"Rias, you all head to school. Tenra and I have a date to keep~"
Akeno clung to Tenra's arm, eyes sparkling with mischief.
She'd dressed with care—casual clothes, subtle makeup, every detail perfect. Even Rias had to admit Akeno looked stunning today.
Not that she'd ever say it aloud.
It's just a date. What's there to be smug about? Rias Gremory doesn't need that kind of thing!
"Hehe… Well, have fun, you two."
Rias forced a laugh, swallowing down the jealousy simmering in her chest.
No. She wasn't jealous. Not at all.
Tenra caught the sour mood instantly. He almost laughed. No need to worry—he'd shower Rias with attention tonight and she'd be all smiles again.
He waved Ravel and the others off to school, exchanged a few words with the girls, and then he and Akeno set off on their "date."
Truthfully, aside from the final step, they'd already done everything a couple could do. If normal dates were for building affection, Tenra and Akeno had maxed that out long ago.
For them, this wasn't about courting or impressing—it was about savoring precious time alone.
—
"Ara ara, Tenra~ You brought me here after our date… Don't tell me you're planning something naughty again?"
Akeno's voice was playful as she eyed the shrine. This place had become their secret hideout, a convenient excuse for "cleaning" that usually ended with them alone together.
In this supposedly sacred shrine, these two had done more than their share of "impure" things.
Tenra groaned. "Akeno, is that really all you think I want?"
Akeno blinked, feigning innocence. "Isn't it?"
He rolled his eyes. "I invited someone important here. I want you to meet them. They should already be inside."
She caught the shift in his tone and dropped the teasing, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Inside the shrine's reception room, a middle-aged man waited with his back to them.
Akeno froze. Just that silhouette was enough—her face went pale, body trembling.
"You…!"
The man turned. As expected—her father, Baraqiel.
"It's been a long time… Akeno."
—
"Akeno. Talk to him. For real this time."
Tenra watched her face twist with pain and resentment. His heart ached for her, but some things couldn't be avoided. He squeezed her shoulder gently, then stepped out to give them space.
He'd reached out to Baraqiel before the date. The Fallen Angel had been busy, but Tenra's message brought him running.
Ever since her mother's death, Akeno had hated her bloodline—hated her father. She couldn't accept the lightning that flowed through her veins.
It hadn't shown much before, but over time, her resentment was stunting her growth.
Gasper was evolving. Asia had awakened her Balance Breaker. Xenovia and Irina, wielders of Holy Swords, were now as strong—or stronger—than Akeno.
Even Koneko, after accepting her Nekomata heritage, had broken through her limits. Under Kuroka's guidance, she was mastering youjutsu and senjutsu at lightning speed.
Everyone was moving forward. But Akeno—the Queen—was stuck.
I hope this helps her break through…
Tenra leaned against a pillar outside, lost in thought.
If she couldn't accept herself, she'd never grow.
But Baraqiel alone wasn't enough. Sure enough, raised voices soon echoed from inside—
"My life is none of your business!"
"Akeno, as your father—"
"What father?! Where were you when Mother was killed?! Why didn't you come back in time?!"
"Get out! GET OUT!"
Moments later, Baraqiel came out, shoulders slumped. After all those years apart, their reunion ended in disaster. Even this battle-hardened man looked devastated.
Tenra shook his head. Father-in-law, you really are hopeless.
Still, seeing him so crushed, Tenra offered a quiet comfort.
"Go home for now, sir. I'll talk to Akeno."
Baraqiel nodded, hope flickering in his eyes, and left.
Once he was gone, Tenra returned to the reception room. Akeno sat curled in the corner, sobbing.
"I'm sorry, Akeno. I should've told you he was coming."
He pulled her into his arms.
"Why did you bring him here? Why make me remember all that pain?!"
"Because I want you to forgive him."
"But I can't! I hate him!"
"Akeno, how long are you going to keep running away?"
He raised his voice, eyes sharp and clear.
"Everyone suffered. But it wasn't your fault. It wasn't his fault, either. You know that better than anyone."
Akeno covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
Tenra was right. She'd always known it wasn't her fault. Not her father's fault. But she was weak—fragile. Her heart wasn't nearly as strong as she pretended. She couldn't accept her mother's death. If she didn't lash out, she'd break.
Just like Tenra said—she was weak and selfish.
"Uwaaaa—!"
She clung to Tenra, sobbing her heart out.
But Tenra smiled softly, holding her close, letting her pour out every last drop of pain.
When she finally quieted, Tenra leaned close to her ear—
"If you need strength, I'll be your strength. If you need courage, I'll be your courage."
"So don't chain yourself anymore, Akeno."
She trembled, eyes wide, tears still shining. Through all the pain, her face bloomed into a smile more beautiful than ever.
"Tenra… love me…"
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