DW DXD Remastered Chapter 21: Here We Go Again (Patreon)

One Week Later

The past week has been exhausting for Issei. Between trying to keep his grades above water, dodging the school's escalating rumor mill, and constantly being stalked by Matsuda and Motohama like a pair of wildly obsessed, unhinged detectives, he had barely enjoyed a single moment of peace. 

Kuoh Academy had always been a hit-or-miss environment for Issei, but lately, the atmosphere had mutated into a whole new level of reality-bending insanity. Everywhere he walked, whether he was grabbing a drink from the vending machines or just heading to the restroom, whispers clung to him like a bad cologne. 

"Hey, look, it's him... Did you hear the latest news? Hyoudou actually has a secret harem of multiple foreign wives!" A ponytailed black-haired schoolgirl with a medium sized oppai said to her two friends.

"Shut up, that's not it! My cousin's friend saw them. I heard he’s actually the hidden, sole heir to a legendary martial arts empire!" A wavy blonde haired girl with a smaller pair of oppai refuted.

"No, no, you guys have it all wrong!" A brown haired girl hissed from a nearby huddle. "He’s an underground crime lord, and his 'wives' are top-tier international bodyguards disguised as beautiful women! It all makes sense now!"

Walking down the hallway, Issei had to physically grip the strap of his school bag to stop himself from slamming his head directly into the nearest concrete pillar. At this rate, he half-expected someone to step forward tomorrow and claim he was the lost prince of a hidden European kingdom, or a rogue time traveler trying to alter the space-time continuum.

But, of course, the absolute worst part of his school days wasn't the anonymous gossip. It was the friendly fire.

"Psst... Issei..."

A vein in Issei's temple twitched violently. He didn't even have to look up from his notebook to know who it was.

Matsuda and Motohama dropped into synchronized crouches right next to his desk, sliding into his peripheral vision like two grease-stained ninjas. Their eyes gleamed with a thoroughly unhealthy, hyper-fixated curiosity.

"We’ve been watching you, man," Matsuda whispered, his voice dangerously low as he looked around to make sure no girls were listening. "Every hour. Every period. We're taking extensive notes. We are studying your daily habits, your micro-movements, your psychological triggers."

Issei glared down at them, his pencil snapping clean in half under the sudden pressure of his grip. "I am not a freaking research project, you assholes! Get the hell away from my desk!"

Motohama adjusted his glasses dramatically, the fluorescent classroom lights catching the lenses in a sharp, blinding glint. "And yet, the data speaks for itself, Hyoudou! Somehow, against all known laws of physics and social hierarchy, you’ve acquired the passionate affection of multiple drop-dead gorgeous women. We've analyzed the variables. Is it a subconscious psychological technique? A unique pheromone scent? A hidden alpha-ability passed down by your ancestors?!"

Before Issei could kick him, Matsuda reached out and aggressively grabbed the lapels of Issei’s school uniform, shaking him back and forth with tears of pure envy welling in his eyes. "JUST TELL US YOUR SECRET, DAMN YOU! WE WERE COMRADES IN THE TRENCHES! HOW DID YOU LEAVE THE RADAR AND BECOME A HAREM PROTAGONIST overnight?! SHARE THE WEALTH, ISSEI!"

Issei slapped Matsuda's hands away, his expression hardening into a look of absolute, unyielding iron as he stared his two lifelong friends dead in the eyes. "Never," Issei growled, leaning forward with a dark grin. "I'd rather take that secret to my grave."

—-----------------------

Meanwhile, back at the Hyoudou residence, the household had settled into a surprisingly functional, albeit chaotic, daily routine. Tamamo and Yuuka had taken to rotating shifts to help Miki with the cooking and general housework, though Tamamo, naturally, insisted that she was an objectively superior wife, while Yuuka countered that housework alone didn’t make someone a good partner, an actual supportive presence did.

One evening, as Issei walked down the hall intending to grab a glass of water, the unfiltered sound of frying pans and sharp tongues echoed from the kitchen doorway.

"I am clearly the ideal wife! My skills are unmatched!" Tamamo’s voice rang out, accompanied by the aggressive, rhythmic chopping of green onions. “My dashi alone could bring an emperor to his knees, darling Yuuka-chan~!" 

"Tch.Get over yourself, fox," Yuuka shot back, the harsh scrape of a wooden spoon against a pot punctuating her words. “Being a wife isn’t just about doing chores, you know? Actual, practical presence and emotional stability make someone a good match.”

"Fufufu! Oh, how the little green-eyed monster rears its head!" Tamamo giggled, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Jealousy is unbecoming, Yuuka-chan!"

"Says the fox who keeps shoving her tail in my face." Yuuka barked, her voice rising an octave. "Move your fluff to the left, or I swear I'm using your tail-ends as oven mitts!" 

Issei froze in the hallway, his hand hovering inches from the kitchen doorframe. He took one look at the faint aura around the girls and his survival instincts, created by surviving the literal King of Heroes, kicked into overdrive. He began backing away, lifting his feet silently like he was navigating a minefield. "Nope." He muttered to himself, pivoting on his heel and retreating toward the living room.

While the fierce rivalry raged on over the stovetop, Miki and Garou had bypassed the stress entirely by fully throwing themselves into their newfound roles as doting grandparents. Miki had essentially turned the living room into a photography studio. She took absolute delight in dressing Sakura up in an endless parade of adorable, oversized sweaters, seasonal coats, and frilly dresses she had excavated from local boutiques, snapping a relentless barrage of digital photos while squealing at a frequency over how cute her granddaughter looked. 

"Oh! Look at those little cheeks! Garou, look! She looks like a literal angel!" Miki cheered, her camera shutter clicking three times a second.

Garou, on the other hand, had adopted a much more laid-back, philosophical approach to his grandfatherly duties, acting as the self-appointed "wise old mentor" of the household.

He sat cross-legged on the carpet, a cup of green tea steaming beside him as he looked down at the small girl. "Listen closely to the secrets of longevity, Sakura-chan," Garou said, closing his eyes and nodding sagely. "A properly timed, undisturbed midday nap... that is what keeps a  mind sharp and the spirit unbreakable."

Sakura sat beside him, her tiny arms wrapped tightly around the fluffy white cat plushie Issei had won for her at the arcade. She stared up at Garou's face with absolute, unblinking gravity, absorbing his words as if they were ancient magecraft secrets.

"Mhm..." Sakura murmured, nodding her head with profound seriousness. "Naps are... very important."

She blinked once, her eyelids suddenly turning as heavy as lead under the weight of Garou’s hypnotic philosophy, and then promptly leaned sideways, falling fast asleep directly onto his lap. Garou grinned victoriously, carefully adjusting his knee so he wouldn't disturb his new favorite audience member.

—------ 

As December loomed closer on the calendar, the preparations for Yuuka and Sakura’s first day of school went into absolute overdrive. The quiet living room of the Hyoudou residence was suddenly buried under a mountain of shopping bags, unboxed school supplies, and the crisp scent of brand-new fabric as the arrival of the new school uniforms were purchased.

Yuuka stepped down from the second floor to show Issei in the livingroom, smoothing down the pleated fabric of the Kuoh Academy winter uniform. She stood in front of Issei, crossing her arms and performing a slight, elegant turn. A confident smirk playing on her lips.

"Not bad," Yuuka mused, adjusting the black ribbon at her collar. "Though I have to say, the skirt design is a bit shorter than what I'm used to. At least the blouse is made of actual, quality material and doesn't restrict my movement."

Issei sat on the edge of the sofa, his eyes wide as his brain briefly short-circuited at the sight. 'Man, the Kuoh uniform really is a blessing from the heavens... Yuuka actually looks like a model in it...'

