"DXD: Multiverse Journey"Chapter 263: I'm Just Holding You—Promise I Won't Do Anything
Morning sunlight spilled across the city, painting the plaza in soft gold.
After making breakfast, Shuo slipped quietly out the door, anticipation warming his chest.
At the fountain's edge, a girl waited. Her golden ponytail gleamed in the light, and her crisp white uniform was immaculate. A satchel hung from her shoulder, her posture elegant and still.
Every passerby found their gaze drawn to her. Beautiful—no, stunning. That was the only word that came to mind.
But when her eyes lit up and she hurried to meet a young man, her smile—gentle and genuine—sent a chill through the crowd. In a single moment, every stranger's fantasy was dashed.
"Good morning, Shuo-kun."
"Good morning, Mayuri."
Shuo took her hand without hesitation, fingers fitting naturally between hers.
"Shuo-kun?" Mayuri's cheeks flushed as she caught the heat in his gaze, her eyes dipping shyly.
Shuo cleared his throat, putting on a righteous tone. "It's crowded today. Holding hands is a necessary precaution—wouldn't want you getting lost."
But the playful curve of his lips gave him away.
Mayuri pursed her lips, shooting him a mock glare. If only you could keep your hands to yourself, I might actually believe that excuse!
Still, she didn't pull away. Today, he belonged only to her.
"Have you decided where you want to go on our date, Mayuri?"
"Mm…" She smiled, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, then pointed toward a tall building in the distance.
Hand in hand, they made their way through the morning bustle. As they neared the building, the sounds of arcade games and laughter spilled out onto the street.
Shuo blinked in surprise. "An arcade? You want to come here?"
He couldn't hide his curiosity—this was the same place he'd brought Kaguya before. But Mayuri didn't seem like the type for noisy games; she always struck him as the refined, gentle sort.
Mayuri tilted her head, pink eyes shining. "Didn't you say this place was fun, Shuo-kun?"
The realization hit him all at once—and with it, a rush of affection. She'd remembered something so small, just to make him happy.
His heart softened. He found himself falling for her all over again.
They stepped inside together. The arcade was alive with students, young couples, and even a few older regulars.
"So, Mayuri, what do you want to try first?"
She hesitated, scanning the room—then her eyes lit up. She tugged at his sleeve, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Shuo-kun, that one! I want to try that!"
He followed her gaze to the corner—a photo booth, decked out in pastel colors.
"A photo booth, huh? You interested?"
Mayuri nodded. "Last time I came, it looked really fun."
"Well, it's a rare chance. Let's take one together."
The transformation was immediate—her usual graceful air gave way to the eager energy of a little girl. Shuo couldn't help but smile, warmth blooming in his chest.
"Mm." Mayuri nodded, cheeks pink.
Shuo gently guided her over. But as he moved to step inside, Mayuri suddenly grabbed his arm.
"Um, Shuo-kun… look at this."
He followed her finger to a sign taped to the booth, reading it aloud. "'No male users allowed'?"
Mayuri blinked, surprised. "That's kind of unfair, isn't it? Isn't that discrimination?"
Shuo shrugged. "I think they put it up after some creep got caught taking secret photos. But—" He pointed to the bottom of the sign. "'Couples OK.' See? We're fine."
Mayuri froze, realization dawning. "C-couples…?"
Her face went scarlet.
Shuo grinned, teasing. "You're adorable when you're shy, Mayuri. But don't worry—we really are a couple, after all."
"Y-you're such a liar! I only agreed to go on a date, not to be your girlfriend!"
Despite her protests, she ducked into the little booth, her ears burning red.
Shuo bit back a laugh. He'd never expected Mayuri to have such a tsundere side—so different from her usual composed self. It was, frankly, irresistible.
A stammered voice called from inside. "W-what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get in so we can finish!"
"Coming, coming."
Inside, the booth was even smaller than he remembered. A single chair sat in front of the display screen—barely enough for one person, let alone two.
Mayuri looked up at him, a little flustered. "Um… what do we do?"
Shuo's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Easy. I've got a solution."
Without warning, he scooped Mayuri up, settled onto the chair, and set her gently on his lap.
Mayuri squeaked, instinctively trying to wriggle free. "W-what are you doing?! Let me go!"
Shuo held her steady, arms snug around her waist. "Don't move."
She twisted to glare at him, cheeks blazing. "You pervert! Let go!"
"Not a chance. You're too soft and comfy to let go."
He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "Besides, I'm just holding you. I promise I won't do anything."
Mayuri's fists pounded his chest—light, harmless blows. "Idiot! Pervert, Shuo-kun!"
But after a few half-hearted punches, she went limp, face buried in her hands.
Shuo grinned, feigning innocence. "Come on, I said I'd behave. Just holding you, that's all."
"You… you liar!" Mayuri's voice was muffled, but he could feel her trembling—equal parts embarrassment and something warmer.
He chuckled, lowering his voice. "Hey, you can't blame me. It's just a natural reaction. After all, I spent all last night holding you and didn't do a thing. I've been very well-behaved, you know."
Mayuri peeked at him through her fingers, mortified—and maybe, just maybe, a little pleased.
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