Chapter 4
Japan, 2007
Five days after beginning her training under Alexander, Sairaorg, and Esdeath, Rias Gremory was having a quiet conversation with a girl her age.
Akeno Himejima.
Akeno came from a family of priestesses, and from her older brother's words, Rias had heard about her. This girl had the potential to become a key member of the peerage Rias was beginning to form. Currently, she only had one person in her group—Shirone, who held the [Rook] position—but she now needed someone else, someone who could be her [Queen].
The training from Alexander, Sairaorg, and Esdeath had raised her abilities to an impressive level, but the power gap between her and her brother was enormous. He and his companions were extraordinarily powerful beings. Rias, on the other hand, was just beginning to take her training and the expansion of her peerage seriously.
It was time to gather her pieces, and Akeno seemed like the ideal candidate.
So she had come to meet with the girl, Akeno. Trying to recruit her as her [Queen] wasn't difficult, given that both were already involved in the supernatural world.
"So... you want me to be part of your peerage?" Akeno asked, observing Rias with innocent eyes that shone with curiosity.
"Yes," Rias answered seriously, watching Akeno closely. "Right now, I only have one person in my peerage. I have a long way to go before I can truly call it a noble household."
Akeno thought for a moment, bringing a hand to her cheek, visibly reflective. "Just out of curiosity… what piece would I be?"
"You'd be my [Queen]," Rias answered without hesitation. "I already have a [Rook], so I need a [Queen] to give my peerage a solid foundation."
"Queen, huh…" Akeno looked up at the wooden ceiling as she pondered.
'Should I accept?' Akeno thought. Her current situation was, at best, tragic. Her mother was dead, her father… absent, and she had no desire to see him again.
The shrine where she lived, dedicated to the worship of a deity, was her only refuge. She had survived so far, but didn't know how much longer she could hold on.
'Maybe… I should accept. I don't want to be alone any longer.' Akeno thought as she assessed her situation.
Finally, after a short silence, Akeno nodded. "Alright, I'll accept being your [Queen]. But I hope to receive something in return for joining your peerage."
Rias smiled, pleased by Akeno's response. "Don't worry. You'll be under my care, and you won't need to hesitate to ask for anything."
Akeno lifted her cup of green tea and sipped elegantly. "For now, I won't ask for anything extravagant. I just want to be your friend. I'd like to spend time with you."
Rias was surprised by Akeno's request, but her surprise soon turned into a radiant expression. "It would be a pleasure! I'm looking forward to us spending time together."
With a bright smile, Rias extended her right hand. Akeno looked at it for a moment before firmly shaking it, sealing the agreement. At that moment, Rias pulled out the [Queen] piece, which briefly glowed in her hand before sinking into Akeno's chest. The demonic reincarnation process began, and Akeno became part of Rias' peerage.
"Would you like to come with me to meet Shirone?" Rias asked, smiling warmly at her new friend.
"Hmm… I suppose Shirone is your [Rook], right? Sure, I'd like to meet her," Akeno replied calmly, confirming their newfound friendship.
The two stood and walked together toward the portal that opened behind Rias, leading them to the Underworld.
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A week later…
Somewhere in China, Senji, Izayoi, and their new traveling companion, Kuroka, were near an ancient temple. To blend in as a normal human, Kuroka had hidden her nekoshou features, leaving only her human appearance. Together, they visited a temple of monks who specialized in using ki (chi), where they taught the younger generation how to master this powerful energy.
"Why are we here?" Kuroka grumbled, looking around with some disinterest. "I said I could teach her how to use ki."
"I wanted to see with my own eyes more people who use ki. That's why we're here." Izayoi responded with a teasing smile aimed directly at Kuroka. "It's not that you're a bad teacher that we came to this temple."
Kuroka frowned, clearly understanding the not-so-subtle jab. "Sorry for being a bad mentor! I only started learning ki myself this year."
She mumbled the last part to herself, but both Izayoi and Senji heard it clearly.