"A-Yeah, looks great on you, Yuuka!" Issei managed to stammer out, rubbing the back of his neck.

Before he could give more compliments, the temperature in the room plummeted. Tamamo stood in the doorway, her golden eyes burning with an intense, unadulterated flame of jealousy.

"Mikon...!" Tamamo hissed, her hands tightening into fists. "You think a mere school uniform can compare to the divine grace of a faithful wife?!"

Within a fraction of a second, a bright flash of pink and orange foxfire engulfed Tamamo's body. When the light cleared, she had used her curses to conjure her own, heavily modified version of the school uniform. The blouse was tailored impossibly tight, stretching precariously over her generous curves, and the skirt had been reduced to a microscopic length that defied the school's dress code entirely.

"Ara! Surely, this version is vastly superior, darling!" Tamamo purred, instantly launching herself forward. She wrapped her arms securely around Issei's neck, pressing herself against him as her tails fanned out victoriously. "Tell me, Issei-sama! Doesn't your loyal wife look much more captivating than a grumpy transfer student?!"

"W-Whoa! Tamamo, wait—!" Issei choked out, a fierce crimson warmth exploding in his face. A massive, comical stream of blood shot straight out of his nose as he struggled to maintain his sanity against the overwhelming heavenly sight.

"Hey! Get off him, you oversized stray!" Yuuka barked, her face flushing red with embarrassment and irritation as she stepped forward to yank Tamamo back. "You can't even wear that to a real classroom! It's indecent!"

"Fufufu~! Sounding a bit defensive, aren't we, Yuuka-chan? A true wife knows how to properly inspire her husband before his daily studies!"

Issei, completely overwhelmed and bleeding out, had to physically pry the two of them apart with his remaining strength before a full-blown fight demolished the living room. "Both of you, stop! And Tamamo, the school will literally expel me if you walk out looking like that!"

Meanwhile Sakura sat cross-legged on the carpet, carefully clutching her tiny, brand-new primary school backpack. Her purple eyes shone with a brilliant, overwhelming mixture of raw excitement and deep-seated nervousness. She kept tracing her fingers along the smooth zipper, as if still trying to convince herself that all of this belonged to her.

Issei noticed her quiet apprehension, stepping away from the bickering to kneel down beside her on the carpet. He offered a reassuring, gentle pat on her shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry about it, kiddo," Issei said, his voice dropping into a soft, steady tone. "You’ve been practicing your reading with Mom and Dad all week. You’re gonna do absolutely great out there."

Sakura looked up, her fingers gripping the sturdy straps of her backpack just a little bit tighter. She gave a soft, hesitant nod, a tiny smile fighting its way onto her face. "Mhm... I'll work hard, Papa. I won't make you look bad."

Yuuka watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow, a familiar smirk returning to her lips. "You know, Issei, you’re doting on her way too much. At this rate, she's going to expect a gold medal just for showing up to homeroom."

Issei huffed, looking back at Yuuka with an earnest, unyielding expression. "Someone has to dote on her. I won’t let her go a single day in this house thinking she isn’t loved, or that she doesn't have a family backing her up."

The room went quiet for a beat. Yuuka blinked, caught off guard by the sheer, unprompted fiercely protective instinct in his voice.

Suddenly, Tamamo materialized at Issei's side, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind with a dramatic, happy sigh. "Mikon! My darling is such a dependable, marvelous father! My heart simply skips a beat when you speak with such authority, Issei!"

Yuuka rolled her eyes, letting out a soft sigh to mask the sudden warmth in her own chest. She looked away, but a genuine, quiet smile remained on her lips as she watched the small, strange family find its footing. "Yeah, yeah. Just make sure the 'dependable father' doesn't forget his own homework tonight."

—--------------------------

While everyone else was entirely focused on the chaotic frenzy of school preparations, Misuki had been unusually quiet. She stood on the sidewalk across from the modest two-story building she planned to turn into her new business, her arms folded tightly across her chest as she stared at the store, deep in thought.

The structure was actively being transformed; thanks to Sherri’s incredibly efficient behind-the-scenes work, a highly discreet construction crew was already gutting the interior and replacing the worn wooden frame. The building itself would be structurally ready in no time, but a flawless foundation meant nothing without a viable blueprint for success.

"It has to be something unique," Misuki muttered to herself, her thumb tracing the edge of her tablet as she flipped through local economic notes, demographic data, and Kuoh market research.

Sherri had executed her directives flawlessly, securing workers who worked fast and asked zero questions about the financing, meaning the physical asset was secure. But the real, looming question keeping her analytical mind running at midnight was the brand identity.

‘What exactly would make the people of this town flock here?’ she mused, her eyes narrowing as she mentally crossed out one concept after another.

Tamamo had enthusiastically suggested an esoteric shop selling low-level enchanted goods and charms to subtly manipulate customer moods, but Misuki had immediately vetoed it. It was far too risky. Introducing actual magical tools into a town that was actively being monitored by who knows what would destroy their low profile. They absolutely did not want to attract high-tier supernatural attention before Issei was properly trained.

Yuuka, taking a more grounded approach, had suggested a sleek, modern café. But to Misuki, that felt entirely too generic. Kuoh was already saturated with standard tea shops, traditional family restaurants, and commercial bakeries. A generic café would just bleed capital trying to compete with established brands.

So, she kept thinking, her calculating gaze dissecting the building’s layout. She needed a business model that bridged the gap between familiar comfort and an irresistible, unique gimmick, something that could thrive under the radar of the supernatural while generating a completely stable foundation for her family to live by.

—----------------

Finally, every evening after the chaotic school days subsided, Issei could be seen pushing himself into grueling, exhausting training sessions at the park. While his raw stamina and physical strength were improving by leaps and bounds, he was still hitting a massive wall when it came to mastering Ki and Magic. Magic felt fundamentally awkward—like trying to write with his non-dominant hand—while Ki felt entirely distant, a stubborn energy that refused to flow smoothly no matter how hard he focused. Even when he did make progress, it was painfully slow, a frustrating reality that heavily weighed on his mind.

But that didn’t stop him for even a second.

(Drop and give me fifty more, partner! A real dragon doesn't wheeze after a light jog!) Ddraig’s voice roared in his mind.

"Your form is slipping, Master," Sherri added calmly in his mind. "If your stance isn't perfectly rooted, your internal energy will never find its center. Again. From the top."

Despite the relentless drill-sergeant routine from his instructors, Issei managed to find his second wind, largely because his personal cheering squad refused to let him quit.

"You can do it, Issei!" Yuuka called out, offering an encouraging smile. " Don't let all that training go to waste now!"

"Mikon~! Look at my darling working so hard!" Tamamo cheered, practically vibrating with excitement as she waved a pair of makeshift pom-poms. "A husband's sweat is the ultimate proof of his masculine charm! Keep pushing, Issei-sama! Your loyal wife is waiting to reward you with a nice, cool towel and a home-cooked feast!"

Wiping a thick layer of sweat from his forehead, Issei let out a ragged laugh, his exhaustion temporarily forgotten. With Ddraig and Sherri pushing his limits, and Yuuka and Tamamo constantly motivating and encouraging him from the sidelines, he took a deep breath, channeled what little energy he could muster, and dove right back into the grind.

—-----------------------

30th of November, Sunday, Night, Hyoudou Residence, Guest bedroom

The night before Yuuka and Sakura’s official first day of school, the atmosphere in the Hyoudou household was thick with quiet anticipation.

Upstairs, Sakura sat alone on the edge of her bed, her tiny arms wrapped tightly around the fluffy white cat plushie as she stared intently at her brand-new backpack resting on the chair across from her.

