Chapter 69: Chapter 57. The Kitten's Hidden Smile
Inside the cold, metallic confines of the spaceship's command bridge, an alien with an unusually elongated head and shimmering, obsidian skin stood rigid, his expression a mixture of fear and desperation. The dim lighting emphasized the deep lines etched on his face as he gazed at the massive screen before him.
On the screen, a towering figure shrouded in shadows loomed, its presence exuding an aura of power and malice. Glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness, locking onto the trembling alien.
"You say... you failed to conquer that insignificant, backwater planet?" The voice was deep, resonating with menace. "There is a limit to failure, Mephilas."
Mephilas swallowed hard, his sharp teeth clicking together nervously. "My lord... we were unprepared. The planet was... protected."
The figure leaned forward slightly, its shadow expanding across the bridge as if reaching out to strangle Mephilas. "Protected by what?"
Mephilas hesitated, his throat dry. "By... Ultraman... and demonic creatures whose strength is equal to him. We underestimated their resistance." His voice wavered, but he pressed on. "Grant me one more chance, my lord. I swear, on my life, that I will return with their heads as trophies to present at your feet!"
The shadowed figure was silent for a long moment, the tension in the room thick enough to choke on. Then it spoke, its tone colder than the void of space.
"Indeed?" The single word dripped with skepticism, making Mephilas shrink further into himself. "You are fortunate, Mephilas. I am a being of patience, but even patience has its limits." The eyes flared brighter. "This is your final chance. Succeed, and you will rise above the failures that stain your name. Fail..."
The figure leaned impossibly close, as if it could step through the screen. "...and you will face my Eternal Wrath. Your screams will echo across the stars for eons to come."
Mephilas dropped to one knee, his fists clenched tightly against the cold floor. "Yes, my lord! I will not fail again!"
The screen went dark, leaving the alien alone with the hum of the ship's engines and the weight of his own dread. Rising unsteadily, he muttered to himself, "Ultraman... demonic creatures... no matter who or what you are, I will crush you."
•
After completing their mission, Satria and Naruto made their way back to Alessa City.
Naruto, true to his ninja roots, reverted to his human form and blended seamlessly into the shadows. Satria, however, strode confidently forward, unaffected by the need for stealth.
As Satria entered the ruined city, his heart sank at the sight of destruction. Crumbled buildings, shattered streets, and despair etched on the faces of the citizens—it was a scene of tragedy. But Satria was no ordinary hero.
Planting his feet firmly on the ground, he raised his hands, summoning the shimmering power of Miracle Realize. A soft, golden light enveloped the entire city like a warm embrace. In mere seconds, buildings repaired themselves, streets restored to their former glory, and the city stood tall once again.
Next, he channeled Cosmo's Force, releasing a radiant beam that swept through the area. The brilliant light healed wounds, cured diseases, and even lifted curses. The air grew lighter, and cries of pain were replaced by sighs of relief and joy.
Satria surveyed his work with satisfaction. "That should do it... Ah, wait." He turned to spot the beast-man who had tried to rob him earlier. The creature, caught in the wave of healing, was trying to sneak away unnoticed.
With a flick of his fingers, Satria used telekinesis to halt the would-be robber mid-stride. "Not so fast, buddy."
The beast-man flailed helplessly in the air. "No, no! Please, no more! I've had enough!"
Satria smirked. "You'll make a perfect mascot." With another gesture, the beast-man's form stiffened, transforming into a statue. The stone figure struck an unintentionally comical pose, now forever part of the city's decor.
"Why... why only me?!" the beast-man wailed dramatically before the magic fully took hold.
The citizens, now witnessing Satria's miracles, began to gather around the gigantic figure of their savior. Slowly, they knelt in reverence.
"God of Light! Thank you for saving our city!"
"God of Light... are you the one who cured my daughter's illness?"
"What can we do to repay your kindness, oh Divine One?"
Satria raised his hand, his expression calm yet commanding. "Enough. Helping those in need is my duty. Seeing you all safe and sound is reward enough for me." His voice was soothing, yet carried the weight of authority. "And please, I'm not a god. Just someone... passing through."
The crowd murmured in disbelief.
"Liar! Only a god could do what you just did!"
"Stop being humble! You're obviously divine!"
The people, overwhelmed by gratitude and awe, began to cry tears of joy. Some even attempted to kneel lower than the ground would allow.