Izayoi raised a hand with a half-apologetic smile. "Oops, my bad. I didn't know that, so I apologize." Though her words sounded like an apology, her tone was still playfully mocking.
Senji, as usual, didn't say much. He simply observed in silence, mildly amused by the exchange. Though the conversation was lighthearted, he couldn't help but notice how the dynamic between the two was becoming more interesting with each passing day.
Since that morning, Izayoi had been watching the movements of the elderly monks carefully. Their hands moved with an almost supernatural calm, flowing as if in sync with the energy of the world itself. Ki wasn't tangible, but Izayoi could feel it in the air—in the precise and controlled movements of those who had mastered it.
"Focus…" she murmured to herself, closing her eyes and allowing her breathing to match the rhythm of the surroundings.
Time passed slowly as she studied and tried to replicate the flow of ki. At first, it felt like trying to catch the wind with her bare hands—confusing and elusive. But gradually, something inside her began to align. It was as if the pieces of an invisible puzzle were falling into place.
Finally, in a moment of clarity, Izayoi extended her palm, and with a soft glow, a radiant energy began to surround it. The ki swirled gently, responding to her will. A triumphant smile crossed her face.
"I've got it…" she whispered, her eyes gleaming with determination.
That day, Izayoi didn't stop. She trained until night fell over the temple, mastering the flow of ki with a speed that even the monks recognized with astonishment.
Outside the temple, the night breeze gently swept across the mountainous Chinese landscape. The sky was clear, speckled with stars shining with almost magical brilliance. Senji lay back on a large flat rock, gazing at the landscape in silence, hands behind his head and a calm expression on his face.
Izayoi, exhausted from her intense training, had found a resting place against Senji's chest. Sleeping deeply, her breathing was peaceful, as if nothing in the world could disturb her rest.
Kuroka, seated nearby, watched the scene with a mix of curiosity and confusion. It was the first time she'd seen Izayoi—usually so energetic and combative—sleeping on Senji's chest.
"I don't get it," Kuroka muttered, tilting her head slightly. "Isn't that uncomfortable for you?"
Senji, without looking away from the view, let out a soft chuckle. "No. I'm fine with it."
"Really?" Kuroka asked, raising an eyebrow. "You don't seem like the type to let that happen so easily."
Senji closed his eyes for a moment before replying, his voice calm, tinged with a quiet melancholy. "Because I know that someday we won't be together like this. If this moment can become a memory for her… then it's worth it."
Kuroka didn't know how to respond. There was something in his words that gave her chills, as if he were speaking from a place deeper than she could reach.
At that moment, Senji extended his hand, and with a subtle motion, summoned a black haori that draped gently over Izayoi's body. On the back, a white kanji stood out under the moonlight: "Evil."
Kuroka frowned, leaning forward to get a better look. "Why does it say that?"
Senji simply smiled—a mysterious smile that invited no questions. "Don't think too hard about it. It's something from the past."
Kuroka tilted her head, clearly confused. "Something from the past? Sounds like it matters."
"To you, it doesn't," Senji replied, his tone calm but firm. "Let it go."
Although the answer didn't satisfy her curiosity, Kuroka chose not to push further. "Hmph. Whatever. Not my problem."
Silence returned. The night breeze kept blowing, and the stars shone even brighter in the dark sky. Kuroka turned her gaze to the scenery, while Senji remained still—his attention split between the sky and the small figure resting on his chest.
In that calm, although each carried their own secrets and thoughts, there was a moment of peace that, though fleeting, would remain etched in their memories.
Days later…
The sun rose over the vast mountainous landscapes of China, illuminating the temples and villages that dotted the terrain like hidden gems. For Senji, Izayoi, and Kuroka, every place they visited seemed wrapped in mystery and magic, with locals sharing stories as if they had witnessed divine events.
At one of their first stops, they found themselves at the base of a mountain covered in dense forests. Carvings along the stone path depicted an ancient legend that caught Senji's attention.
"They say this mountain is where the Great Monkey King defeated an army of demons," he commented, pointing to one of the carvings that showed a simian figure with a grand staff surrounded by creatures bowing before him.
