Yuuji sat quietly on the engawa right in front of his room, gazing up at the star-strewn night sky.
The soft, glowing, warm light from the magical lantern within his room illuminating from behind him through the opened sliding doors.
Rhythmic gentle thud of the bamboo fountain and the soft rush of water accompanied this rare moment of solitude. A soothing rhythm against the stillness.
Such silence and solitude.
It had become something rare for him.
Ever since joining the multiverse group chat, life had never once been dull. Every day was filled with wonder—journeys to worlds he once thought fictional, friendships with people he believed could only exist in imagination, and love shared with remarkable women who had stolen his heart.
He wouldn't trade any of it for the world.
And yet, this quiet… this fleeting moment of peace… was refreshing.
He exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
'Let's go to sleep…'
It felt a bit lonely not having anyone to cuddle with tonight. Aika and Erika were sleeping with Rias and the girls. C.C had already gone to sleep in her own room. Albedo went to meet Estelle. While Semiramis stayed in her garden.
Est was also asleep in her spirit from within him. While Ophis, Alice, and Aria were sleeping together in his [King's Treasury].
A series of coincidences that left him sleeping alone for the first time in a very long time.
Just as he prepared to return inside, his eyes caught sight of Rias walking toward him.
At first, he thought she had come looking for him, but the way her gaze remained fixed downward, almost absentminded, told him otherwise. She seemed lost in thought.
"...Rias?"
Her head snapped up, startled. Emerald eyes shimmered beneath the glow of the moon and the warm lantern light from his room.
"Y-Yuuji?"
A faint blush spread across her cheeks when she saw him, his yukata worn loosely, the fabric open to reveal a sculpted chest.
Realizing her daze, Yuuji's smile softened.
"Lost during your night walk?"
His teasing grin only deepened the flush on her cheeks.
"I-I was just wandering… This place is even bigger than my home in the underworld."
He chuckled lightly and nodded.
"Want to sit for a while?"
"...Sure."
Rias moved to his side, her steps hesitant, and lowered herself onto the wooden patio. She kept her face turned away, but her heart pounded so loudly she was certain he could hear it. At this distance, his fragrance reached her—a clean, calming scent that only made her nerves tighter.
"It's been a long day," Yuuji said, his voice low and gentle. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
She quickly shook her head.
"No… When we went to rescue Gasper and Koneko, Aika froze all the magicians before they could react. And Tatsuya-kun dismantled every trap on our way. I wasn't hurt at all."
"Good."
He nodded, relieved. If she had been injured, he would have healed her himself—purged any curse, poison, or lingering magic without hesitation. Thankfully, she was safe.
"And your brother? Did he return already?"
Rias nodded again.
"I heard from Grayfia that he and his guards left shortly after you. He, Michael, and Azazel have already scheduled another meeting to discuss Khaos Brigade—the group behind Katarea and, apparently, the one the White Dragon Emperor is involved with. They haven't decided on the location yet, but they're considering asking you to host it. Grayfia said that after witnessing your power—and that flying fortress—there may not be a safer place in the world."
"Hmm…"
Yuuji leaned back slightly with his hands back to the wooden floor, considering.
By this point in the year, summer was approaching. Rias and her peerage were supposed to head to the underworld for training and to attend the Young Devil Gathering. Then would come the peace summit with Odin and the Norse gods, another event destined to be interrupted by Khaos Brigade. Loki would crash the talks, and on the side, Kuroka would approach Koneko.
If this meeting was held early, it might not change much. But it did raise questions about how schedules would shift.
"Well… let's see."
For now, he let the thought rest. In the end, it'd be the decision of the three factions' leaders. Either way, he and his friends had their own plans.
Though, it'd be interesting to be able to fight with a God.
Moreover… Akeno's father would attend as a guard for Azazel. He'd like to help her get over her past and be with her when she faced him.
Silence fell once more.
Rias felt her heartbeat slowly steady, the quiet wrapping around her like a blanket. When she finally dared to glance at Yuuji, warmth bloomed in her chest.
Memories surfaced—his patient guidance during training, the strategies he taught her, the dinners they shared, their simple conversations, and the gentle smile he always offered her.