Issei offered a soft knock on the open door frame, peeking inside with a warm expression. "Hey, kiddo. Can I come in? You look like you're staring down a final boss over there. Nervous?"

Sakura lowered her gaze slightly, her fingers digging deeper into the plushie's fur, and then gave a slow, honest nod.

Issei walked over and crouched down right beside her mattress, bringing himself down to her eye level. "Hey, it’s completely okay to be nervous. I still get butterflies in my stomach before big exams, and I'm practically a professional at dealing with stressful situations."

Sakura hesitated, her small voice barely audible over the hum of the house. "What if… what if I don’t fit in? What if the other kids think I’m weird and don't want to play with me?"

Issei smiled gently, reaching out to give her hair a reassuring ruffle. "Are you kidding me? How can anyone look at a cute girl like you and not want to be your friend? You're going to charm the whole classroom on day one. And hey, if that somehow doesn’t work, I'll just have to march right into that schoolyard and beat up anyone who says otherwise."

Sakura’s purple eyes widened in surprise at his ridiculous declaration, before a tiny, genuine giggle escaped her lips. "Papa shouldn’t fight little kids... That's bad."

Issei chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. No fighting elementary schoolers. I'll behave. But seriously, if anything happens, or if anyone makes you feel bad, you tell me right away, okay? No keeping secrets."

Sakura nodded quickly, a deep sense of relief washing over her. It made her incredibly happy to know just how much he cared for her, grounding her in a world that used to feel entirely unsafe.

"You’re gonna do great out there, kiddo," Issei added, his voice full of unwavering confidence. "Just be yourself. That's more than enough."

Sakura nodded softly, her small hands migrating to grip the sturdy strap of her school bag. "Mhm. I’ll try my best, Papa."

"You know, you really are doting on her way too much," A sharp but amused voice interrupted from the doorway. Yuuka was leaning against the frame, her arms crossed as she watched the tender scene with a smirk. "You're going to turn her into a spoiled princess before you know it."

Issei stood up, crossing his own arms defensively, though his grin remained. "Hey, that’s literally my job description now. Someone’s gotta look out for her and make sure she knows she's got a guardian deity in her corner."

"Fufufu! And what a magnificent guardian deity you are, darling!" Tamamo giggled, gliding into the room right past Yuuka. She instantly wrapped her arms around Issei’s shoulders, leaning her weight against him as she beamed down at Sakura. "I simply had to come check on our little blossom myself! Ara! My darling is just so wonderfully fatherly when he wants to be~!"

Yuuka rolled her eyes dramatically, letting out a soft huff at Tamamo's usual clinginess. "Get a room, you two," she muttered, turning her head away, but there was absolutely no mistaking the fond, gentle smile she quickly hid behind her hand as she looked back at the family they were building together.

—------------

1st of December, Monday (5 months before Canon)

The crisp morning light of early winter streamed through the windows of the Hyoudou household, signaling the start of a brand-new day. For most people in the town of Kuoh, this would be just another ordinary Monday.

For two people in the house, however, it was the momentous beginning of a completely new chapter.

Sakura sat exceptionally quiet at the dining table, her small hands clutching the shoulder straps of her backpack like a lifeline. Her wide violet eyes darted back and forth to the wall clock, watching the minutes relentlessly tick away.

She was visibly nervous. This wasn’t just her first day at a new school; it was her first real day stepping out into the world alone as Sakura Hyoudou. She still wasn’t entirely sure what that weight meant, or if she could truly live up to the name.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Yuuka stood poised in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the crisp collar of her brand-new Kuoh Academy uniform. She tugged slightly at the hem of her skirt, flattening out imaginary wrinkles with a meticulous pat, before turning sideways to check her reflection from every angle.

"Not bad," She muttered to herself, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

A part of her was undeniably annoyed that she had to go through the motions of high school all over again. But another part of her, the deeply buried side that remembered her old world, felt a sudden, quiet spark of... excitement. This was a fresh start, entirely unburdened by her past. And in her experience, fresh starts were incredibly rare.

In stark contrast to Yuuka's sharp focus, a loud, groggy yawn shattered the morning silence. Issei stretched his arms out lazily, rolling his stiff shoulders as he pulled on his school blazer with absolutely zero urgency and walked down to the first floor. To him, today was just another grueling Monday to survive.

Tamamo, sitting gracefully at the head of the table, sipped her morning tea with a distinctly mischievous twinkle in her golden eyes.

"Ara~! Such a monumental day for our dear Sakura-chan and Yuuka-chan!" Tamamo purred, her presence radiating warmth. Her tails swayed rhythmically behind her, clearly amused by the sheer contrast in the room, balancing Sakura’s fragile nervousness, Yuuka’s poorly concealed excitement, and Issei’s utter indifference to the morning.

Miki, who had been kneeling lovingly beside Sakura's chair, fussed over the girl’s miniature uniform. She adjusted the small ribbon at her collar with practiced, motherly care.

"Don’t you worry about a single thing, sweetie," Miki said softly, smoothing down the fabric over Sakura's shoulders. "Grandma and Mama Tamamo are going to walk you right up to the front gates for your first day, okay? You won't be alone."

Sakura nodded hesitantly, her tiny knuckles turning white as she gripped her bag tightly.

Noticing her tension, Issei walked over and crouched down beside her chair, resting his arms on his knees so they were at eye level. He offered a reassuring, goofy grin. "Hey, you’re gonna be completely fine, kiddo. Just be yourself, okay? Draw some pictures, make some friends. And if anyone gives you a hard time—"

Tamamo interrupted with a bright giggle, leaning over the table. "Then you tell your Papa immediately, and he will show them why you don't mess with a dragon's household~!"

Sakura’s lips twitched. Just a little. It was the absolute smallest ghost of a smile, but it was undeniably there. "Mhm… I’ll try, Papa."

Yuuka, having finally finished her rigorous self-check in the mirror, walked into the kitchen. She crossed her arms and she smirked down at the small girl. "Are you entirely sure you’re ready? You still look like a nervous little squirt to me."

Sakura hesitated, instinctively pulling her backpack a little closer to her chest.

Yuuka’s smirk softened, her eyes turning surprisingly gentle as she lightly flicked Sakura's forehead with a playful tap. "Hey. You’ll be fine. Just remember what we practiced. And if any of those bratty kids try to mess with you... just tell me. I’ll handle the discipline of those brats."

Hearing the fierce, protective backing of everyone around her, Sakura slowly let go of her vice grip on her backpack. She exhaled a tiny breath, puffing out her chest to put on a brave, determined face for the day.

Issei smiled warmly, reaching out to give her hair one final, affectionate ruffle. "That’s my girl. First days are always terrifying, but you’re gonna do great. Trust me on this one."

The little girl nodded, her natural shyness still very much present, but the overwhelming warmth of her new family had finally chased the coldest of her fears away.

—---------------

The morning air was exceptionally crisp, carrying the faint, clean scent of winter dew and the last of the fallen autumn leaves lingering in the cool breeze as Issei and Yuuka made their way toward Kuoh Academy. The sky above stretched out in a soft, tranquil shade of morning blue, streaked with wisps of pale clouds, while the surrounding streets buzzed with the lively energy of other students heading to their respective schools. 

With Sakura, Tamamo, and Miki having departed earlier for the elementary school gates, the sidewalk had emptied out, leaving just the two of them to walk together.

Yuuka maintained a steady, measured pace beside Issei, her gaze flicking ahead and scanning their surroundings. Her Kuoh Academy uniform fit her flawlessly, but there was still something undeniably surreal about seeing her in it, like the traditional schoolgirl attire didn’t quite align with the fiercely confident, brilliant woman he had first met in that other world.

For a while, the only sound between them was the rhythmic, comforting crunch of dry leaves beneath their shoes.

