The entire campus was buzzing after the cafeteria scandal.
Rumors swirled like wildfire.
"Is it true Az exposed Rael's secrets just by looking at him?"
"Did he really call out his secret boyfriend?"
"Where is Az from anyway? He's scary and hot!"
Az leaned against a shaded wall near the courtyard, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded with boredom as a group of students circled around him.
"So… was it real?" one girl asked shyly.
"You didn't really make all that stuff up… right?" another boy whispered.
Az didn't answer. He gave them only a smirk and a teasing hum. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Before anyone could press further, Bel appeared, his steps quiet but his presence loud.
"Az."
Az's lazy gaze lifted. "Big bro."
Bel's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "We talked about this. No unnecessary attention. You crossed a line."
Az scratched the back of his neck, looking… vaguely sheepish? "Come on, I didn't use magic or fire. Just a little truth bomb."
"You humiliated a human in public," Bel snapped. "We're not here to dominate—we're here to observe. Blend in. You're making it harder for us."
Az sighed and lifted both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. Sorry, Bel. You're right. You're the older one, I'll behave."
The students around them exchanged wide-eyed looks—stunned that the chaotic Az actually apologized.
A few feet away, Kei watched the two brothers.
And… smiled.
Not the annoyed, flustered kind.
A soft, amused smile.
Bel noticed first, blinking at Kei's expression. "Why are you smiling?" he asked, his tone half-suspicious, half-curious.
Kei tilted his head. "Nothing… you two just look so cute. Like actual brothers."
Bel's ears turned pink. "We are actual brothers."
"Yeah," Az added smugly, "but hearing 'cute' from you is new. Say it again~"
Kei rolled his eyes and turned to walk away. "Never mind. I'm going home."
"Wait, I'll walk you," Az immediately offered, stepping forward.
Bel scoffed. "No, I'll take him. You've caused enough trouble today."
"Oh? Are you saying I can't be trusted alone with him?" Az raised a brow.
"I'm saying he needs peace and you're the exact opposite."
The two glared at each other, tension rising.
But while they were busy arguing...
Kei was already gone.
"...Huh?" Az looked around. "Where'd he go?"
Bel narrowed his eyes, scanning the crowd—just in time to spot a bus pulling away from the front gate.
At the window, Kei waved casually.
Sitting beside him was a girl with a purple hair, headphones on, chewing gum lazily.
Akira.
Kei's cousin.
The bus disappeared around the corner.
Az blinked. "He ditched us."
Bel let out a sigh. "Smart move."
Az pouted. "I was going to offer to carry his bag…"
"You don't even go to the same direction."
Az grinned. "Didn't matter. I'd have followed him anyway."
Bel rolled his eyes but didn't say anything else.
Somehow… both demons stood in awkward silence as the breeze blew past, feeling just the slightest sting of rejection.
And somewhere on the bus, Kei leaned against the window, smirking to himself.
"I needed that break from those two."
Akira glanced at him. "Those two giving you trouble again?"
Kei nodded. "Every. Single. Day."