It filled her with happiness. But then she remembered the hot spring earlier, the teasing words of Aika and the others, and—most of all—how close Akeno had grown to him.
She didn't want to fall behind. Not anymore.
Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her yukata as she drew in a breath, steeling her resolve.
"Yuuji! Th-There's something I want to tell you!"
He blinked, surprised. For a moment he thought it might concern her brother or something political. But the flush on her cheeks and the nervous tremor in her voice told him otherwise.
Her sudden outburst startled even herself. Her voice rang sharper than intended, shattering the stillness of the night.
"...Something you want to tell me?"
Rias's throat went dry. Her fingers curled tightly against the fabric of her yukata as she tried to gather her courage. The words tangled in her chest, heavy and suffocating.
For a brief moment, she thought of retreating — of laughing it off, of saying it was nothing.
But then she remembered Akeno's teasing, Aika's sly grin, and the ache in her heart whenever she saw Yuuji smile at someone else.
No. She didn't want to run away anymore.
Her emerald eyes lifted, shimmering under the lantern light.
"I… I don't want to just be someone you protect, or someone who only follows your lead. I want to stand beside you. And… be with you… always."
Her voice trembled, but her eyes remained steady, shining with determination.
"I… I love you, Yuuji!"
Yuuji froze, momentarily lost for words.
It felt sudden—yet, deep down, he knew this had been building. Their bond had only grown stronger with time. With Aika subtly pushing her to act, and his growing closeness to Akeno, it was only natural that Rias would gather her courage and bare her heart.
Taking a breath, Yuuji spoke honestly.
"Rias… You do know that I won't be able to… love only you, right?"
Rias nodded without hesitation.
"Mm… I know. I know what I'm getting into, and… I don't mind. I also know you're close with Akeno. Though… I didn't expect her to move that quickly."
Yuuji gave a small, helpless smile.
"Before I realized it, I fell in love with her too. I admire her strength—and her heart, for choosing not to walk the path of darkness when the world seemed to force her into it."
He closed his eyes for a moment, then turned towards her, wondering how she'd react.
To his surprise, Rias's lips curved into a gentle smile.
"That makes me happy. Akeno has been with me since childhood. She's always been like a sister to me. If she's with you… and I am too, then maybe we'll grow even closer, as sisters through you."
Yuuji blinked, startled by her words. Before he could respond, Rias leaned forward, wrapped her arms around him, and pressed her lips to his.
"I love you… Yuuji," she whispered.
A soft, helpless chuckle escaped him.
"I really do fall in love too easily…"
Rias's eyes widened for a moment, before a giggle escaped her lips, her eyes shimmering with mischief.
"I've heard. But… I'm glad you're like that."
"Hm?" Yuuji raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.
She tilted her head, smiling tenderly.
"Because if you didn't fall in love so easily, I might not have had the chance to be with you. I know I can't compare to Aika, or Albedo, or Erika, or C.C… even Semiramis."
Yuuji frowned slightly.
"You do know I never compare the ones I love, right?"
Rias nodded, her expression softening.
"Mm, I know. And that's exactly why… because I can see how much you love each and every one of them with all your heart, I know I'll never regret being with you."
"…Rias."
Her answer was another kiss—this time, Yuuji fully returned it.
"I love you too," he whispered. "I've always admired your kind heart, your caring nature… and your adorable, dorky side."
He smirked teasingly, which immediately earned him a pout from Rias.
"...I'm not dorky."
"Sure."
"Yuuji, I am not dorky! Just because I get excited when talking about anime and stuff doesn't mean I'm— I-I'm not that dorky!"
"Ahahaha, okay okay, calm down!"
Yuuji laughed and gently caught her wrists, keeping her from shaking him.
She puffed her cheeks in embarrassment, but the fluster soon gave way to warmth. Slowly, she relaxed, sinking back into his arms.
"I'm so happy," she breathed, her voice trembling with relief. "I've been… dreaming of this moment. I'm glad I found the courage to tell you."
All the tension melted from her body as she nestled closer, her heart finally at peace.
They sat together in silence, Rias clinging to his arm while the cool night breeze whispered across the engawa. The world around them seemed to pause, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in each other's presence.