Until, without a word of warning, a sudden, firm warmth wrapped completely around Issei's fingers.

Issei blinked, cutting off his own train of thought, and looked down in surprise. Yuuka’s hand had slipped cleanly into his. "Eh? Yuuka?" Issei stammered, his cheeks instantly catching a faint tint of pink.

Yuuka kept her gaze strictly locked forward, her facial expression carefully molded into a neutral mask, but she couldn't quite hide the way her lips were pressed tightly together, or the brilliant crimson creeping up her neck. "I'm just calming my nerves," She muttered under her breath, refusing to look at him.

Issei tilted his head, a playful eyebrow arching up as a grin tugged at his mouth. "Wait, you're nervous?"

Yuuka scoffed loudly, rolling her eyes as she finally snapped her head toward him. "It’s been a long time since I’ve had to play the role of 'the new girl,' dumbass. Of course I’m a little nervous! New environment, new curriculum, new people..." She tightened her grip on his hand slightly—not out of desperation or anxiety, but with just enough pressure to let him know she appreciated him being there. 

Issei rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, his smile softening into something more sympathetic. "Well... I just hope the school rumor mill doesn’t make things too difficult for you on day one. The girls at Kuoh can be... a lot."

Yuuka looked back to the path ahead, a confident, sharp smirk curling the corners of her lips. "Oh, please." She gave his hand a reassuring, firm squeeze. "Let them talk. Everyone already knows I’m your official girlfriend anyway, considering we literally came with my mom to register my transfer paperwork. If anything, it’s you who should learn to be relaxed. You're the one who has to deal with the fallout."

Issei let out a dramatic, soul-crushing groan. He could already hear the raucous whispers in the hallways. He could already feel the burning, envious stares of the small male student body boring into the back of his skull. He knew his classmates, and he especially knew Matsuda and Motohama. This was going to be an absolute, unmitigated disaster for his social life.

"Yeah..." Issei sighed, dragging his feet just a bit. "Something tells me today’s gonna be one massive, legendary headache."

Yuuka snickered, her eyes glittering with amusement as the gates of Kuoh Academy finally came into view. "Better you than me, boyfriend. Better you than me."

—------------------------------------

Elementary School School Gates

The morning sun cast a brilliant, golden glow over the small elementary school campus. The modest, well-maintained courtyard was already alive with the high-pitched chatter and bright laughter of children.

Among the sea of moving backpacks, a small, soft-spoken girl with delicate violet eyes stood perfectly still at the school gate. Her tiny hands gripped the straps of her backpack like a lifeline. Sakura Hyoudou. Her heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird, but she stayed planted with her feet firmly into the pavement. She was deeply terrified, but she was equally determined to make her new father proud.

Behind her, two women stood out so sharply from the crowd of ordinary parents that they might as well have had spotlights shining on them.

One was Miki Hyoudou, radiating a warm, comforting, and thoroughly motherly aura that practically put the surrounding parents at ease. The other was Tamamo-no-Mae. In all her ethereal, transcendent beauty, Tamamo stood tall beside Miki, her distinctive pink locks shimmering like spun silk under the winter morning light. Her flawless porcelain skin, effortless fox-like charm, and perfectly poised, graceful posture made her look less like a local mother and more like a top-tier young celebrity hiding out in the suburbs. 

Naturally, every adult in a fifty-meter radius was staring directly at her. Within seconds, the hushed whispers spread through the crowd of parents like a wildfire through dry brush.

"W-Who in the world is that?!"

"Is she really a parent here? Is she even old enough?!”

“She looks younger than some of the local high school girls!"

"No way... is that actually her daughter? The genetics in that family are insane."

One of the fathers standing nearby gulped nervously, his eyes entirely glazed over. "S-She’s married? Who on earth could be lucky enough to come home to a woman like that every night—ow!" His sentence was abruptly cut short as his wife sharply smacked the back of his head with her designer handbag.

Miki, ever the observant and mischievous matriarch, grinned knowingly at the spectacular chaos they were causing. She nudged her companion with an elbow. "Ara~! Tamamo-chan, you’re making the other parents completely lose their minds out here."

Tamamo casually brushed a sleek strand of pink hair over her shoulder, letting out a highly theatrical, dramatic sigh. "Fufufu! It simply cannot be helped, Mother-in-law! A wife and mother as profoundly devoted as I cannot help but shine brilliantly wherever she goes!"

Down at their waist level, Sakura took a deep, steadying breath. Her tiny fists clenched tightly at her sides, her violet eyes filling with an earnest, unshakeable determination. She had spent weeks preparing for this moment, practicing her reading, and working hard to be brave.

"I can do this," She whispered to herself.

Hearing her, both Tamamo and Miki immediately dropped into synchronized crouches beside her, offering deeply reassuring smiles.

"You’re going to do absolutely great, dear," Miki said gently, reaching out to pat her head with a soothing, practiced touch. "Just be your sweet self, and everything will turn out perfectly fine. Grandma promises."

Tamamo nodded vigorously, her golden eyes sparkling with an overwhelming, almost aggressive pride. "That’s exactly right, my precious little blossom~! Mama believes in you with every fiber of her soul! Show them the grace of our household!"

As she looked at the little girl, a sudden wave of memories unexpectedly rushed to the surface of Tamamo's mind. She remembered the dark, freezing night in Fuyuki when she and Issei had first rescued this broken, tragically abused child from the depths of the Matou household. She remembered the phantom weight of holding Sakura's fragile, trembling body, and the night she had spent defending the girl, nursing her back to health, and gently teaching her how to navigate the basic joys of a normal life. 

For the longest time, Tamamo’s absolute greatest, singular wish in the universe had been to be the perfect, flawless wife. But somewhere along the way, looking at this small girl, a brand-new, equally powerful wish had taken root in her divine soul: She wanted to be the perfect mother for this child.

Sakura looked between the two of them, the heavy chill of her anxiety melting away under the sheer, unyielding warmth of their support. "Mhm!" She gave a small, firm, incredibly brave nod. "I’ll do my absolute best!"

With a newfound surge of confidence, Sakura turned toward the main school building, taking one bold step forward onto the campus grounds.

She didn't even manage a second step.

Swish!

Before her foot could touch the ground, a pair of slender arms wrapped with terrifying speed and absolute finality around her tiny waist. 

"NOOOOOOOO! I CHANGED MY MIND! I CAN’T LET MY PRECIOUS BABY GOOOOOO!"

Sakura gasped and stumbled backward as she was violently pulled into a vice-like, suffocatingly tight embrace. Tamamo was clutching the poor girl against her chest like a prized possession being stolen away by bandits.

The entire schoolyard instantly fell into a dead, stunned silence. The parents froze mid-sentence, the passing teachers dropped their clipboards, and even the older elementary kids turned around to watch the bizarre, highly theatrical drama unfold at the gates.

Tamamo, now openly and comically sobbing, began rocking back and forth on her knees, burying her face into Sakura’s backpack while hugging her for dear life. "M-My beautiful, innocent little one is leaving the nest so soon! The world is too cruel, too vast! Nooo! Stay with Mama! We can do homeschooling! I can teach you ancient curses and court etiquette!"

Sakura’s entire face flushed an intense, burning shade of crimson with pure childhood embarrassment. She flailed her tiny legs, trying in vain to wiggle out of the divine tight-grip. "Mamaaa…! Let gooo! You said school is important for making friends!"

Tamamo sniffled loudly, wiping her nose on her sleeve in a display of supreme drama. "I lied! I changed my mind! Friendships are fleeting, but a mother's love is eternal!"

Miki let out a long, heavy sigh, rubbing her temples as she felt a headache brewing. "Tamamo, dear… please. She’s going to a neighborhood elementary school for a few classes, she isn’t moving across the ocean forever."

