clubroom was surprisingly spacious and lavish. The first thing that caught his attention? A short silver-haired girl sitting on the couch eating chocolate.
"Koneko Tojo," Issei whispered, eyes wide.
Yuuji tilted his head. He'd heard the guys mention her before—tiny, quiet, and somehow the school's unofficial mascot.
"I know her," he said aloud without thinking.
That earned him a curious look from Kiba. "You two know each other?"
Yuuji shook his head rapidly. "N-No! Just by name, that's all."
Koneko looked at him for a moment, then gave a slight nod and continued munching on her chocolate.
"Why are we even here again?" Yuuji asked Issei.
Before Issei could answer, the sound of running water drew their attention to a curtained-off area of the room.
A shower. In the club room.
Yuuji stared. "Rich people are something else…"
Issei was practically foaming at the mouth, his mind clearly spiraling into perverted fantasies.
A voice called out—soft and elegant. A tall girl with long black hair tied in a ponytail stepped into view, addressing the person behind the curtain.
"Rias, your clothes are ready."
That name immediately stiffened both boys.
Rias is showering? Here?! Now?!
Koneko piped up, her voice flat as ever. "You're being loud," she told Issei. Then, to Yuuji: "Don't be uncomfortable. She does this all the time."
Both boys mumbled apologies.
The black-haired girl approached them, her presence as graceful as it was intimidating.
"I didn't see you two earlier. You must be the new members." Her smile was almost… electric.
Issei stammered. "I-I'm Issei Hyoudou."
"Yuuji Hoshino," Yuuji added, still a bit red in the face.
"Akeno Himejima. Pleased to meet you." Her voice was honey-smooth, but something about it made Yuuji's skin prickle.
Finally, Rias emerged from the shower, fully dressed and drying her hair. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she said with a smile. "I didn't have time to freshen up last night."
She took a seat at the front of the room, leaning on her desk, and gestured for everyone to sit.
Yuuji ended up next to Kiba. Issei sat near Koneko.
"Let me officially welcome you," Rias began, "to the Occult Research Club. Though, as you've guessed, it's mostly a cover."
Issei leaned forward. "Cover for what?"
Rias's smile grew slightly more mischievous. "For what we really are. Devils."
The air in the room shifted. Heavier. Sharper.
"And I'm not the only one," she added.
Yuuji looked at Kiba, who gave him a polite nod. So he wasn't lying after all.
She held up the flyer that had summoned her to Yuuji's house.
"This paper," she explained, "acts as a summoning tool for devils. Normally, humans summon us for wishes. In Issei's case… it wasn't intentional. But it did help in some shape or form for us to meet, might even be fate."
"I just… talked about your hair," Issei muttered, scratching the back of his head.
Yuuji sighed, remembering the glowing mess that was his bedroom afterward.
Rias continued, her tone softening. "Since that night, I've decided to take responsibility. You both will serve under me, as part of my peerage. You are now servants to Rias Gremory, daughter of the Marquis Gremory."
With that, bat like wings unfurled from her back—majestic, demonic, and oddly beautiful.
Yuuji and Issei sat frozen.
There was a long pause.
Then, almost in unison, both boys blinked.
"…What?"