Draconis blinked, genuinely confused. Hadn't they just said "no bathing together"? So why were all four girls suddenly lined up behind him, looking far too amused for his comfort?
Rias rolled her eyes at his innocent expression. "You're one to talk. You turned the hot spring into a cauldron. How are we supposed to soak in that?"
"…Ah." Only now did Draconis notice the water was nearly boiling. He'd gotten so caught up in channeling magic, he'd pumped out enough energy to spike the temperature. With nowhere else for it to go, the heat had flooded the pool.
"Sorry. Got a little carried away," he admitted. Honestly, sitting in near-boiling water didn't bother him—after all, compared to the pain of training, this was nothing.
Rias and the others didn't hold it against him. Seeing he was fine, they relaxed.
"The water by the outlet's still normal. Let's soak there," Rias suggested, leading the way. She slipped into the gentler waters with a contented sigh.
Akeno followed, shooting Draconis a playful smile. "Pardon the intrusion," she said, settling in.
Draconis watched as the girls passed by, each body catching his eye in turn. Rias and Asia—he knew them well by now. But Akeno and Koneko… those were new sights, and he couldn't help but be curious.
Koneko, passing in front of him, caught his gaze and shot him a glare. "Keep staring and I'll hit you."
He grinned. "Not looking would be tough. Should I leave?"
Koneko didn't answer, but her silence was answer enough—she wasn't actually asking him to go. She was fine with him staying.
Rias settled near the edge, her pale shoulders glistening above the water, fire-red hair gathered in her hand. She waved him over. "Draconis, help me put my hair up?"
"Sure." He stood, feeling the weight of several gazes sweep over him. Rias was used to it; Asia blushed furiously, pure and innocent as ever. Akeno's eyes twinkled with sly amusement. Koneko just clicked her tongue. "Pervert."
Draconis shrugged. "It's a natural reaction, you know."
He sat behind Rias, perching on a smooth stone, and gently gathered her hair, twisting it into a neat bun.
"Come sit with me," Rias said, patting the spot between herself and Akeno.
Draconis slid in, perfectly calm, shoulders brushing theirs. Rias, hair pinned up, was radiant—her skin flushed from the heat, collarbones catching the light. Sensing his gaze, she straightened her back, drawing his attention exactly where she wanted it. This was, after all, her proudest feature.
"Hehe, Draconis, want me to scrub your back?" Akeno asked, voice honey-sweet.
"Absolutely. Looking forward to it." He smiled, settling in. Across the pool, Koneko snorted again, convinced Draconis was just like every other guy—only interested in girls with curves.
Akeno knelt behind him, soft towel in hand, her movements gentle and precise. Draconis closed his eyes, savoring the sensation.
"How's that?" she asked, her breath warm against his ear.
"Feels amazing," he murmured, eyes half-shut. "If only I had a drink, this would be perfect."
Koneko piped up, "Getting a bit greedy, aren't you?"
Draconis just laughed. "Can't blame me. This doesn't happen every day."
Asia perked up. "There's sake in the cabinet! I'll get it for you!"
Rias groaned, half exasperated, half amused. "Asia, you spoil him."
"N-no I don't…" Asia stammered, cheeks flaming, as she hurried off. She returned with several cups, hands full, only to slip—feet flying out from under her.
Sake splashed everywhere, dousing Draconis's face. Asia tumbled into the pool with a splash.
Draconis reacted instantly, catching her in his arms. Asia's eyes went wide—then her face turned even redder.
"S-sorry…"
Draconis shook his head, unable to hide his smile. "Be careful next time."
"I was careful! That's why I slipped…" Asia puffed her cheeks, but couldn't help smiling as she realized she was still in his arms.
Rias coughed, teasing. "Asia, how long are you planning to stay like that?"
"Ah—!" Asia scrambled upright, flustered, not sure where to look.
Suddenly, Akeno slipped her arms around Draconis's neck from behind, her warm body pressing close as she licked sake from his cheek.
"Ara ara, such a waste. Good sake, all gone."
"Hey! Akeno!" Rias and Asia both spluttered, completely thrown off.
Draconis found himself sandwiched between Akeno's "ultimate weapons," momentarily stunned. Her breath was hot against his ear, sending prickles down his neck.
He sighed, half amused, half helpless. "Akeno, quit teasing me."
She just smiled, still holding him. "Oh? Don't you like it?"
Rias's eyes flashed with jealousy. "Akeno, don't push it."
Akeno laughed, pulling Draconis back into the water. "Rias, you're so worked up. Do you like Draconis that much?"
She winked at Draconis. "I like him too, you know. Mind lending him for a bit?"
Rias snorted. "Is that what you call liking? You just want to mess with him."
Akeno's smile turned sly. "Not at all. Draconis is just… too lovable. Who wouldn't be a little tempted?"
She refused to let go, and Draconis could only lie back against her, feeling very much like a favorite toy.
…
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