One particularly enthusiastic villager stepped forward. "Great God of Light! Surely, you desire some form of offering! A sacrifice, perhaps? What can we give to appease you?"
Satria froze for a moment, sweat dripping down his brow. "Why are medieval folks always obsessed with sacrifices?" he thought, suppressing a sigh.
"No need for that," he replied diplomatically, waving a hand.
The crowd erupted into cheers and praises, their faith in the "God of Light" unshaken. Satria, meanwhile, scratched the back of his head, trying to maintain his composure.
Your devotion is appreciated, but seeing you all well and happy is more than enough," he said with a tone that exuded warmth and sincerity. "As a token of my appreciation, I will grant you a gift—one that will bring hope and prosperity to this city."
With a dramatic flourish, Satria raised his hand, and a brilliant light descended from the heavens. In an instant, a beautifully crafted magical well appeared in the park, adorned with intricate carvings that glowed faintly.
"This well," Satria declared, gesturing grandly, "is no ordinary well. It has the power to heal any disease, smooth your love story, increase your luck, and even grant you power—if you offer your treasures and pray with all your heart depending on your beliefs." His voice boomed with authority, though his inner thoughts betrayed him: Yeah, some of that is complete nonsense, but they'll believe it.
The crowd erupted in gasps and murmurs of awe, their eyes fixed on the miraculous creation.
"I entrust this gift to you," Satria continued, his tone solemn. "Take care of it, and let it be a symbol of hope for generations to come."
Deep beneath the glowing facade of the well, things were far less holy. Satria's clone was orchestrating a far shadier operation, accompanied by Naruto and Fran.
Naruto crouched low, forming a complicated magic circle glowing faintly with mana. "Why are we even doing this?!" he hissed, sweat beading on his brow as the circle connected to Fran's inventory.
Satria's clone waved a hand dismissively, a mischievous grin on his face. "Less talking, more working, dobe. Hurry up before my original finishes his 'remarkable' speech."
Fran shifted uncomfortably, her golden eyes darting between the two. "This... this feels wrong," she thought, guilt gnawing at her. But when she looked at Satria's clone, who gave her an earnest puppy-dog look, her resolve melted. He's doing this for me... I can't say no.
Meanwhile, Bobon—hiding in the corner—watched the scene with wide, disbelieving eyes. "That blue giant up there... is you?" he whispered harshly, pointing at the clone. "A shady guy like you pulling off an aura like saint? What is wrong with this world?!"
Satria's clone shot him a smug grin. "Some people call it deception. I call it theater."
The crowd stared in awe at the well, their faith in Satria unwavering. One brave villager stepped forward, tears streaming down his face.
"We... we are eternally grateful, my lord! No god has ever been as benevolent and approachable as you!"
Satria gave a solemn nod, the golden light surrounding him shimmering like a star. "Then it is time for me to bid you farewell. Remember, I am always watching over this city. Do not harm one another, and let peace reign among you."
With that, Satria's form dissolved into golden particles, scattering into the sky like a divine blessing.
The townspeople erupted into cheers, their hearts full of gratitude. They marked this day as a sacred festival in Alessa City, vowing to honor the God of Light's legacy.
As soon as Satria vanished, the citizens wasted no time rushing to the well, tossing their treasures inside with fervent prayers. Jewels, grimoire, gold, and even trinkets clattered down, their owners shouting wishes for health, love, and power.
Deep within the well, Naruto dodged a falling gem and groaned. "They're throwing more in! We're gonna get buried!"
Satria's clone chuckled as he inspected a particularly shiny gold necklace. "Relax, dobe. This is our treasure trove now. They think they're making divine offerings, but really..." He smirked. "They're just funding our next adventure."
Fran sighed, adjusting her inventory to accommodate the influx of goods. "This feels so wrong," she murmured.
"Think of it as charity," Satria's clone said with a wink. "Besides, they're happy, we're happy—it's a win-win!"
Bobon, still hiding nearby, facepalmed. "A God? More like a con artist. This world's sense of justice is so broken."
As the villagers continued their offerings, blissfully unaware of the mischief below, the trio inside the well prepared for their next move.
•
The group made their way to the guild master's office after finishing their tasks. The air was lighthearted, with an undercurrent of anticipation for what was to come.
As they entered, Naruto bowed slightly. "Clint-san, sorry to keep you waiting."
The guild master, a stout man with a kind yet commanding presence, waved a hand dismissively. "No need to apologize, Patrol-san... or perhaps I should say Patronus-sama." His voice was filled with gratitude. "You and your companions have done more than enough to protect our city from disaster."