"But it will be hours before I see her radiant smile again, Mother-in-law!" Tamamo wailed, her voice echoing off the school walls. "What if the clock moves too slowly?! What if the grief consumes me?!"

The watching crowd of parents began whispering at a frantic pace, completely captivated.

"Wow... she’s that attached to her daughter? Honestly, that’s kind of adorable."

"Right? I wish my mom cared that much when she dropped me off. She practically kicked me out of the moving car."

"She’s… oddly, intensely dramatic, isn’t she? Is she a theater actress or something?"

A few of the veteran mothers in the crowd nodded in deep, maternal sympathy, while several others simply looked entirely exasperated by the sheer volume of the performance.

A young teacher assigned to welcome the students at the gate awkwardly stepped forward, clearing her throat with a strained, nervous smile. "Um, excuse me, ma’am… the first bell is about to ring, and we really need to get the children to their class—"

Tamamo snapped her head toward the poor educator, her golden eyes flashing with a sudden, fierce intensity that made the teacher instinctively step back. "NO! I REFUSE! A MOTHER’S RECKONING AWAITS ANYONE WHO SEPARATES US!

Miki, knowing exactly when to step in before things took a bad turn, walked forward with a calm, knowing smile. With practiced ease, she deftly slipped her hands under Sakura's arms and gently, but unyieldingly, pried the blushing girl from Tamamo’s desperate grasp.

"Now, now, Tamamo-chan~!" Miki cooed, holding Sakura securely. "We wouldn’t want our sweet Sakura-chan to be marked as late on her very first day of school, would we? That wouldn't look very good for her parents' reputation."

Tamamo whimpered, her hands hovering emptily in the air. "B-But… Mother-in-law…"

Sakura, despite her overwhelming embarrassment, took a brave step back toward her mother. She reached up and grabbed Tamamo’s trembling, slender hands, squeezing them tightly with her small fingers. When she spoke, her voice was quiet, but it possessed a profound, gentle warmth that instantly cut through the fox goddess's dramatic hysteria.

"Mama… please don't cry," Sakura murmured, looking dead into Tamamo's eyes. "I’ll be back home before you know it. I promise."

Tamamo’s lower lip trembled violently. "R-Really…? You won't forget about me?"

Sakura nodded quickly, her lips curling into a tiny, genuinely beautiful smile that reached her eyes. "Mhm. And the very second I come home, I’ll sit at the table and tell you absolutely everything that happened. Every single thing."

Tamamo sniffled one final time, the theatrical tears magically evaporating as she finally, reluctantly let go of the girl's hands. She pulled a delicate handkerchief from her sleeve, dabbing at her eyes with a restored air of dignity.

"Then go forth, my precious, noble daughter!" Tamamo declared, pointing a finger dramatically toward the school building like a general sending a soldier into battle. "March toward your glory! And know that your mother will be waiting right here with open arms and a grand feast upon your triumphant return!"

Sakura took a quick step back and bowed politely, just as Tamamo had taught her. "See you later, Mama. See you later, Grandma."

With one last, lingering glance back to ensure they were both still standing there, she turned on her heel and began walking toward her designated classroom, her tiny backpack bouncing rhythmically against her shoulders.

Tamamo watched her retreating figure, clutching both of her hands over her heart as her entire frame visibly trembled with repressed emotion.

Miki patted her on the back, a playful, amused smirk plastered across her face. "You know, Tamamo-chan, you’re acting like she’s leaving for a four-year college across the country."

Tamamo let out a ragged sniff, entirely unbothered by the teasing. "But Mother-in-law… she is just so small… and so incredibly precious…! What if the other children are uncouth?! What if she gets bullied by some unruly brat?! What if she needs help opening her milk carton?! What if—"

Miki shook her head, her expression turning into one of genuine, deep-seated pride as they watched Sakura successfully introduce herself to a nearby teacher. "She is going to be completely fine. You and Issei raised a remarkably strong, resilient daughter, Tamamo-chan. Have a little faith in her."

Tamamo paused, dabbing the corner of her eye one last time before a radiant, triumphant smile returned to her face. She puffed out her chest proudly. "Fufu… of course she is strong! Because she has the absolute best, most dazzling mother in the entire world!"

The surrounding parents were still staring at them, utterly captivated by the whiplash of her personality.

One of the nearby fathers, thoroughly flustered and trying to avoid his wife's glare, coughed into his fist. "Ehem… dear lord, how is it possible for one woman to be that jaw-droppingly beautiful and that utterly dramatic at the same time?"

Another mother crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes inquisitively. "If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear she was an elite actress testing out a new character in disguise."

Miki stifled a loud chuckle into her hand, her eyes dancing with amusement. 'Oh, if only you people had any earthly idea what she actually is.'

Tamamo, finally completely calmed down, let out a deep, satisfied exhale, smoothing down the fabric of her coat. "Alright! My maternal duties for the morning are successfully complete! Let us return to the sanctuary of our home, Mother-in-law~!"

Miki smiled, turning to walk back down the sidewalk. "Sounds like a plan. And maybe, just maybe, let’s try to avoid causing a massive public scene on the walk back?"

Tamamo offered a playful wink, her golden eyes flashing with absolute mischief. "Mikon! No promises, Mother-in-law!"

And with that, Sakura’s first official day of school had finally begun. She was moving forward into a brighter future and her mother was a proud, emotional, completely chaotic wreck because of it.

—--------------------------

Kuoh Academy School Gates

As soon as Issei and Yuuka stepped onto the Kuoh Academy school grounds, all it took was one eagle-eyed student noticing them walking hand-in-hand to shatter the morning peace.

"W-WAIT! LOOK OVER THERE! HYOUDOU IS HOLDING HANDS WITH A GIRL?!"

The reaction was instantaneous. It was as if a massive boulder had been dropped into a completely still pond, sending violent ripples of shock, horror, and disbelief crashing across the entire courtyard. A tidal wave of whispers, dramatic gasps, and comically horrified screams spread across the campus like wildfire. 

"No way! This has to be a sick joke! I thought the rumors from last week were just a nightmare!"

"The Perverted Beast has an actual GIRLFRIEND?! Who is she?! She’s gorgeous!"

"He must have blackmailed the new transfer student! That’s the only logical explanation! Call the cops!"

Yuuka, completely unfazed by the sudden public scrutiny, leaned deliberately into Issei’s arm. A smug, victorious smile curled her lips as she intentionally laced her fingers deeper with his, explicitly doing it just to rub salt in the collective wound of the student body. She couldn't help but want to laugh at their absolute hysteria; she was quickly realizing that she was having way too much fun with the sheer, unbridled chaos Issei naturally brought into her life.

Issei groaned, slouching his shoulders as he felt a massive, localized migraine forming behind his eyes. "Told you. They’re like a hive mind."

Yuuka chuckled, her eyes glittering with amusement. "Oh, come on. You gotta admit that your classmates are quite the lively bunch. It’s better than a boring school, right?"

"That’s certainly one way to put it," Issei muttered, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

Unfortunately for his sanity, things only got exponentially worse a second later.

"ISSEI!!!"

Matsuda and Motohama rushed toward them from across the courtyard like a pair of starving hyenas spotting a lone gazelle. The two of them practically skidded to a violent stop directly in front of the couple, kicked-up dust swirling around their ankles.

Matsuda aggressively lunged forward and grabbed Issei's shoulders, shaking him back and forth with terrifying intensity. "YOU BROUGHT THE NEW GIRL BACK?!"

Motohama pushed his glasses up his nose with a single finger, the morning sun catching the lenses in an ominous, blinding flash. "HOW?! WHAT MANNER OF DARK MAGIC DID YOU EMPLOY, HYOUDOU?!!"