"The Monkey King?" Izayoi asked, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Like Sun Wukong from the stories?"
Senji nodded. "The very same. Though he's known by many names, his legacy has crossed borders. His bravery and cunning made him a legend who still inspires people today."
Kuroka, walking behind them with her arms crossed, let out a soft laugh. "Maybe they should add us to the stories. Imagine it: 'The Great Kuroka, Conqueror of Temples and Markets.' Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
Izayoi stopped and turned to her with a mocking grin. "Conqueror of markets? All you've done is buy sweets."
"Hey! Everyone has their priorities," Kuroka replied, pulling a mochi ball from her bag and popping it into her mouth with feigned superiority.
Senji smirked faintly as they continued their climb. The teasing and laughter between the two girls warmed the cold mountain air.
Days later, the group arrived at one of the less crowded stretches of the Great Wall. The vast landscape stretched around them, and the ancient stones beneath their feet seemed to whisper stories of past generations.
Izayoi looked upward, her gaze fixed on the endless stairs winding toward the horizon. "I want to race to the top," she declared, full of determination.
"Race?" Kuroka raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like a terrible idea. And besides, you can't even beat me."
"Wanna bet?" Izayoi was already taking a competitive stance, ready to sprint.
Before Kuroka could reply, Izayoi shot off, speeding up the stairs.
"Cheater!" Kuroka shouted, chasing after her with a mix of annoyance and amusement.
Senji, who had decided to stay behind, watched the two as they disappeared into the distance. "This is going to end in disaster," he muttered, though he couldn't help but smile.
As predicted, Kuroka reached the top panting, only to find Izayoi breathless and laughing.
"You cheated!" Kuroka accused, pointing at her.
"What can I say? I'm just naturally faster," Izayoi replied with a triumphant smile.
A week later…
In a small village surrounded by rice fields, the group encountered an elderly man seated in front of a humble tea shop. His face was lined with deep wrinkles, and his eyes sparkled with the wisdom that only time could grant.
"Are you travelers?" he asked kindly, gesturing for them to sit on the wooden benches outside his shop.
Senji nodded and accepted a cup of tea the old man offered. "We're traveling the country, learning and listening to stories."
The old man smiled, stroking his long white beard. "Then you may be interested in our local legend. It speaks of a Celestial Dragon who protected these lands during times of war."
Izayoi, always eager for a good story, leaned forward with wide eyes. "A dragon? Tell us more."
The old man pointed to a faded mural on the wall of the shop, depicting a serpentine figure soaring through clouds, breathing lightning and fire. "They say the dragon was so powerful that its roar could shake mountains. But it wasn't just its strength that made it special. Only those with a pure heart could see it."
"What happened to it?" Izayoi asked.
"The dragon vanished centuries ago, but some say it's still here—watching, waiting for the time the world needs its protection again."
Kuroka, sitting at the edge of the bench, stroked a cat that had wandered near. "If it's still around, maybe I'll be the first to see it," she said with a sly smile.
"You? With a pure heart?" Izayoi teased, making the old man chuckle.
Senji, meanwhile, looked up at the sky with a thoughtful expression. "Legends often hold more truth than we imagine," he murmured, almost to himself.
As the group continued their journey, the landscapes changed, but the excitement of discovering something new never faded. In each village, they found a different story—a fragment of China's rich culture and mythology.
Through these moments, their bond as a group grew stronger. The banter between Izayoi and Kuroka became more natural, and Senji's occasional words, though sparse, carried weight.
The legends weren't just tales to pass the time; they were windows to the past and reminders of the greatness that existed in the world—even in its darkest moments.
And though each of them carried their own secrets and destinies, at that moment, beneath the boundless sky of China, they were simply three travelers enjoying the magic of the unknown.
One month later…
The morning sun lit up the rice fields as Senji, Izayoi, and Kuroka walked along a dirt path winding through the hills. The peaceful scenery didn't reflect the lively exchange taking place between the three.