Clint gestured to an attendant who entered the office carrying several items wrapped in velvet. "We've prepared a special reward for you all. I'm not sure if these will match your incredible skills, but please accept them as a token of our gratitude."
The attendant carefully placed the rewards on the table:
• 9,000,000 Gold Coins
• An Advanced Magic Book
• Black Dragon Armor (Male and Female sets)
• A Black Dragon Dagger
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the dazzling array. "That's... generous."
Satria, however, was already eyeing the Black Dragon Armor with a gleam in his eye. Without hesitation, he grabbed the male armor. "I'll take this. Hey, dobe, you don't need this, right?"
Naruto sighed, his arms crossed. "What would a ninja like me do with knight armor? Go ahead."
"Yes!" Satria beamed, immediately donning the Black Dragon Armor. He turned to Fran with an eager grin. "Fran, look! We have matching outfits now!" He spun dramatically. "How do I look?"
Fran's face turned crimson, her heart skipping a beat. Couple outfits? she thought, her mind racing. "Ye-Yes... You look good, Satria," she stammered with a nervous smile.
Bobon nodded in approval as he examined the armor stats. "The Dragon Armor has impressive defense and boosts. Fran, you should wear the female set later. It'll help in battle."
Fran, still flustered, nodded quickly. "O-Okay."
Clint watched the interaction with an amused smile before clearing his throat. "What do you plan to do next? If you'd like, I can arrange for a permanent residence in Alessa. You're more than welcome to stay here."
Satria shook his head with a kind smile. "Thank you, brother, but we must refuse. We want to explore this world more. There's still so much to see."
Clint sighed, a hint of regret in his tone. "A shame, but understandable. My offer will always stand if you change your mind." He reached for a badge from his desk and handed it to Satria. "Now, onto another matter. I'm raising your rank to S-Rank for both you and Patronus."
Fran's eyes widened in surprise as Clint turned to her next. "And you, Fran, are now B-Rank. Congratulations to all three of you."
The group exchanged looks of excitement and gratitude.
"Thank you," Satria said with a respectful nod.
"Just make sure to keep making waves," Clint added with a chuckle. "This city will always be proud to have had heroes like you."
As the group left the office, Satria couldn't resist one more twirl in his new armor, the gleaming black plates catching the sunlight. "Matching outfits and new ranks. Fran, this is a good day, don't you think?"
Fran smiled softly, still a little red. "Y-Yeah. A very good day."
•
As the time to part ways drew near, Satria turned to Fran, his expression serious yet gentle. "So, Fran... you're sure you want to stay in this world?" he asked, his voice carrying both concern and understanding.
Fran nodded firmly, determination shining in her golden eyes. "Yes. I want to grow stronger and learn more about my world. When I've achieved my goals, I'll come find you. I'll stay by your side, Satria."
Satria smiled warmly, admiration clear in his expression. "You're always welcome, Fran. After all, nothing is stronger than family."
Fran couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, tears spilling down her cheeks. Satria, touched by her sincerity, knelt down and returned the hug, holding her close.
As they embraced, Satria spoke softly, his voice full of reassurance. "You've got a good heart, Fran. I know you'll achieve great things here."
Fran's voice wavered as she spoke through her tears. "I... I never thought I'd have a family again. Thank you for being in my life."
She tightened her grip, pouring all her gratitude into the hug. To Fran, Satria wasn't just a companion—he was the first person who truly cared for her and treated her like family.
Naruto watched the touching scene with a warm smile. "Hey, Fran-chan," he said, stepping closer, "if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll always be ready to help you, too."
Fran wiped her tears and looked at Naruto, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Naruto-san. I'll remember that."
A soft, radiant white light began to surround Satria and Naruto, signaling their departure. The two stood, their forms glowing brighter with each passing second.
"Take care of yourself, Fran," Satria said, giving her a final smile. "We'll meet again someday. Until then, keep chasing your dreams."
Fran nodded, her resolve renewed. "I will. Goodbye, Satria... Naruto-san."
With a flash of light, Satria and Naruto disappeared, leaving Fran standing alone. She placed a hand over her chest, feeling a mix of sadness and determination.
•
Satria's Mansion
Kuoh, Japan
Satria stepped through the grand entrance of his mansion, stretching his arms wide. "Finally back! Home sweet home!"