Issei slapped their hands off his uniform, scowling deeply. "Oi! Hands off! Why do you guys always act like me hanging out with a girl is some kind of unnatural, apocalyptic phenomenon?!"

Matsuda snapped into a dramatic stance, pointing an incredibly accusatory, trembling finger right at Issei’s face. "BECAUSE IT ABSOLUTELY IS!"

Motohama nodded solemnly, crossing his arms. "This blatantly defies the fundamental laws of reality, social hierarchy, and human nature."

Before Issei could open his mouth to retaliate, a sharp, teasing voice effortlessly sliced through the tension.

"Because it totally does, Issei~! Now, come on, spill the details." Aika Kiryuu suddenly appeared right beside them without a single sound, a devious, cat-like grin plastered across her face. She adjusted her glasses, her eyes twinkling with pure, unmitigated amusement. "How exactly did this happen? How did you, the guy who literally gets smacked into tomorrow by the girls' kendo club on a daily basis, end up pulling a girl like her?"

Yuuka, watching the entire dramatic exchange unfold like it was a premium front-row comedy show, smirked. She tilted her head slightly toward Aika, her grip on Issei’s hand tightening just a little more for maximum effect. "Oh, it's nothing complicated," Yuuka stated smoothly, her voice carrying just enough to ensure the surrounding crowd heard. "I just like him. That’s all."

The entire courtyard instantly fell into a suffocating, dead silence. Every single student in the vicinity held their collective breath, the laws of physics hanging in the balance.

And then—

"YOU… YOU ACTUALLY LIKE HIM?!" Matsuda clutched his left breast, stumbling backward as if he were suffering a literal, physical heart attack.

Motohama completely collapsed to his knees, his hands hitting the pavement as his glasses slipped entirely down his nose. "This isn’t fair… this breaks every known law of the universe… it’s like seeing a cat willingly jump into a swimming pool and do the breaststroke…"

Issei rubbed his temples, pinching the bridge of his nose in sheer exhaustion. "You guys are being ridiculously dramatic. Get off the floor, Motohama, you're embarrassing us."

Aika chuckled loudly, stepping up and playfully nudging Issei with her elbow. "Oh, come on, Issei! Give them a break! You can’t just casually drop a massive bombshell like ‘I have a drop-dead hot girlfriend’ and expect people not to have a total meltdown."

Issei let out a long, heavy groan.

Yuuka, fully enjoying every single second of his suffering, leaned in even closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his blazer. "What’s the big deal anyway? It’s not like I told them we're getting married or anything. At least... not just yet."

Matsuda gasped, his eyes bulging as he clutched his chest even harder, practically gasping for oxygen.

Motohama fell completely flat onto his hands, staring blankly at the dirt. "She said ‘not yet’… dear god, she said ‘not yet’!"

Issei could feel the throbbing pulse of a migraine settling in. He looked down at Yuuka, who was grinning up at him with absolute, unbothered mischief.

"So…" Yuuka whispered, her eyes dancing. "Still think today’s just gonna be a boring old headache, boyfriend?"

Issei let out a massive, defeated sigh, accepting his fate. "Yeah. And you're entirely to blame."

—------------

Classroom 2-A

After the absolute chaos of the morning, which involved far too much high-pitched screaming, Matsuda nearly suffering a literal heartbreak-induced medical emergency, and Issei looking like he wanted to walk directly into oncoming traffic. Yuuka was finally led to the front of her new classroom.

The room was practically vibrating with curiosity. The second the teacher slid the door open, the ambient chatter died down into a low buzz of intense whispering. Students leaned across the aisles, stealing blatant glances at the mysterious new transfer student who had already become the undisputed legend of the schoolyard thanks to her highly public entrance with the class pervert.

At the front of the board, Yuuka stood with a crisp, unyielding posture that unconsciously made half the class sit up straighter in their desks. She wasn’t shy, she wasn't timid, and she sure as hell wasn't going to play the part of a fragile new girl just to appease them.

"I’m Yuuka Hana," She announced, her voice steady, calm, and perfectly loud to carry to the back row. "I was heavily homeschooled due to family circumstances before this, but I decided to enroll at Kuoh Academy to broaden my horizons. I look forward to working with all of you. Let's make it a productive year."

A few of the girls blinked, momentarily captivated by her sharp, professional charm, while the others exchanged intrigued murmurs about her incredibly poised demeanor.

As Yuuka casually looked at the rows of desks to gauge the classroom layout, her blue eyes instinctively locked onto the back corner of the room. Her internal radar immediately flagged a massive anomaly.

Sitting right by the window, bathed in the soft, winter glow of the morning sunlight, was a strikingly beautiful girl. Her long, vibrant crimson hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk, and her deep blue eyes held a quiet, unmistakable power. She sat with a graceful, regal stillness, her cheek resting elegantly against her knuckles as she observed the front of the room.

And sitting right beside her—

A raven-haired girl with a deceptively sweet smile, leaning forward slightly as her purple eyes gleamed with pure mirth. Unlike the redhead's calm, aristocratic elegance, this one practically oozed playful mischief. A small, teasing smirk played on her lips, as if Yuuka's very presence had already thoroughly amused her.

Even at a casual glance, Yuuka's mind reached a definitive conclusion: These two were absolutely not normal human high schoolers. They radiated a heavy, dense presence that existed entirely beyond the ordinary spectrum, a distinct weight that intensely reminded her of the aura Tamamo gave off when she wasn't putting on her airheaded act.

'Tch. More monsters and supernatural entities,' Yuuka thought to herself, a faint, irritated twitch forming at the edge of her brow. 'Great. Just what my school life needed.'

However, she quickly shoved the cynical thought aside. She had been living under the same roof as a legendary nine-tailed fox spirit for weeks now; she was far too practical to be easily fazed by a couple of high school anomalies. 

"Alright, Hana-san," the teacher said, breaking her focus and gesturing toward the middle rows. "You can take that open seat right next to Kage-kun." 

As Yuuka began walking down the aisle toward her desk, she acutely felt the eyes of the crimson-haired girl and the raven-haired girl tracking her every movement. She even caught them briefly exchanging a subtle glance out of the corners of their eyes.

The scrutiny wasn’t overtly hostile, but it was deeply curious. It was the calculated look of two predators assessing a new, unknown variable that had suddenly walked into their territory.

Yuuka glanced back at them one last time before pulling out her chair. The redhead met her gaze squarely, her expression entirely calm, unreadable, and baseline polite while the raven-haired girl simply smiled.

Yuuka let out a quiet, internal 'tch' but didn’t give it much thought. With a defiant, sharp click of her school bag, Yuuka completely ignored the two girls and focused entirely on conquering her very first day of school.

—------------------------------------------------

Later

As soon as the lunch bell rang, the relative peace of the classroom evaporated. Yuuka’s desk was instantly besieged by an eager wall of classmates. They crowded around her in a tight circle, bombarding her with a relentless barrage of overlapping questions.

"Hana-san! Where do you come from?"

"Why did you enroll so late in the semester?"

"Are the rumors true?! Are you really dating Hyoudou?!"

Faced with the sudden, overwhelming interrogation, Yuuka remained completely unfazed. With absolute, practiced calm, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs casually as she addressed the crowd.

"I was heavily homeschooled before this," she answered smoothly, her tone perfectly even. "But I decided to enroll like any other normal student, mostly because my boyfriend, Issei, convinced me that I should actually enjoy my student life while I still can."

A suffocating silence fell over the room. The entire class collectively stopped breathing.

"BOYFRIEND?! DID SHE JUST CASUALLY SAY BOYFRIEND?!"

