Splashing water echoed through the bath.
Akeno lounged against the edge, eyes half-lidded in bliss. Tenra knelt beside her, carefully washing her skin with gentle, deliberate strokes.
"Ara ara, still sulking, Tenra?"
She caught his scowl—he'd been wearing it for half an hour now—and smiled.
"I'm not."
His voice was flat, face unreadable.
Akeno chuckled. She sat up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him—slow, deep, lingering.
"Still mad?"
She pulled back, grinning like she was soothing a stubborn child.
"Hmph. Don't think you can just kiss this away."
Tenra's mouth twitched. He turned away with a huff.
"Heartless Tenra. I saved you, you know."
She pouted, eyes big and wounded. The act worked—Tenra's irritation flared.
"Saved me? I would've been fine! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?!"
"You say that, but was I supposed to just watch you get hurt?"
"Yeah! I can handle myself!"
Akeno's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You were flailing, completely outmatched by Vali. I wanted to save you."
"Even if it's dangerous, that's my problem! I don't need Akeno rushing in!"
She shook her head, stubborn. "Saving you is my choice, not yours. You can't stop me!"
"You—!"
They went back and forth, voices rising, neither backing down. Tenra's face flushed with frustration. He wanted to flip a table. Too bad there was nothing to flip in the bath—he could only stew.
Annoyed, he turned away, hiding his expression.
He'd never feared a powerful enemy. Years of traveling, fighting, surviving—his heart was forged in fire.
But when Akeno collapsed into his arms, broken and bleeding—
He'd been terrified.
Silence settled, heavy and raw. Then, soft warmth pressed against his back—Akeno hugging him from behind.
"Akeno, even if you—"
"Tenra. Please. Don't take away this one right I have."
She cut him off, voice trembling.
"I know I'm weak. You're always protecting me. But I want to protect you, too. I want to help you. I'll work harder—get stronger—so please…"
Her voice broke.
"Please don't refuse me."
Tenra turned. Tears streaked her cheeks. The words he'd meant to say died in his throat.
He'd always been so domineering—always focused on protecting her, never stopping to think what she wanted.
"I'm sorry, Akeno…"
He brushed away her tears, voice gentle.
What kind of man lets the woman he loves cry?
"You don't need to apologize. I should be the one sorry. Always so stubborn, always acting tough when I'm really useless…"
She shook her head, voice thick with regret.
She knew her "heroic" act only made things harder for Tenra. But watching him in danger and doing nothing? She couldn't bear it. Even if it was foolish, she wanted to protect him.
Just once… please, just once.
Tenra felt something inside him soften. He sighed, then kissed her—hard, desperate, hungry.
"Mmm…"
They clung to each other, tasting tears and sweetness, as if they could fuse into one.
When they finally parted, breathless, they stared at each other—and burst out laughing.
Arguing over something so stupid. They really were idiots.
"I'll forgive you this time. But don't do it again."
He stroked her cheek.
"I'll do it every time, no matter what you say!"
She shook her head, eyes fierce.
This was the one thing she'd never compromise on.
"Just… don't be so reckless. I don't need Akeno as a meat shield."
So much for his tender mood. Tenra rolled his eyes.
"I-I was just panicking, okay?! Next time I'll use a smarter method!"
Her cheeks burned. Even she had to admit she'd been an idiot. She could've just cast a barrier in front of him, but no—she'd thrown herself in the way, making everyone worry.
Exasperated and amused, Tenra bumped his forehead against hers. Akeno melted into his arms. They savored the quiet, the warmth.
"Akeno, let's go on a date tomorrow."
He ran his fingers through her hair.
"A date?" She blinked, surprised.
"Yeah. We've never actually been on one, have we? Don't you want to try?"
"But… we have school…"
"Who cares? A date with you is way more important."
He grinned, eyes bright. "So, my princess—will you go out with me?"
Akeno's heart fluttered. She couldn't say no. Didn't want to.
"Mm!"
She nodded, accepting his invitation.
Their lips met again, sealing the promise.
—
Meanwhile, outside the bathroom—
"Thank goodness! Tenra-san and Akeno-san made up!"
"Tch. Made us worry for nothing. That jerk!"
Asia clasped her hands, beaming. Irina pouted, arms crossed, full tsundere.
"Tenra and Akeno are going on a date tomorrow. Has anyone here dated Tenra before?"
Xenovia's focus was razor-sharp—on dating, and nothing else. She glanced around.
"Heh, I've been on a date with Tenra."
Irina sniffed, chin up. "It wasn't anything special. Just running around, playing games—totally exhausting."
Her smugness was obvious.
The other girls sighed in envy. Xenovia tapped her chin, then turned to Rias.
"Rias, you've been on a date with Tenra, right? You're basically his main wife."
Panic flashed in Rias's eyes, but she recovered instantly.
"Of course I have. Pretty much like Irina said."
"I see…"
When Xenovia didn't press, Rias quietly breathed a sigh of relief. But inside, she was fuming.
She'd never gone on a date with Tenra.
They'd done everything else—things couples should and shouldn't do. Dating had seemed pointless. She'd never even thought about it. But now—
A romance without dates isn't complete! Damn you, Tenra. You owe me, and I'm collecting every last one!
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