Kiyohime appeared almost instantly, her radiant smile lighting up the room as she approached him. "Welcome back, Danna-sama. How was your adventure?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
With a grin, Satria began unloading items from his storage skill onto the table—gold coins, intricately designed armor, and various other treasures. "It was incredible! Let me tell you, it had everything: my hand getting scorched by a friend, a horde of monsters attacking a city, and even an alien invasion trying to destroy the world!"
Kiyohime's eyes widened, and her smile faltered as she quickly began inspecting him for injuries. "You got hurt?!" she exclaimed, her fingers carefully running over his arms and torso. "Who dared to harm my Danna-sama? Tell me their name, and I'll burn them to ash!"
Satria laughed softly and pulled her into a reassuring embrace. "Chill, my love. It's nothing to worry about. I already handled it—did you forget who I am?"
Kiyohime relaxed slightly in his arms, but her eyes remained fierce. "You're my precious Danna-sama, and it's my duty as your wife to take care of you," she declared with unwavering determination.
"Well... yes," Satria admitted, a hint of a sheepish grin appearing on his face. "I was hoping for a bit more praise, but I'll take it." He nervously ran a hand through his hair, his voice dropping into a soft, playful tone. "Can you pamper me? A day without you feels incomplete, Kiyohime."
Her expression softened into a loving smile. "Of course, Danna-sama," she replied gently, guiding him to sit on a plush sofa before easing his head onto her lap. Her fingers tenderly combed through his hair, each stroke filled with care and affection.
As she gazed down at him, a thought crossed her mind: He always acts so strong, but deep down, my Danna-sama is fragile. He craves love and care, and it's my honor to give it to him.
Satria closed his eyes, letting out a content sigh. "You always know how to make me feel like a king, Hime."
Kiyohime leaned down slightly, her voice a soothing whisper. "Danna-sama, I love you."
A warm smile spread across Satria's face as he opened his eyes to meet hers. "I love you too, Hime. You're the reason I breathe, the reason I smile. You're my everything."
For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. In their little sanctuary, surrounded by love and trust, nothing else mattered.
•
Satria stood behind Valiana, carefully fixing her hair in front of the mirror. She had been on her way out, but he had stopped her when he noticed something out of place.
"Why are you so good at this?" Valiana asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice. She was often surprised by his many talents—not only was he a skilled fighter, but he also seemed to excel at everyday tasks with effortless ease.
Satria chuckled softly as he gently brushed her hair, taking care not to pull too hard. "I had a younger sister in my past life," he explained, a faint smile touching his lips. "I used to do this for her all the time."
With practiced hands, he worked through her long, beautiful hair, removing tangles with a soft touch. He combed section by section, ensuring each strand was smooth and flawless. Valiana stayed still, enjoying the gentle care he gave her.
Once her hair was completely tangle-free, Satria took a step back and admired his handiwork. "There, all done. You really need to take better care of yourself, princess. It's a shame for someone as beautiful as you to ignore this."
Valiana smiled, leaning into his touch as he began massaging her stiff shoulders. "Hmm... This man. How can he be so perfect?" she thought, her heart warming at his attentiveness. "I'm lucky to have you in my life, hubby," she said with a chuckle.
"My wife is really cute," Satria teased, pinching her soft cheeks gently. "So chubby."
"Stop it! I'm not chubby!" Valiana protested, puffing her cheeks in mock anger.
Satria burst out laughing. "Haha, sorry, love." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "So, where are you heading today?"
"I'm going to meet my team," Valiana replied, her expression softening. "There's a new member joining Khaos Brigade, and I want to learn more about them."
Satria raised an eyebrow. "Hmm... Who's this new member?"
Valiana shrugged. "I don't know yet. That's why I'm going—to gather some information."
"Good girl," Satria said with a smile, patting her head. He reached into his pocket and handed her a black card. "Here's some pocket money. Use it wisely, and don't spend it all on ramen."
Valiana narrowed her eyes playfully. "What do you think I am, a glutton?"
"Who knows?" Satria teased with a wink. "Just be careful, okay? If you need me, just call-calling om aja, manis."
Valiana rolled her eyes, laughing at his mix of languages. "Don't do that, hubby. It's weird." She stepped closer and kissed him softly on the lips. "Goodbye."
As a magic portal appeared before her, she gave him one last smile before stepping through. Satria watched her leave, a soft grin on his face.
"Stay safe, princess," he murmured, already looking forward to her return.
