The walk to the church was interrupted by a sudden, unmistakable sound—Asia's stomach gave a plaintive growl. Instantly, her cheeks flushed a deep pink. She drew in a breath, eyes wide and embarrassed, then managed a sheepish smile in Shuo's direction.
"Sorry, I forgot you haven't eaten yet." Shuo grinned, his tone warm and teasing. "Asia-chan, there's still plenty of time. Why don't you come to my place for a meal and a little rest? I'll take you to the church this evening."
Asia hesitated only a moment. Her trusting nature was almost disarming. She nodded, voice soft. "Sorry to trouble you, Shuo-san. Thank you so much."
Ah, this girl… Shuo couldn't help but think. She's almost too good for this world—so easy to trick. If I really were a villain, I could have lured her into bed a hundred times over. But that innocence is exactly what makes her so irresistible.
Shuo carried her suitcase in one hand, gently holding her small, delicate hand with the other. Asia blushed furiously at the unexpected contact, but didn't pull away. If anything, she seemed quietly pleased. Soon, they arrived at his home.
"Asia, make yourself comfortable in the living room. You can rest, or watch some TV if you'd like. I'll whip up dinner in no time," Shuo called out as he set her suitcase aside.
"Shuo-san, I can help!" Asia offered, eager to be useful.
He chuckled, waving her off. "Don't worry about it. Just relax and let me handle things. Tonight, you'll get to try some authentic Chinese cooking."
Asia sat down, a little flustered but obedient, folding her hands in her lap as she waited.
Soon, the two of them sat across from each other at the table. Two bowls of rice, several steaming plates of Chinese dishes—most of them unfamiliar to Asia—filled the space between them.
"You probably haven't had much Eastern food, growing up in Europe. Go on, give it a try!" Shuo encouraged.
Asia nodded, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Thank you for the meal!" She picked up her bowl, but immediately fumbled with the chopsticks, her fingers clumsy and uncertain. She looked to Shuo for help, cheeks reddening in embarrassment.
Shuo smiled and demonstrated, patiently guiding her fingers until she managed a wobbly grip. Most of the meal, though, ended up with him feeding her directly—something neither of them seemed to mind.
"That was wonderful, Shuo-san. Thank you! This meal was better than any I've ever had," Asia said sincerely, her face glowing with happiness.
"No need to be so formal. You're welcome at my home anytime." Shuo reached over and gently brushed away a stray grain of rice from the corner of her lips.
The simple gesture sent a shockwave through Asia—her face went crimson, heart thundering in her chest. She looked down, unable to meet his gaze, but she didn't move away.
"Ready for dessert? How about some ice cream?" Shuo pulled a tub of creamy vanilla from the freezer and handed her a bowl.
"Th-thank you, Shuo-san." Asia accepted it with both hands, her voice barely above a whisper.
She took a tentative lick, her tongue brushing the ice cream's surface. The sweet, creamy flavor made her eyes go wide with delight. She leaned in, lips brushing the ice cream, making soft, contented sounds as she savored each bite. Her delicate tongue traced slow circles, and for a moment, Shuo was struck by how enchanting she looked—pure innocence tinged with something almost forbidden. The contrast of saintly habit and childlike delight was nearly too much.
He hadn't expected a simple dessert to reveal such an adorably seductive side of her. It was almost comical how his mind spun between admiration and a pang of guilt.
But beneath it all, what he felt most was sympathy. For Asia, even a small treat like ice cream was an adventure—something to be cherished, a rare happiness. It made Shuo's heart ache for her.
Suddenly, Asia gave a tiny gasp. A bit of melted ice cream had dripped onto her dress.
"Oh… Shuo-san, what a waste…" she murmured, looking down at the spot with regret.
Shuo shook his head, smiling as he produced a handkerchief and gently dabbed away the mess. The color in Asia's cheeks deepened, but she didn't protest—her gaze flickered shyly, and she kept her hands folded in her lap.
"There's plenty more in the fridge. No need to rush," Shuo reassured her.
"I understand. Thank you, Shuo-san!" Asia ducked her head and began eating in bigger, more enthusiastic bites.
Watching her, Shuo couldn't help but reach out and pat her head, almost without thinking.
"Ah! Shuo-san?" Asia looked up, startled, her eyes round and uncertain.
"Sorry—guess I got a little carried away. You're just too cute, Asia. It's hard not to want to spoil you," Shuo said, his voice gentle.
"Me? Cute…?" Asia pressed a hand to her chest, repeating the word as if she couldn't quite believe it. There was confusion in her eyes, but also a flicker of hope.
"Of course. Those emerald eyes, that golden hair, your fair skin and rosy lips… you're adorable, Asia. Anyone would fall for you," Shuo said, resting his chin on his hands, his gaze warm.
Asia's face turned bright red, a shy happiness blooming there. For the first time, someone was calling her cute—not just showing her respect as a saint, or fear as a supposed witch, but seeing her for who she was.
"Asia-chan, once you finish your ice cream, I'll take you to the church," Shuo said after a pause.
"Mm!" Asia nodded, but her smile faded, and her eyes grew distant.
First day in Kuoh Town, and already she'd met someone this kind… Could she really hope for happiness? Part of her wanted this gentle moment to last forever. But her heart knew better—her identity, her past, made that impossible.
She'd joined the Fallen Angels hoping to keep using her Sacred Gear to save others, but she knew, deep down, they only saw her as a tool. Even so, she couldn't bring herself to hate them.
Shuo watched her expression fall, the light dimming in her eyes. He understood—she didn't really want to go to the church. After a moment's thought, he decided: it was time to tell her the truth.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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