Yuuka barely had time to blink before the floodgates of absolute horror and unadulterated disbelief burst wide open. The girls in the front row leaned in, their faces contorted in a mix of panic and desperate concern.

"Hana-san, you don’t understand! You clearly don't know what he’s actually like!"

"He is officially the worst, most unredeemable pervert in the entire history of this school!"

"He literally sneaks thick stacks of porn magazines into the building!"

"He actively spies on the girls' kendo club while they’re changing in the locker rooms!"

"And don’t forget the worst part—he literally shouts about wanting to become a 'Harem King' at the top of his lungs in public!"

Yuuka felt her left eyebrow twitch violently. Yuuka didn’t even need to question if any of the accusations were true. Because after everything she had seen, she could absolutely, flawlessly picture Issei doing every single bit of it. ‘Yeah… that tracks with his character completely,’ She thought with a silent, exasperated sigh.

She crossed her arms, letting out a vocal sigh that made the surrounding girls perk up, thinking they had finally broken through her delusion. But their hope vanished the moment a confident, sharp smirk curled onto Yuuka’s lips.

"Yeah, yeah. I can perfectly picture him doing all of that," Yuuka mused aloud.

The group blinked, utterly bewildered by her lack of disgust.

"But still..." Yuuka continued, her expression softening just a fraction, though her smirk remained firm. "Despite all his absolute idiocy... he’s a genuinely good guy. Trust me."

The entire group looked as if they had just been simultaneously stabbed with an invisible blade.

"H-HUH?!"

Yuuka leaned back in her chair again, completely relaxed and running a hand through her hair. "And you don’t have to worry anymore~! Now that I’m here, I'll make sure he behaves himself perfectly."

The girls stared at her. Hard. They scrutinized her face as if they were desperately trying to detect the subtle sign of brainwashing or a severe case of Stockholm syndrome. But Yuuka simply offered them a pleasant, unbothered smile, completely controlling the room.

But she wasn’t the only one paying close attention to the theatrical display.

Across the classroom, sitting quietly by the windows, two of Kuoh Academy’s most revered beauties were watching the entire conversation unfold.

The crimson-haired girl rested her chin elegantly on her knuckles, her piercing blue eyes studying Yuuka's posture and speech with quiet, intense curiosity. Beside her, the raven-haired girl with striking violet eyes gracefully sipped a cup of freshly brewed tea, her lips curling into a deeply amused, teasing smile.

Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima.

They weren’t just eavesdropping for the sake of midday entertainment. They were actively investigating a localized anomaly.

Akeno took another delicate sip from her cup, her violet eyes sliding toward her companion. "What do you think, Rias?"

Rias tilted her head slightly, her gaze never leaving the sharp, blue-eyed transfer student. "Physically and spiritually, she doesn’t feel like anything special. No magical reserves, no sacred gear signature," she murmured softly, tapping a manicured finger against her cheek. "But I must admit... I’m incredibly curious. Her temperament doesn't match an ordinary teenager at all."

Akeno’s smile widened, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "Me too~. The way she carries herself... it's quite fascinating."

There was undeniably something about Yuuka Hana. Something that felt fundamentally different from any human they had encountered in this town. And considering she was openly, proudly dating Issei Hyoudou, a boy they already had their own subtle eyes on, she was definitely a variable worth watching very, very closely.

—--------------------------

Classroom 1-B

While Yuuka masterfully navigated her classmates’ intense interrogation, Issei was stuck dealing with a localized tribunal of his own.

Specifically, Katase and Murayama, two of Kuoh Academy’s most prominent kendo club members, had marched over to his desk and were currently looming over him with matching expressions of deep suspicion and sheer, unadulterated disbelief. Their arms were tightly crossed, their eyes practically burned with moral judgment, and their patience, which was thin on a good day, was already running entirely on empty.

"Hyoudou."

Issei winced, a chill running down his spine. Whenever a girl at this school dropped his last name with that exact, venomous tone, it invariably meant trouble. He slowly looked up from his notebook, already bracing his arms to shield his face if necessary. "Y-Yeah? What's up?"

Katase leaned in closer, her gaze narrowing into two sharp slits. "Cut the small talk. How exactly did you manage to get a girlfriend?!"

Murayama nodded firmly in tandem, leaning forward and violently slamming both of her hands flat onto his wooden desk, making his pens rattle. "Yeah! It makes absolutely no logical sense!"

Issei sighed heavily, slumping his shoulders as he realized he was going to have to answer this exhausting question for the thousandth time today. "I don't know what to tell you guys. If you're so confused, you’ll just have to go over there and ask her yourself."

Murayama scowled, tapping her foot aggressively against the ground. "Some of the other girls already did."

Katase kept her arms crossed, leaning down until she was practically eye-level with him. "And do you want to know what she told them?"

Issei blinked in genuine confusion, swallowing hard. "Uh... that she likes me?"

Katase and Murayama glared at him with enough intensity to melt steel. "EXACTLY!"

Issei groaned loudly, completely slumping forward until his forehead hit the polished wood of his desk with a dull thud. "Why is it so completely impossible for anyone in this building to believe that a girl could actually, genuinely likes me for who I am?"

Murayama tilted her head, a smug, vindictive grin spreading across her face. "Well, since you're playing the victim, let's just go ahead and review all the evidence, shall we?"

She lifted her hand, dramatically counting down on her fingers.

"Exhibit A: You and your two perverted, dumbasses constantly attempt to spy on us while we’re changing in the locker rooms!"

Issei instantly lifted his head, raising a hand in frantic protest. "In my absolute defense, I am always caught and beaten half to death before I even manage to see a single thing! My record is practically clean!"

"Exhibit B!" Katase cut in, ignoring his appeal completely. "You have been caught bringing thick stacks of adult magazines to school multiple times!"

"I simply forgot they were in my bag after a convenience store run! It was an honest error!" Issei yelled back, his face flushing red.

"And finally, Exhibit C," Murayama stated, crossing her arms victoriously as she delivered the final blow. "You literally scream about wanting to become a ‘Harem King’ in public. On a regular basis. At the absolute top of your lungs."

Issei froze, his mouth snapping shut mid-rebuttal. He opened his mouth to argue, closed it, and slowly looked away. He couldn't even attempt to spin that last one. It was a matter of public record.

Murayama’s smirk widened, entirely satisfied with her cross-examination. "See? Absolute silence from the defense."

Katase leaned even closer, squinting as if trying to read a hidden inscription on his face. "Face it, Hyoudou. Something is incredibly fishy here. Did you perform a dark ritual? Did you sell your soul? Did you blackmail her into this?!"

Issei groaned again, burying his face in his hands as he gave up entirely on salvaging his reputation. "Think whatever crazy conspiracy theory you want, but I swear to you, we really are just dating. Normal, regular dating."

The two kendo girls huffed in unison, clearly unresolved, but before they could press him further, the five-minute warning bell rang, forcing them to retreat to their seats while casting one final, suspicious glare over their shoulders. Issei let out a breath he felt like he’d been holding since breakfast, desperately praying that the rest of the school day would pass without any more surprise interrogations.

—-----------------------

The final school bell rang through the hallways, its loud, chiming ring signaling the sweet, glorious end of another day at Kuoh Academy.

For Issei, that bell was the sound of absolute freedom or at least, it should have been. As he eagerly tossed his notebook into his school bag and zipped it shut, a dangerously familiar, chaotic presence loomed directly behind his chair.

"Isseeeeeeiii~!"

Issei’s shoulders dropped, a cold sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. 'Oh no. Not again.' Before his survival instincts could even prompt him to leap out of his seat, two human missiles crashed into him with reckless abandon from both sides, completely locking his arms down.

Matsuda and Motohama.