Satria unlocked his phone and noticed a message from his white kitten. A smile crept onto his face as he read it.
"Hm... Is she missing me? Let's find out," he muttered with a playful grin.
___
Koneko: "Senpai... Are you free today?"
Satria: "Yep~ What do you need from me?"
Koneko: "Can we meet now? If you're not busy."
Satria: "Are you... perhaps missing me, my dear kitty?"
Koneko: "Ehm... I don't know what you're implying, senpai. 😒"
Satria: "You don't miss me?! My heart is shattered into a thousand pieces! Goodbye, cruel real world. Time to seek solace in anime and find a new waifu. 🤧"
Koneko: "Geez... Senpai, you're always so dramatic. Do you want to come with me or not? 😾"
Satria: "Not until you answer my question! I'm not moving an inch until I hear the truth. Hmph! 😤"
Koneko: "Fine! I... very... very... miss you, senpai. If you're not careful, this kitten might turn into a tiger and devour you. 😼"
Satria: "Sounds more like a reward than a threat. Alright, since you're this serious about inviting me, let's go! But don't get the wrong idea—it's not like I'm looking forward to this or anything. Hmph!"
Koneko: "You're so troublesome, senpai. To think I once thought you were a cool guy."
Satria: "Hey, I am a cool guy. Where are we meeting?"
Koneko: "Kuoh Shopping Mall. There's a new café with great cake, and they're offering a couple's discount today. You're escorting me."
Satria: "I'm ready, sweetie. Prepare to fall even harder for me. 😗"
Koneko: "Stupid senpai."
____
Satria chuckled, amused by the playful banter. "She's so precious. I love her."
He headed to his wardrobe, picking out a semi-formal outfit: a turtleneck under a blazer for that sharp, stylish look. After applying pomade to his hair, he examined himself in the mirror, striking a pose.
"Look at you, Satria," he said to his reflection. "The very definition of handsome and brave."
Satisfied, he stepped out of his room and approached Kiyohime, who was busy organizing something.
"Dear... can I ask you something?" he said hesitantly.
Kiyohime turned to him, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh my~ Danna-sama, you look so handsome today. Now, who's the lucky lady?" Her gaze turned sharp, a glint of suspicion in her eyes.
Satria scratched the back of his neck nervously. "You remember the kitten I told you about, right? I... I promised to escort her today. Please let me go on this date."
Kiyohime crossed her arms, tapping her fingers thoughtfully before responding. "Normally, I'd punish you for even thinking about this," she began, her tone serious. "But since you told the truth, I'll let it slide—this time. However..." She stepped closer, her expression darkening. "No intimacy with that cat until we approve your relationship. If you defy me..." She mimed a slicing motion across her neck. "Are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am! I... I would never do that without your approval!" Satria quickly agreed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
From his mind, Fatalis chimed in with a sly grin. "The day Satria is taken down by his wives draws near. School Days is becoming reality!"
"Ngawur! Don't say things like that!" Satria shouted back, now visibly shaking.
•
Koneko sat on a bench near the mall, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her yellow dress. She had picked it out specifically for today, pairing it with a bell collar around her neck and white stockings. Though not particularly knowledgeable about fashion, she'd done her best to look good.
'Is this outfit good enough? Maybe I should've asked someone for advice. Not that my figure compares to Buchou or Akeno-san... Men probably prefer their kind of bodies,' she thought, her face darkening with self-doubt.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion nearby. She turned her head to see a familiar figure surrounded by a pair of overly forward women.
"Hey, handsome~ Why don't you play with us?" one of them cooed.
"Don't worry, we'll be gentle," the other chimed in.
Satria looked visibly uncomfortable, trying to fend them off. "Please leave me alone. I swear I hate this world sometimes."
Koneko stood up, her eyes narrowing. "That man is my boyfriend. Back off," she declared firmly, stepping between them and Satria.
The women clicked their tongues in annoyance before walking away. "Tch! Let's go."
As they disappeared into the crowd, Satria heaved a sigh of relief. "Koneko! You're my hero!"
Koneko chuckled softly. "Now, shall we go together, senpai?"
Satria smiled warmly at her. "Sure."
The two walked hand-in-hand toward the café.
The line was long, likely due to the promotion the café was running. After waiting patiently, they finally reached the counter.
"What do you want, Koneko?"
"Ehm... This one."
Koneko pointed to a parfait for couples and a chocolate doughnut, while Satria ordered a coffee latte and omelet rice.