"Senji~" Kuroka sang behind him with a mischievous smile on her lips. "Don't you think I'm too young to be this beautiful?"
Senji, trying to focus on the path, let out a long sigh. "Kuroka, I don't have time for your nonsense this morning."
"Nonsense?" she repeated, feigning offense and placing a hand on her hip. "Izayoi, did you hear that? He thinks being beautiful is nonsense."
Izayoi, walking beside Kuroka, laughed and turned toward Senji. "Oh, we already know. Senji's the kind of guy who wouldn't notice a girl even if she danced in front of him."
"Is that a challenge?" Kuroka asked, raising a brow with a teasing smile.
"Don't even try," Senji replied firmly, though his tone betrayed a hint of exasperation.
Kuroka wasn't intimidated. She sped up to walk beside Senji and leaned slightly toward him, her voice dropping into a provocative tone. "Senji, you should be nicer to me. One day, I'll be so irresistible that you won't be able to take your eyes off me."
Senji's jaw tensed, but he refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Seeing his expression, Izayoi couldn't help but join in. "Careful, Kuroka. If you keep teasing him, Senji might explode. Who knows what happens when an old man like him loses his temper?"
"Lose it?" Senji finally spoke, his voice filled with disbelief. "You're lucky I'm used to your nonsense."
Izayoi and Kuroka shared a knowing glance, then burst into soft laughter.
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Throughout the month-long journey, Izayoi and Kuroka's personalities had synced in a way that was both charming and exhausting—for Senji, at least.
One day, while walking through a colorful market, Kuroka stopped at a fruit vendor and picked up a shiny red apple.
"Senji," she said, spinning the apple in her fingers, "if I gave you this apple, would you take it as a love confession?"
Senji raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "It's an apple. What does that have to do with love?"
Izayoi, watching from the side, couldn't hold back. "It's a hint, old man! When someone gives you something symbolic like that, you're supposed to say something romantic!"
"That makes no sense," Senji replied as he kept walking.
Kuroka let out a dramatic sigh and bit into the apple. "Senji, you're hopeless. How do you expect anyone to fall in love with you if you have no sense of romance?"
"Who said I want anyone to fall in love with me?" he retorted without turning around.
Izayoi and Kuroka exchanged shocked looks before bursting into laughter.
In a coastal village, as the group rested by the beach after a long day, Kuroka—sitting on a nearby rock—looked at Senji with a mischievous grin.
"Senji," she began nonchalantly, "have you noticed something interesting about us?"
Senji, focused on lighting a small fire, didn't look up. "What now?"
"That Izayoi and I are growing way faster than you," she said, crossing her legs dramatically.
Izayoi, playing with the sand, lifted her head curiously. "What are you talking about?"
"This," Kuroka said, placing her hands on her hips and showing off her figure. "Obviously, my body is reaching its full potential. Must be the power of my lineage."
Senji growled under his breath, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. "Kuroka, for the love of… Can you talk about something less ridiculous?"
"Why? Do I make you nervous?" Kuroka asked, leaning toward him with a smug look.
Izayoi, enjoying Senji's discomfort, chimed in. "Come on, Kuroka, don't be so cruel. The old man can't handle that kind of pressure."
"Stop calling me old!" Senji barked, throwing a piece of wood into the fire a little harder than necessary.
The two girls laughed, clearly enjoying how easy it was to get under his skin.
By the end of the month, as the group approached their next destination, Kuroka turned to Izayoi with a smile. "You know what? We're a great team."
Izayoi nodded, returning the smile. "Yeah—so long as we keep the old man in a good mood with our jokes."
Senji, walking ahead of them, let out another sigh. "This has been the longest month of my life."
"See? He loves us," Kuroka whispered to Izayoi with a wink.
Though the teasing and chaos were constant, a genuine bond had formed among the three. And even if Senji would never admit it out loud, he knew these two girls had brought a rare kind of fun into his long, immortal life.
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After a month of travel, the group finally arrived at a hot spring inn nestled deep within the mountains. The warm air and the sound of flowing water were a balm to their tired bodies.