"...I saw you watching anime with Ophis, Alice, Aria, and Est," Rias murmured, tilting her head up from his chest.
Her emerald eyes glimmered with a shy hopefulness. "I want to watch it too… with you."
Yuuji's smile softened. He brushed a strand of crimson hair from her cheek and nodded. "Of course. Let's watch it together."
He rose to his feet, lifting her gently by the hand and guiding her inside.
The magical lanterns in his room dimmed at his command, cloaking the space in a cozy twilight glow. Only the soft shimmer of their bond lit the atmosphere.
Yuuji settled onto the futon, hugging Rias from behind as she leaned against his chest. A pot of steaming tea and two cups rested at their side, filling the room with a delicate fragrance.
Time slipped away unnoticed. Episodes became seasons, and conversation turned into laughter and whispers.
Eventually, the warmth of the tea and each other's embrace lulled them to sleep—Rias resting peacefully against him, Yuuji holding her close as if he'd never let go.
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
Softness. Warmth.
A heavenly sensation pressed against his body, accompanied by the gentle fragrance of roses and lilies. That was what welcomed Yuuji as he stirred from his peaceful slumber.
In his drowsy haze, he recalled the night before—watching anime with Rias until sleep claimed them both. At the thought of her, memories of her heartfelt confession resurfaced, and his lips curled into a tender smile.
He didn't need to guess who was lying atop him. Pulling her closer into his arms, he embraced her warmly.
"Mmmh~"
Yuuji froze.
That voice… that wasn't Rias.
His eyes opened, and he found Akeno gazing up at him with half-lidded, misty eyes, cheeks flushed pink, lips parted in a teasing pout.
"Darling~ You're so clingy this morning~ Fufu… I love it~ Gyuuuu~"
She snuggled closer, nuzzling her face against his chest with a blissful sigh.
Startled, Yuuji glanced down—only to realize she was under his sheets.
Before he could even process it, another stir of movement brushed against his other side.
"Mmmhh… What's going on…? Is it morning already…?"
It was Rias. She shifted groggily, rubbing her eyes, her yukata long discarded in her sleep. Her bare form clung tightly to his arm, her generous curves pressing into him as she yawned softly.
But then her half-lidded eyes caught sight of Akeno hugging Yuuji like a koala.
"E-Eh…? A-Akeno?! Since when—?!"
"Ufufufu~ Rias, that's not fair, you know? I confessed to Yuuji first. So naturally, I should've been the first to sleep with him~"
"W-What?!" Rias turned red to her ears.
Akeno tilted her head, smiling slyly. "I thought you went out for some air last night… but when you didn't return, I went to find you. Imagine my surprise when I saw you already snuggled up in his arms, sleeping so peacefully. So…" She giggled. "…I joined in."
"Y-You…! Uuuugh…"
Rias trembled with embarrassment at being caught red-handed, but she refused to yield.
"I-It was a coincidence! I'm sorry for not telling you, but… after you saw us, you should've left us alone!"
She huffed and pulled Yuuji's head down, pressing his face firmly into her bare cleavage.
But Akeno only smirked and tugged from the other side, guiding his head into her own soft, enveloping chest.
"I did give you some alone time, Rias~ But since you had him most of the night, it's only fair I got my share too~"
Rias's breasts were firmer, perkier—her warmth bold and undeniable. Akeno's was softer, smoother, like being smothered by clouds. Both sensations divine…
Yet Yuuji knew better. This wasn't heaven. This was a battlefield dressed as paradise.
Before sparks could ignite into flames, he acted.
"Alright, that's enough, you two…"
He slipped his arms around both women, pulling them against him equally, then silenced them with a kiss each—one for Rias, one for Akeno. Both froze, eyes wide in surprise.
"Good morning, Rias. Akeno."
Their eyes softened at once. Their quarrel forgotten, they rested their heads against his chest, each holding onto him as if they would never let go.
"…Good morning, Yuuji."
"Good morning, darling~"
The sun rose as it always did, but for the three of them, this dawn was unlike any other—a new beginning wrapped in warmth, love, and the promise of tomorrow.
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!