After walking Asada Shino home like usual, Hayashi Maki and Shiina Mahiru also headed back to their apartments.
As for Megumi Kato, with her passive "stealth" aura, she didn't need anyone to see her home—so she went by herself.
At her door, Mahiru hesitated. Remembering last night's insomnia, she felt tempted to sleep beside Hayashi Maki. But asking that outright felt shameless. Her modesty won.
"I'm going back, Maki-kun."
Blushing, she practically fled into her room.
There was still another chance to see him—dinnertime.
Before long, Mahiru finished making dinner and rang Hayashi Maki's bell. He opened the door to find the shy blonde beauty holding out a bento. He scooped her up.
"Maki-kun… I'm just dropping off your dinner. Eat first, okay?"
Seeing her nervous face, he laughed.
"Alright—once I've refueled, I'll make sure my Mahiru is happy."
"Ugh—don't say stuff like that…"
He still didn't put her down, settling her on his lap. "Mahiru, I'm feeling lazy. Will you feed me?"
"You're not a child… honestly."
Grumbling, she still opened the box and cheerfully fed him. When they were done, she even unscrewed a bottle of water and held it for him to drink.
Maki wiped his mouth, grinning. "My angel, the big bad wolf is full. So… what happens next?"
Mahiru shut her eyes and hugged his waist. "Idiot—don't make me answer that. And I'm not an angel…"
"In my eyes you are—an angel who belongs only to me," he said seriously. Mahiru was the first girl he'd fallen for in this world—the one who calmed him.
"Alright, time doesn't wait for us. Mahiru, can I be a little bad next?"
"You're bad enough already. What more do you want?"
…
Before long, Mahiru was asleep in his arms—deeply, unlike the tossing and turning last night. Maki kissed her forehead; then, by instinct, his body turned into black mist and slipped out of the room.
That was a demon's instinct—turning into magic. Using his wish-hearing ability, he could instantly lock onto someone with whom he'd made a preliminary pact and appear by their side.
The one he'd made that oral pact with was Yukinoshita Haruno.
He couldn't bear to leave his angel sleepless, so he chose to make Mahiru happy first, then go meet Haruno. He knew it was selfish—but to grow stronger, he had to increase his followers and share their abilities.
"Behind every successful man stands a great woman," he thought. "And if there's a group of excellent women behind him? That's practically invincible."
…
At Yukinoshita Haruno's place
Tonight Haruno wore a white dress. Against her refined features and slender waist, she looked stunning—any man would stare.
She was nervous. Who knew what a demon's aesthetic was like? But thinking of her sister firmed her resolve. As long as Yukino could recover, any price was worth it. Prayers hadn't worked; only a demon's power remained.
[Are you ready, Haruno-san? I'm going to appear.]
"Yes. I'm ready!" she said, clenching her fists.
"As you wish."
Black mist gathered; a figure took shape before her. Seeing his face, Haruno gasped. "It's you—the unlucky guy!"
Maki's face darkened. "Who are you calling unlucky? If anyone's unlucky, it's your sister. I'm out of the hospital; she's still bedridden. And—show some respect when you speak to a demon."
He moved closer. Haruno smoothed over her surprise and gave a flawless smile. "My apologies, Demon-sama. I misspoke."
He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Her heartbeat quickened; panic flickered in her eyes. He didn't soften—he was here as a demon to fulfill a wish and, yes, to make her his follower.
He sat on the bed with Haruno on his lap, tipped her chin up so their eyes met, and smirked. "Having second thoughts? There's still time. I'm a demon—and a man. Do you know how attractive you are to a normal man?"
Oddly, that relaxed her. She looped her arms around his neck and teased, "No regrets. You're handsome for a demon—doesn't feel like I'm losing out. But before I entrust myself to you, answer me: can you really cure my sister?"
Maki nodded, solemn. "Yes. I may be a demon, but I won't lie to a girl like you. And your sister is too precious to lie in limbo, isn't she?"
Haruno's heart lurched. She suddenly felt she'd been outmaneuvered—was he eyeing Yukino too?
Before she could speak, he leaned down and kissed her.
~~~
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