"This place is perfect," Kuroka commented as she stretched her arms and let out a sigh of relief. "It's about time we spoiled ourselves."
"I agree," Izayoi added, watching the steam rise from the baths. "I don't think I'll move from that spot all night."
Senji, who had remained quiet during the trip, dropped his bag on the floor and turned to the two girls. "Relax, but remember this isn't a contest to see who can stay in the water the longest."
"Why do you say that like we're planning something?" Izayoi replied with a teasing grin.
"Because I know you two," Senji said flatly, already turning toward the innkeeper who was leading them to their rooms.
The hot water was everything they had dreamed of after a month of endless walking. Izayoi and Kuroka shared the women's section of the spring, while Senji finally found some much-needed peace in the men's area.
Leaning against a smooth rock, water up to his chest, Senji closed his eyes and let out a long breath. The warmth eased the tension in his muscles, and for the first time in weeks, he felt… calm.
"Finally…" he murmured, letting himself relax.
On the other side of the divider, however, the peace didn't last long.
"Izayoi, do you think the old man's enjoying this as much as we are?" Kuroka asked, her tone playful as usual.
Izayoi, floating in the water with a satisfied look, chuckled softly. "Oh, definitely. But I bet he's also thinking about how to escape from us."
"Escape? Please," Kuroka scoffed, turning to her with a sly smile. "He loves us too much for that."
"Do you really think so?" Izayoi raised an eyebrow.
"Of course," Kuroka replied confidently, raising her arms. "Who wouldn't love us?"
Their laughter echoed just loud enough for Senji to hear it clearly on his side of the spring.
With his eyes still closed, he let out a quiet groan. "A whole month. A whole month of this. How much longer can I take it?"
Later, after enjoying the baths, the group gathered in the inn's common room, where a simple but delicious meal awaited them. The fire in the center of the room created a warm atmosphere, and the sound of crickets outside added a serene touch.
Kuroka, sitting cross-legged with a cup of tea in hand, looked at Senji with a smirk. "How was your little escape, old man?"
Senji, looking more relaxed than usual, took a sip of his tea before answering. "Peaceful. Until you two started yelling on the other side."
Izayoi laughed as she bit into a piece of grilled fish. "Come on, admit it—you missed us."
"Sure. That's exactly what I thought while trying to enjoy the silence," Senji replied sarcastically, though his tone was light enough for them to know he wasn't truly annoyed.
"See?" Kuroka said as she leaned toward Izayoi. "Told you he loves us."
Izayoi nodded solemnly. "It's a complicated kind of love, but it's there."
Senji shook his head and sighed. "I'm going to sleep before this gets worse."
The two girls stifled their giggles as he stood and headed to his room.
Lying on his futon, Senji stared at the wooden ceiling as the sounds of the inn slowly quieted. Though the jokes and antics of the two girls could be exhausting, he couldn't deny that the journey had been far more bearable thanks to them.
A small smile crept onto his face as he closed his eyes. "A month… who would've thought?"
Meanwhile, in the room next door, Kuroka and Izayoi continued chatting and laughing until sleep finally claimed them. Though none of them said it aloud, they knew this trip would become one of their most cherished memories.
Another day…
The city was quiet at dusk, with the bustle of the markets fading and the soft yellow glow of lanterns lighting the cobbled streets. In a small family-run hotel, Senji, Izayoi, and Kuroka sat in the main dining room—a modest yet cozy space with walls decorated in ancient calligraphy and hand-painted mountain landscapes.
Izayoi idly played with her cup of tea while Senji reviewed a few details about what was coming. Kuroka leaned lazily against the back of her chair, watching the other two with a mix of curiosity and boredom.
"So," Kuroka began, breaking the silence, "why do I get the feeling something big is coming? You've got that look, Senji. The 'I'm about to drag you to some weird place' kind of look."
Senji looked up from his cup and met her gaze with his usual impassive expression. "It's not weird. It's the next step in Izayoi's training."
Kuroka raised an eyebrow. "Training? What kind of training involves traveling this much? Haven't we done enough already?"
