The training session had ended, and I was soaked in sweat and slightly singed from the last lightning blast Akeno "accidentally" let hit me at full power. My arms ached, my legs felt like jelly, and I probably smelled like grilled pork.
I dragged myself to the bathroom inside the club building. It was an old facility, but the Occult Research Club had the luxury of its own private bath thanks to Rias's family wealth. After turning the hot water on, I stripped down and sank into the steaming bath, groaning in relief.
"Aaaahhh… finally…"
My muscles slowly began to loosen, and I let my head rest against the rim of the tub. I closed my eyes.
Then—
Creak.
The door slid open.
My eyes flew open as Akeno walked in, her usual teasing smile in place and a towel wrapped snugly around her body. Her long black hair cascaded behind her in damp waves.
"Mind if I join you?" she asked sweetly, as if it was the most casual thing in the world.
"I-I—uh—w-what—"
"You've already seen me naked before, haven't you?" she teased, stepping into the water without waiting for a reply. She settled down beside me, her skin steaming slightly in the hot water.
I tried not to stare. I really did. But she was… right there. And we were alone.
She leaned her head back, eyes closed, and sighed. "This is nice. You really worked hard today."
"…Thanks," I muttered, doing my best not to implode.
We sat in silence for a moment, the gentle splash of water the only sound.
Then she spoke again.
"You smell better now."
I froze. "You're not sniffing me again, are you?"
She giggled, her shoulder brushing against mine. "Not this time. But you're lucky you didn't pass out during training. That lightning bolt would've knocked out an elephant."
"You *said* you were holding back!"
"I *was.* You're just sensitive."
I grumbled, sinking deeper into the water.
Akeno's voice softened. "You're improving, Issei-kun. I can tell. And not just in magic. You've changed. Grown."
I glanced over. She wasn't teasing now. Her gaze was warm, genuine.
"Thanks," I said quietly. "I have a lot I need to protect. And I can't afford to stay weak."
She reached under the water and gently touched my hand.
"If you ever need help… or a place to rest… I'm here."
My heart skipped a beat.
And just like that, the moment passed.
She pulled away, giggling again. "But if you keep looking at me like that, I might start charging for bath time."
"…You're the one who came in here!"
"Exactly~"
I sank deeper into the water again, trying to hide my face.
Yup. I was definitely going to die before the Rating Game even started. And somehow, I was okay with that.
•••
I returned home late at night with Asia.
She'd just completed her first proper Devil job. A simple request, but she handled it all on her own. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she couldn't stop smiling as we walked back.
"I'm sorry, I'll take the bath first then!" she said cheerfully before skipping off toward the bathroom.
"Yeah, go ahead," I replied with a small smile. Watching her grow like that was surprisingly heartwarming.
I dragged myself into my room, completely drained. The magic training with Akeno had left my muscles aching, and my mind wasn't doing much better.
I flopped down onto my bed with a groan. Just one night of rest—was that too much to ask?
FLASH
A bright light filled the room.
My eyes snapped open as the familiar glow of a magic circle lit up the floor in front of me. A crimson pattern formed in the air, and I immediately recognized it.
"Wait, the Gremory crest…?"
The teleportation magic flared, and a figure materialized from the circle.
The room pulsed with energy for a moment—then a familiar silhouette took shape.
"Buchou…?"
Rias stood there, her crimson hair cascading down her shoulders, her eyes focused and intense. But something about her felt off. She wasn't her usual elegant self. Her breathing was uneven, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes—
—Her eyes were desperate.
She walked toward me, and before I could even stand up, she spoke in a low voice.
"Make love to me."
I blinked.
"I…" She bit her lip. "I don't want to lose. Not like this. So… please."
My heart skipped. Logic, common sense, all of it went out the window. I didn't think. My body responded before my brain could process anything.
"…Alright. Get on the bed."
Rias took a step closer, her fingers starting to tug at her buttons.
Then—
*BOOM*
The door to my room flung open with a thunderous crack, a chill filling the space before a cold, refined voice cut through the heat.
"That is quite enough."
Grayfia Lucifuge stood in the doorway, arms crossed, silver hair flowing behind her like a blade of moonlight. Her expression was unreadable—but her presence radiated power and authority.
"Grayfia!?" Rias jumped, practically falling off the bed.
I froze in place, my hand halfway down my shirt, eyes wide.
"What are you doing here?" Rias demanded, half-angry, half-embarrassed.
Grayfia's gaze was calm but piercing. "I came because I was informed of your emotional instability, Rias-sama. And it seems I was right to be concerned."
"I—I'm fine!" Rias snapped. "This is none of your business!"
"On the contrary," Grayfia replied smoothly. "If you wish to risk your future out of desperation, at least do so with a clearer mind. Not here. Not now."
Rias looked down, her hands trembling slightly.
"…I just didn't want to be taken from without my will."
"I understand," Grayfia said gently, stepping closer. "But this isn't the answer."
Silence fell over the room.
"…I'll return to my room," Rias finally said, voice low.
The magic circle glowed again. In a moment, she was gone.
Grayfia turned to me. "Get some rest, Hyoudou Issei. You'll need it soon."
Then she too vanished, leaving only silence.
And a very confused me, still half-dressed.
"Ah, Fuck. "
~~~
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