Devil... scent?
Hitori stared, baffled, unsure what to make of Makima's words.
Because of course she wasn't a devil. She had human parents who raised her with love. She was a perfectly normal girl, aside from the fact that she was terrible at talking to people.
So why would Makima say she smelled like a devil?
Wait... could it be Pochita?
The realization hit her all at once.
She was still carrying Pochita on her back, and they'd already been living together for a few days now.
It made total sense that Makima, with her sharp sense of smell, would catch Pochita's scent lingering on her.
"I really... I really wasn't the one who..." Hitori tried again to deny it, but Makima's fingers brushing gently through her hair threw her off completely.
Makima continued, "Chainsaw-sama, my admiration for you is genuine. No lies, no pretense."
"In Hell, there are only two kinds of devils. Those who fear you, and those who worship you."
"Devils are simple creatures. Power is everything."
"Nearly every devil has fallen to you at some point. Eighty percent of them have been torn apart and devoured by you, their flesh and blood fused into your own."
"I too... sincerely wish to become one with you."
As she spoke, Makima ran a hand through Hitori's hair and lifted her chin gently with the other.
Their eyes locked. Their faces were mere centimeters apart.
Hitori was about to short-circuit from panic.
What is this woman even talking about?!
"Chainsaw-sama, would you grant a humble fan a small wish?" Makima's voice was soft, even reverent. "If I could be by your side... I would do anything."
"I... I..."
I'm not the Chainsaw Devil.
The words sat heavy on Hitori's tongue, but she just couldn't push them out.
She couldn't say it.
What social disaster had she ever faced that came even close to this?
Being idolized by someone? Sure, she'd seen stuff like that online.
But someone saying it in real life, up close, right in her face? It completely fried her brain.
After a long pause, all she could muster was, "At least... stop calling me Chainsaw-sama."
"Then what should I call you?" Makima asked, curious.
"Whatever you want... just, please don't talk to me like that. I'm really not used to it."
"Then... Bocchi-chan?"
"...Okay."
Hearing that nickname, which a few others had already used, didn't really bother her.
Makima went quiet for a moment, then gave a soft smile.
"So that means... you're okay with me staying by your side?"
"I-I guess so..." Hitori mumbled.
Somehow, things had already gotten to this point.
She had no idea how to explain it anymore and just let the misunderstanding roll on.
Even though she knew this could spiral into an even bigger mess... she still couldn't bring herself to tell the truth.
Makima was just too kind, too calm, and carried this strange, soothing warmth.
But what if she changed the moment the truth came out?
Just imagining that was enough to make Hitori freeze.
"I want to stay with you forever, Bocchi-chan," Makima said.
"Wait... but this is..."
"I understand. I'm an outsider. I have no reason to live in your home."
Makima's tactful response finally made Hitori exhale in relief.
Because honestly, if Makima had insisted on moving in, she had no idea how to refuse.
"Then how about you come live with me?" Makima asked.
"Huh?"
Makima explained, "I work for Public Safety. I run a special operations division."
"Technically, the official name is Special Division 4 for Anti-Devil Operations. But since devils are still a secret to the general public, we keep a low profile."
"This might sound pushy... but I want you to come work with me. If we could be together like that, it would mean the world to me."
"Would you consider it?"
Hitori said nothing.
No way. Absolutely not.
She didn't even want to keep working at the live house. Let alone join Public Safety or some devil-fighting division.
That sounded like the worst job ever.
"If you're quiet, I'll take that as a yes," Makima added brightly.
"Wait, no, I didn't mean..."
"That's wonderful!"
Makima's smile widened, clearly overjoyed.
Seeing her so happy, Hitori felt all her objections shrink back down into her stomach.
"Ah, right. I should talk with your family too," Makima said.
She finally released Hitori and held out her hand.
"Chainsaw-sama... no, Bocchi-chan. Shall we go?"
"Uh... okay..."
Hitori reached out reluctantly. Makima didn't wait, just took her hand and led her out of the room.
Hitori looked like she was on the verge of tears.
This woman says she adores me, but she's handling me in a way I can't possibly deal with. She's way too sneaky!
Downstairs in the living room, Hitori's mom blinked in surprise when she saw them hand-in-hand.
When Makima arrived earlier, she'd been so serious. Now, after just one conversation, she and Hitori were practically holding hands like best friends?
"Miss Gotoh, I have something to discuss with you," Makima said with a gentle smile. "I'd like to bring Ichika under my wing, with your approval."
"Huh?" Hitori's mom blinked. "You mean... she'd be joining Public Safety?"
"Yes."
"I don't think that's a good idea. Ichika's only fifteen. And I don't see what kind of work she could even do in Public Safety."
"Miss Gotoh, I wouldn't be making this request if I hadn't seen her potential."
"Still, I really think this isn't the right fit for her."
Makima locked eyes with her and said with quiet intensity, "Oh, it's more than the right fit. Miss Gotoh... please, say you'll entrust your daughter to me."
Hitori's mom blinked again, then frowned.
She shook her head and said flatly, "Sorry, but that doesn't convince me."
Makima fell silent.
Hitori could see it Makima looked genuinely thrown off.
Like she hadn't even considered that line might not work.
Did she really think that would be enough to win my mom over? Where does she get that kind of confidence?
Makima forced a small smile and said, "Very well. In that case, I'll have to do things differently."
She reached into her coat pocket, as if preparing to pull something out.