"This was always part of the plan," Izayoi interjected, setting her cup down. Her voice was calm, but there was a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Before you joined us, Senji had already told me about this. We're heading to Mount Tai. I'll be facing the Gods of Chinese Mythology."
Kuroka's eyes widened instantly. "What?" she said in disbelief, looking at them both. "You're telling me you're going to fight Gods? Seriously? And you're okay with that?"
"Of course," Izayoi answered with a confident smile. "It's part of my training. What better way to get stronger than by fighting living legends?"
"This is insane," Kuroka muttered, crossing her arms. Then she turned to Senji, frowning. "And you're just letting this happen? Aren't you supposed to be protecting us or something?"
Senji placed his cup down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands in front of his face. "This is part of the training. Izayoi needs to keep growing, and the Gods are the perfect opponents for her strength. They're the only ones who can rival her."
Kuroka still didn't look convinced, but her eyes reflected genuine concern. "And what if something goes wrong? What if those Gods don't fight fair?"
Izayoi leaned toward her, her tone softer but still playful. "Kuroka, you don't need to worry. This is something I have to do. And besides," she added with a smile, "do you really think I'd go down that easily?"
Kuroka sighed and looked away, clearly annoyed by the idea. "I still don't like it."
"That's why you'll stay here," Senji said bluntly, causing Kuroka to whip her head toward him.
"What? You're leaving me behind now?"
"It's not a punishment," Senji explained, his tone calm but firm. "This is specifically for Izayoi. There's no need for you to come."
Kuroka fell silent but accepted their words. Even though she'd spent a month traveling with them, they had never told her that Izayoi was undergoing training. Now, she finally understood the real reason behind the journey—and why they listened so intently to the locals' tales and myths.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight lit the hotel, Kuroka stepped outside to see them off. Though she tried to look casual, her face betrayed her concern.
"If this is part of your training, then make sure you come back stronger," she said, looking Izayoi directly in the eyes. "But if you need someone to kick some divine ass, just call me."
Izayoi grinned. "Thanks, Kuroka. See you soon."
Senji stepped toward Kuroka. "This won't take long. So try not to worry too much."
Kuroka watched as they walked away, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. Even though she knew it wasn't her moment, she couldn't help but feel a little left behind.
"You better not mess this up, Senji," she murmured, arms crossed as she watched them disappear into the distance.
Mount Tai rose before Izayoi and Senji, wrapped in a light mist that seemed to separate the human world from the heavens. The journey to Tian was about to begin—and with it, a trial that would mark a before and after in Izayoi's path.
"It's now or never," Izayoi said firmly as she stepped onto the sacred path.
"Remember," Senji said behind her, "you wanted to show your superiority over the Gods. So prove it—like you did with the Shinto ones."
Izayoi didn't answer, but the fire in her gaze was enough. She knew that what awaited her wasn't just a clash with the Chinese mythological gods—but a statement to all divine beings.
After all…
'No one in the heavens is superior to me.' She thought, a long smile curling across her lips.
Side Story: Second Date?
Senji's apartment was as simple as he was: functional and free of unnecessary decoration. To him, everything was in its place, with no room for chaos… or so he thought.
The night was calm, until a knock at the door broke the silence—followed by a voice he could recognize among thousands.
"Senji-chaaaan~! Open up, I have something for you!"
Senji stood still for a moment, staring at the door as if it might disappear on its own. He finally let out a sigh and walked over to open it.
There she was: Serafall Leviathan, beaming, holding a brown paper bag in her hands.
"What are you doing here?" Senji asked, frowning slightly.
"How cold, Senji-chan! Is that how you greet someone who brought you a gift?"
Before he could answer, Serafall slipped inside like a whirlwind, placed the bag on the dining table, and started scanning the apartment with interest.
"Wow… this is… minimalist," she commented, tilting her head as she looked around.
"It's practical," Senji corrected, closing the door with resignation. "What do you want, Serafall?"
She spun on her heels with a mischievous smile. "It's our second date, of course."
