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"It's a good weather today. Ise-san, we are playing softball for physical education today. It's my first time, so I'm excited."
Asia's smile was like morning sunshine—pure, gentle, and warm enough to melt away the irritation I felt from the dozens of glares burning holes into my back.
We walked side by side through the schoolyard, enjoying the calm before class. But of course, peace never lasted for long in my life.
"Why is Asia-san walking from the same direction as Hyoudou...?"
"Don't you know they live together."
"With that pervert?!"
A few students didn't even bother whispering. Their voices were full of disbelief and more than a hint of rage. I recognized some of them—guys from other classes who had tried confessing to Asia, only to get turned down so politely it left them with heartbreak and humiliation in equal measure.
Heh. Sorry, fellas. I didn't mean to steal your shot, but… actually, no, I'm not sorry.
There were murmurs all around us, some subtle, others downright venomous. I could practically feel the envy stabbing at my back like ghostly pitchforks.
It didn't bother me as much as it used to, though. I've gotten used to being the school's designated pervert. But this time, the situation was different. It wasn't just *me* involved.
I glanced sideways at Asia. Her face was as serene as ever, her long blond hair catching the sunlight. Her hands were clasped in front of her modest school uniform. She didn't seem to notice the attention—or maybe she was pretending not to.
Either way, I felt the need to ask.
"Hey, Asia."
She turned to me with that innocent smile. "Yes, Ise-san?"
"Are there any problems at school? I mean, are you getting along with the other girls?"
For a moment, she blinked in surprise. "Eh? Why do you ask?"
"Well, you know... you're really pretty and polite. But being close to me might make you a target. I just want to be sure you're not being treated badly behind the scenes."
Her expression softened. "Oh... Ise-san." She giggled gently. "Thank you for worrying about me."
She held her hands behind her back as we walked. "Actually… some of the girls were a little distant at first. I think they were confused… or maybe a little jealous. Especially when they found out I was living at your house."
"Ugh, I knew it. I knew it!" I groaned. "Why does everyone in this school think I'm some uncontrollable beast just because I have a healthy sex drive?!"
Asia smiled awkwardly. "I don't think it's that bad."
I gave her a skeptical look.
She tilted her head. "Well… okay, maybe a little. But it's gotten better. There's a girl named Aika in my class who invited me to lunch yesterday. She said she was curious about the church and wanted to talk."
"Aika?" I blinked. "Wait—glasses, short hair, always teasing people?"
Asia nodded with a soft hum. "Yes, that's her."
I nearly tripped over my own feet.
Aika Kiryuu. That girl was a walking chaos engine with a sarcasm stat that broke the chart. She made jokes so dirty even I flinched sometimes—and I had a literal stash of gravure magazines hidden under my bed. She was also terrifyingly good at figuring people out.
"She… wasn't weird with you, right?" I asked, a little worried.
Asia tilted her head again. "Not really? She was very kind. She asked me about life in the church, what kinds of duties I had, and whether I liked wine."
I rubbed my temple. Yep. That sounded like her.
"She also asked me if being living with issei-san meant I had to wear lace underwear now. I didn't know what to say to that... so I asked Buchou that evening."
I stopped walking and nearly coughed up my soul. "S-SHE WHAT?!"
"She said the Gremory group doesn't have any official uniform policy about underwear," Asia said innocently, holding her bag with both hands like she'd just recited a Bible verse.
Why. Why was I surrounded by this level of danger?
Still… I was happy. Genuinely happy.
Asia was adjusting. She was making friends—even if one of them was someone I'd call a walking hazard.
She was finding her place in the world outside of the pain and isolation she'd once known.
And the way she talked about it all, even the awkward stuff, with such honest eyes…
"You're stronger than I thought, Asia."
She looked at me, surprised. "Eh?"
I smiled and shrugged. "You were scared, right? Coming to a new school. Living in a new house. Everything's so different from your old life. But you're facing it head-on. That's not easy."
Her cheeks turned a shade of pink that rivaled Rias's hair.
"Ise-san…" she said softly. "You helped me. Everyone did. I wouldn't have come this far without you."
"No, seriously. Don't give me too much credit. You're the one who decided to keep moving forward."
I didn't want her to think I was the reason she could smile like this. Sure, I gave her a push—but she was the one who kept walking.
Asia suddenly giggled. "Still… I'm glad you're here. It makes everything easier."
She looked away, shy, then quickly added, "And—and thank you for carrying my bag during PE!"
I laughed. "That's nothing. I'd carry you if I had to."
She blushed again, eyes darting to the side.
~~~
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