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Draconis's compliment drew a faint smile from Mai, her lips curving just enough to betray her mood.
"I'm not that cute," she insisted, almost reflexively.
"Which means you're extremely cute," Draconis shot back, without missing a beat.
Mai's mood visibly brightened, though she kept her composure, replying with a calm, almost teasing air.
"…You're honest. I appreciate that."
"So, is this you using my compliment as a roundabout way to praise yourself?"
"Wouldn't you be happy if I praised you?"
"Very happy."
"Then that's settled."
Mai's smile lingered, her steps lighter, her little bag bouncing at her side—a clear sign she was in good spirits.
A short walk later, the aquarium came into view.
"We're here," Draconis announced.
"Exciting, huh? What should a guy watch out for when he's on an aquarium date with a beautiful girl?" He grinned.
Mai fired back, deadpan: "Try bringing your brain, so nobody notices what an idiot you are."
"Ouch. Mai-san, that was harsh." Draconis replied, unfazed.
"Was it? Sorry," Mai said, her apology so airy it was almost playful.
Neither dwelled on it; they passed through the aquarium doors like nothing had happened.
Being Saturday, the place was packed.
Mai glanced around—no one seemed to notice her.
Draconis stepped up, positioning himself in front of her, subtly blocking the oncoming crowd that, oblivious to her presence, might have collided with her.
Mai's eyes softened as she watched him shield her.
Funny, the only person who could still see her was someone claiming to be a devil.
"Nothing unusual happening," Draconis muttered, scanning for clues and coming up empty.
Mai, less disappointed, shrugged. "Didn't expect much anyway."
"Let's at least ask around," Draconis suggested.
"Fine, but Draconis…" Mai's gaze lingered on him, her tone slowing. "Why are you helping me? Is it just because of that contract?"
"For now, yeah. That's the reason."
"I don't really get it. Wouldn't it be easier to find someone else?"
"Can't be helped—you're the only one infatuated with me right now." Draconis gave her a look so full of mock affection it bordered on melodrama.
Mai turned away, feigning disgust. "Gross. Now I don't want to sign any contract at all."
Draconis was quick to surrender. "I was wrong, Mai-sama."
"Just drop me when you find someone else to contract with," she said, casual and distant—as if it didn't matter.
But Draconis heard the tension beneath her words.
He glanced at her, reading the anxiety she tried to hide.
She was scared—scared that once he found someone else, he'd abandon her for real.
Pretending not to care was just her armor.
Draconis kept these observations to himself, answering lightly, "No way. I won't give up on any potential contract, and I've already started trying—quitting halfway isn't my style."
Mai went quiet, but beneath the silence, she felt a flicker of hope.
After all, Draconis was the only person left who could see her.
She was terrified—terrified that even he might give up, leaving her completely alone in the world.
Moved, but hiding it, she replied with practiced calm:
"Suit yourself. Just don't blame me when things get complicated."
"Don't worry about me—I'm fired up." Draconis said, glancing at Mai with a knowing smile.
He started stopping aquarium visitors, asking each if they could see Mai Sakurajima.
As expected, the answer was always no.
Just months ago, Mai had been a household name—finding someone who didn't recognize her would've been impossible. Now, she stood right in front of everyone, and not a soul noticed.
Mai could only stand quietly by, watching Draconis work. Each time he approached a new person, her eyes filled with hope—only for disappointment to follow, again and again.
Time slipped by; the morning vanished in a blur.
Draconis barely glanced at the aquarium's displays, too focused on helping her. Seeing him hustle on her behalf, Mai felt a pang of guilt.
"Let's call it. No point wasting energy here," she said, taking the initiative to quit.
"Yeah… Looks like this wasn't the right place." Draconis sighed, regretful.
"It's fine. You've done more than enough. I'm okay with signing the contract," Mai said, smiling.
Draconis blinked, then chuckled.
"I'd love to accept, but I promised I'd solve your problem first—I can't go back on that. Don't give up so soon."
He stretched, then added, "Worst case, I'll always be able to see you. So don't worry."
Maybe that comfort helped—Mai did feel a little better.
"You're right."
"It's getting late. Let's head out."
Mai glanced around the aquarium she'd visited twice now, never really seeing it. She shook her head, resigned, and followed Draconis outside.
"So, if it's not your agency or the place where you first noticed the symptoms, it's got to be somewhere you spend your daily life, right?" Draconis mused. "Either near your house, or at school… By the way, Mai-san, what about your family?"
Surely her family would remember her, right?
But as soon as he finished, Draconis saw Mai's expression freeze, a visible shift.
"We'll check those places later…" she said after a pause, dodging the question.
"Hm? Still early, isn't it?" Draconis knowingly pressed.
"I said, later."
Mai's tone was edged, final—no room for argument.
Draconis studied her for a moment, saw the shadow in her eyes, then shrugged.
"Alright."
He didn't push. It was obvious Mai had her own struggles.
Thinking back, she'd always steered the conversation away from family.
Maybe things were rough at home.
…
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