"Second date?" Senji repeated, crossing his arms as he stared at her. "I don't remember agreeing to a first one."
"Of course you did! Don't you remember when we watched E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial together? That was our official first date," she replied proudly.
"That wasn't a date. It was emotional blackmail to leave me alone," he said flatly.
"Details, details!" Serafall chirped, pulling out a pair of ramen containers from the bag. "What matters is that I brought ramen. And not just any ramen—it's the best in the city! Now sit down, Senji-chan."
Senji sighed but eventually gave in. He sat across from her, watching as she unpacked everything with her usual boundless energy.
"This is not a date," he clarified as he picked up a pair of chopsticks.
"Yes, it is," Serafall replied with a bright smile. "Because I'm here with you, eating ramen, enjoying your charming company."
Senji chose not to argue and began eating.
Steam rose from the containers as the aroma of ramen filled the small apartment. Senji ate in silence, appreciating the warmth of the meal, while Serafall, as usual, talked nonstop—telling stories about the Underworld, gossip from the Rating Games, and random bits of magical news.
Suddenly, movement outside the window caught Senji's eye. He looked up and noticed small white flakes beginning to fall, gently covering the lamplit streets.
"It's snowing," he said calmly, setting his chopsticks down.
Serafall turned toward the window, her face lighting up. "The first snow of the year! Isn't it magical, Senji-chan?"
He nodded slightly, watching the snow transform the night into something almost ethereal. For a moment, even Serafall fell quiet, smiling softly at the peaceful view.
Then she turned to him suddenly, her eyes filled with excitement. "It's a sign, Senji-chan!"
"A sign of what?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Our third date, of course," she said, as if it were obvious.
"Third? When did we have a second one?"
"This is the second!" she said, pointing to the table between them. "And the third will be on Christmas! Imagine it: bright lights, holiday music, hot cocoa… and me with you. Perfect plan, right?"
"I'm not interested in that kind of thing."
"Come on, Senji-chan!" Serafall pleaded, leaning in with puppy-dog eyes. "It'll be fun. We could shop for gifts, visit a Christmas market… maybe even go ice skating!"
"No thanks," he replied without hesitation, returning to his ramen.
Serafall pouted dramatically but then smiled slyly. "Well… if not Christmas, how about New Year's? You have to do something for New Year's, right?"
Senji put down his chopsticks and gave her a long look. "Now what are you planning?"
"New Year's, Senji-chan! Fireworks, countdown at midnight, and maybe even—"
"I'd rather stay home," he interrupted.
Serafall crossed her arms, leaning back with a theatrical sigh. "Are you really going to spend the holidays completely alone? That's depressing, even for you."
Senji looked at her, weighing her words. The idea of spending Christmas and New Year's alone didn't bother him… but he couldn't deny there was something oddly comforting about having someone like her around—even if she was exhausting.
He let out a long sigh. "…Fine. But don't expect anything extravagant."
"Really?!" Serafall squealed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I knew it! I knew you couldn't resist me!"
"That doesn't mean you can go overboard," he warned, raising a finger. "I'm only doing this because… being with someone might not be so bad. Even if that someone is annoying."
Serafall placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "How cruel, Senji-chan! But I know you love me deep down."
"Sure," he muttered, taking a sip of tea to avoid saying anything else.
When they finished eating, Serafall walked over to the window, watching the snow fall more heavily.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said quietly, her usual energy softened.
Senji joined her, leaning against the window frame. "I guess it is."
The snow blanketed the streets and rooftops in white, creating a serene and almost magical scene. Serafall glanced at Senji and smiled.
"You know, I think this Christmas is going to be amazing. And not just because you'll be spending it with me… well, maybe a little because of that."
"We'll see," Senji replied, letting the moment stretch into silence.
As Serafall left—promising she'd be back soon with more plans—Senji stood at the window, watching the snowfall.
For the first time in a long while, he felt that maybe… just maybe… he didn't need to spend the holidays completely alone.
"Maybe," he murmured to himself, "this won't be so bad after all."