"Bro, the day is young, the sun is setting, let’s hit up the arcade!" Matsuda grinned ear to ear, his arm slung tightly around Issei's neck. "Or better yet, let’s hit up that new maid café down the street! I heard they just hired a bunch of new girls! Maybe we’ll get lucky and see some cute waitresses in frilly outfits!"

Motohama adjusted his glasses with a sharp, calculated click, his eyes gleaming behind the lenses. "Indeed. My extensive data and research suggest that cafés present the absolute highest probability of friendly female interactions for guys of our… specific social status. It is a tactical necessity, Hyoudou!"

Issei, completely unamused and fighting the claustrophobia of being sandwiched between his two unhinged best friends, aggressively shoved them both off his desk. "Yeah, that’s gonna be a hard pass from me, chief."

Matsuda recoiled violently, stumbling backward into a row of desks as if he had just been physically slapped across the face. "What?! Why?! Are you insane?!"

Motohama squinted at him suspiciously, crossing his arms like a strict detective. "Hold on a minute. This is officially the third time in a row you’ve completely ditched us right after the final bell. We're supposed to be the Perverted Trio! A pack! A brotherhood!"

Issei swung his school bag over his shoulder, a thoroughly smug, deeply satisfied grin spreading slowly across his face. He leaned back against his desk, crossing his arms victoriously. "That’s because unlike you two lonely wolves, I actually have to go pick up my beautiful girlfriend from her classroom."

A dead, heavy silence descended over the room.

Then—

"GAH!"

Both of them simultaneously clutched their chests, their eyes bulging as they dramatically collapsed to their knees right onto the floor.

"IT STILL HURTS! THE REALITY CHECK STABS STRAIGHT THROUGH MY SOUL!" Matsuda wailed, throwing his head back in agony.

Motohama wiped an entirely invisible, tragic tear from the corner of his eye, staring blankly at the floorboards. "Every single day, I pray to the heavens that this is just a cruel, elaborate nightmare... but it just keeps getting worse... The fabric of our society is crumbling..."

Issei, feeling his smugness reach an all-time high, stepped forward and gave each of them a reassuring, incredibly condescending pat on the shoulder. "You guys wouldn't understand. Love is a beautiful, transcendent thing. Truly."

"SCREW YOU, HYOUDOU!"

Still grinning like a total idiot, Issei gave them a cheerful, backward wave of his hand, completely ignoring their heartbroken curses as he slid the classroom door open and headed down the hallway toward Yuuka’s room.

—--------------

As Issei arrived at the entrance of Yuuka’s classroom, he paused and peered quietly through the doorway.

To his thoroughly pleasant surprise, Yuuka was casually chatting with a small circle of her new classmates. They were all laughing genuinely at a sharp comment she had just made, and unlike the rigid front she usually put up around absolute strangers, she actually looked... entirely comfortable.

A deep sense of relief washed over Issei, a warm smile creeping onto his face as he watched from the hall. 'Good,' he thought to himself, his chest relaxing. 'She's actually fitting in.'

Yuuka easily spotted him standing in the doorway. Her lips immediately curled into a familiar, knowing smirk. "Oh, look at that. Speak of the devil, my boyfriend’s finally here."

The moment those words left her mouth, every single girl in the huddle whipped their heads around in perfect unison to stare at him.

An instant, dead silence fell over the immediate radius.

Yuuka rolled her eyes dramatically at their shell-shocked expressions, smoothly slinging her school bag over her shoulder as she stood up from her desk. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ve already heard the entire list of his offenses today, girls. But sorry, I've got to run. I promised I'd spend the rest of the afternoon with him."

One of the girls in the group hesitated, looking back and forth between Yuuka's absolute confidence and Issei's goofy, scratching-his-neck expression. "Well… I mean, if a girl as cool and smart as you actually likes him, I guess maybe… just maybe he’s not quite as unredeemable as we all thought…?"

Yuuka’s smirk widened as she stepped past them, confidently wrapping her hand around Issei’s arm the second she reached the doorway. "That’s the spirit. Keep an open mind. Later, girls!"

As they finally broke away from the classroom and began walking down the quieter school corridor, Issei let out a long, deflated sigh, though he couldn't hide the grateful warmth in his eyes. "Man... you really don’t care at all about what people say about me, huh?"

Yuuka laced her fingers firmly through his, giving his hand an unyielding, comforting squeeze as they headed toward the exit. "Nope. Not even a little bit."

—--------------------------------

As they walked down the familiar sidewalk, Yuuka suddenly came to a halt.

She turned and pointed her finger toward a brightly lit convenience store right across the road. "Hey, I’m gonna pop in and grab a few things for the house. Just wait out here for a minute, alright?"

Issei nodded, offering a casual wave of his hand. "Sure thing. Got it."

Yuuka smirked, casting a playful, parting glance over her shoulder as she stepped off the curb. "Be a good boy and don’t run off while my back is turned."

With that, she jogged across the street and disappeared through the sliding glass doors.

Issei walked over and leaned his back against a nearby lamppost, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as he watched the evening traffic drift by, completely at peace.

And that’s exactly when everything went completely sideways.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

The Dimensional Watch on his wrist suddenly flared to life, pulsing with a violent, blinding surge of raw energy that began radiating through the fabric of his blazer sleeve.

Issei’s eyes widened in sheer panic. He instinctively yanked his hands out of his pockets, desperately slamming his palm over the flashing face of the device. "Oh, crap! No, no, no, not out here in the open!" He hissed, looking around frantically to see if any pedestrians had noticed the neon glow. He pressed the interface buttons repeatedly, trying to force the light and sound to stop, whispering urgently into his sleeve, "Sherri! Sherri, what the actual hell is happening right now?!"

Sherri’s voice materialized directly in his mind, entirely calm and unbothered by his existential dread. "It has been exactly two weeks since your last temporal jump. By design, a random dimensional gate is currently adjusting to your coordinates and is about to open."

Issei’s stomach dropped into a bottomless pit. "WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! I thought I had way more time before the next trip!"

Ddraig finally chimed in, his deep voice echoing with a heavy layer of dark amusement. (Ha! About time! I was honestly starting to get bored out of my mind with how little actual combat there's been around this town lately.)

Issei gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white as he wrestled with the mounting energy on his arm. "Next time, you could at least give me a proper countdown warning!"

The watch’s energy suddenly spiked to its absolute threshold, the localized reality tearing apart as a swirling, iridescent blue vortex rapidly expanded on the pavement directly beneath his shoes.

"Understood. Upon the next activation cycle, I shall ensure a visual countdown metric is displayed for your convenience," Sherri responded smoothly.

Issei had mere fractions of a second left before the gravitational pull of the portal took complete hold, the supernatural winds whipping his hair wildly across his face. He took one frantic look back toward the convenience store doors, completely helpless. "DAMN IT ALL—!"

And then with a sharp, deafening crack of imploding displaced air, the blue vortex snapped shut. He was completely gone.

A minute later, the convenience store doors slid open with a cheerful chime. Yuuka walked out onto the sidewalk, a plastic shopping bag swinging gently from her hand.

She stepped across the street, shifting her gaze around the immediate perimeter. "Alright, Issei, let’s go ahead and—" She cut herself off, her words freezing in the cool air.

The sidewalk near the lamppost was entirely vacant as Issei was nowhere to be seen.

Yuuka’s sharp blue eyes narrowed dangerously, a cold, calculative anger instantly replacing her pleasant mood. Her grip tightened around the plastic handles of the shopping bag until the material groaned under the pressure. "…Where the hell did that idiot disappear to?" She muttered, her voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register.

Just like that, on a random Monday afternoon, Issei had vanished into thin air. And Yuuka Hana was absolutely, thoroughly not happy.

Done. Tell me what you think and if you like the changes.