"Thank you. Your order will be served shortly," the cashier said with a polite smile.
After paying, they headed to their table.
"Anything new on your side?" Satria asked, taking a sip of water.
"We're going to the Familiar Forest tomorrow with Buchou and the others," Koneko reported. "We earned the trip after defeating Sona-sama's peerage in the dodgeball match."
"Familiar Forest, huh? Sounds like fun. Like catching Pokémon!"
"Pokémon?"
"It's like familiars, but from my world. I even have one! She's super adorable."
Koneko chuckled, amused. "You're cute, senpai."
Satria frowned, puffing out his chest. "I am not cute! I'm the very definition of an alpha male."
A voice in his mind—Fatalis—snickered. "Hah! That's a good one."
"Shut up, Fatalis!" Satria snapped internally. "You're always teasing me!"
Fatalis laughed again. "What can I say? Like Koneko said, it's your fault for being cute."
Koneko tilted her head. "What about you, senpai? Any stories to share?"
Satria nodded. "Do you believe me if I told you I went to another world yesterday?"
"Really? Tell me more!"
He launched into a tale of his adventure, describing how he helped destroy a horde of monsters. But when he spoke fondly of a "black cat" named Fran, Koneko's ears twitched in annoyance.
"Who is this black cat, senpai?"
"Her name's Fran. She's an amazing girl—so determined to grow stronger. She hates being coddled, which is admirable."
"And what's your relationship with her?" Koneko's tone was calm, but there was a tinge of jealousy.
"She's my friend. If you're uncomfortable talking about her, we can skip it."
Koneko hesitated before shaking her head. "No... Please continue."
Satria smiled and continued, eventually describing his fight against Naruto. Koneko's eyes widened in shock when he revealed that Naruto would be her new Senjutsu teacher.
"Wait. This Naruto... Who is he?"
"In his original world, he was a human. A 'child of prophecy' destined to bring peace. After his world was destroyed by his nemesis, he became a god in another world," Satria explained.
"Humans can ascend to godhood? And use Senjutsu? How?"
"Stick with me, kitten, and you'll see things that defy belief. But this is your last chance to step back. Once you're with me, there's no going back."
Koneko's gaze softened. "I don't want to leave you, senpai. No matter what happens."
Satria grinned. "Don't regret it, you hear?"
Just then, the server arrived with their orders.
"Excuse me, can I set these down?"
"Go ahead," Satria replied.
As the server arranged their food, Satria noticed the parfait had two straws—clearly meant for couples. A mischievous idea formed in his mind.
"Miss, could you take a picture of us? It's for the couple's discount, right?"
The server smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course."
Koneko's cheeks turned bright red. 'Why is he always so bold? Guys in anime don't act like this!'
The server snapped a picture as Satria and Koneko shared the parfait, their faces close.
"Thank you," Satria said, taking back his phone.
"You're welcome." The server bowed and left.
Satria turned to Koneko with a playful smile. "When I eat this doughnut, it reminds me of you."
"Why?" Koneko asked, tilting her head.
"Because you're so sweet, Koneko."
Her face flushed a deeper shade of red as her heart fluttered. "Baka senpai... And don't eat my snack!" She snatched the doughnut from his hand, glaring at him.
Satria laughed. "Alright, alright! No more stealing. But you really are adorable, you know."
Koneko's lips curved into a small smile. "And you're so annoying, senpai."
They continued their meal, their lighthearted banter filling the café with warmth and laughter.
•
Koneko returned home with a light skip in her step, her usual stoic expression softened by the glow of happiness. It had been a good day—a rare one that she cherished.
She entered Issei's house, where her current residence was, and paused upon seeing everyone gathered in the living room. The usual members of the Occult Research Club were present, but there was also a new face.
Ravel Phoenix, dressed elegantly as always, sat primly on the couch, chatting with Asia and Issei.
Koneko raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. She moved to take a seat when a teasing voice called out.
"Ara-ara~ Someone's in a good mood. I wonder what could have our adorable junior looking so happy?" Akeno said, her tone dripping with curiosity.
Koneko froze, the tips of her ears turning red. She quickly masked her emotions, sitting down as if nothing had happened.
"Koneko," Rias began, her tone firm. "Care to explain where you've been today? You left without notifying anyone."
All eyes turned to her, and Koneko shifted uncomfortably under their gaze.
"I went to..."
To be continued...