Evening settled in.
Once again, the familiar interior of the old school building!
Sunset light poured through the windows into the common room. Rias lounged sideways against the sofa cushions, staring toward the corridor that led to the entrance with a bored, muffled tone.
"It's already this late. Everyone should be back soon, right?"
The Occult Research Club was "technically" a school club, but ever since they'd made the old building their base, it functioned more like a shared home. For Rias, coming here after class was basically the same as going home.
And since they'd relocated to Itogami Island, security was handled by the Special Assault Team. Even when something showed up that should've been above their pay grade—Leviathan raids, Black Death Sovereign trouble—Bokue dealt with it in a single punch.
Strictly speaking, the Occult Research Club didn't really have real "club activities" anymore.
"Mm… they'll probably be here soon," Akeno replied casually from the opposite sofa, holding her tea.
Nearby, Koneko made small, content sounds as she focused on her cake.
Akeno's answer seemed to trigger something in Rias's mind. She made a quiet tch sound, brows pinching.
"Come to think of it…" Rias said slowly, "Akeno—did Ravel seem a little strange today?"
"Strange?" Akeno tilted her head. "In what way, President?"
Rias searched for words, frowning as she replayed the morning in her head.
"…It's hard to explain," she admitted. "But she seemed like she didn't want to look at me. Like she was… avoiding me."
Akeno smiled softly. "Hehe. If that's all, I think you may be overthinking."
Rias's lips pressed together.
Akeno continued, voice gentle but practical. "Ravel-san isn't obligated to talk to you every day. And her second-year classroom isn't even near our third-year wing. You only see each other during brief transitions. It's normal for conversations to be short."
"…That's true," Rias conceded, though her expression didn't fully relax.
Akeno's smile turned slightly amused. "And if we're being blunt—if Ravel-san really is acting awkward around you, doesn't that most likely mean Bokue already… 'claimed' her?"
Rias went quiet.
It was, unfortunately, the most likely explanation.
And yet… the unease still didn't go away.
Because even if something had happened between Bokue and Ravel, was it really enough to make her avoid Rias this much?
Ravel was a pure-blood high-class devil from House Phoenix—nobility. In devil society, monogamy wasn't treated as sacred. Powerful people attracted followers. That was normal.
Even Rias herself had publicly confronted House Phoenix in front of half the high-class families, dissolved the engagement, and declared her relationship with Bokue.
And despite that, Ravel had still chased Bokue into the human world, used House Phoenix's connections, and even arranged to be in the same school—practically waving her intentions like a banner.
So if she finally "succeeded"… why would she suddenly become shy enough to dodge Rias?
Unless there was something deeper going on.
As Rias thought, Akeno spoke again.
"If it really bothers you," she said, "the weekend is coming up. You could set aside time and talk to her properly."
"Mm…"
Rias hesitated, uncertain. Akeno's advice was sound, but the question was how to start that conversation without sounding ridiculous.
'I think you're avoiding me' was not exactly a graceful opening line.
Akeno's eyes softened, as if she'd read Rias's mind.
"You don't have to be direct," she said. "You can use your 'hostess' authority. Ask her how she's settling in at Keystone Gate."
Rias's eyes lit.
"Decided!"
She sprang up so abruptly Akeno blinked in surprise.
"As soon as Ravel gets back, I'm asking!"
"Ah…"
Akeno's mouth was still slightly open, as if she'd planned to suggest "gently" and "later," but it was too late.
'Koneko, help,' Akeno's expression silently begged.
Koneko, still chewing, simply flicked her ears. Her white cat ears twitched twice, and she lifted her head toward the corridor.
"They're back."
Whoosh—
Almost on cue, the sliding doors at the entrance opened. Warm air and cheerful voices rushed inside.
Rias straightened instantly, as if she'd been waiting for an enemy to enter the room.
She turned sharply—and spotted Ravel and Asia walking in together, chatting.
"Ahem… Ravel!"
The name came out louder than intended.
The girls froze mid-conversation and looked over at her in a cluster of confused glances.
Ravel, in particular, stiffened as if she'd been struck by lightning.
Rias stepped around the sofa and approached, hands on her hips, brows slightly drawn as she examined Ravel closely.
"W-what is it?" Ravel asked, voice tight.
Asia, seeing the tension, looked worried. "Rias-san… did something happen?"
Rias cleared her throat.
"…It's nothing serious," she said, forcing a calmer tone. "I just wanted to check whether your Keystone Gate accommodations were comfortable yesterday, Ravel."
"Eh?"
After all that buildup, Ravel blinked blankly—then snapped back to herself.
"N-no complaints at all!" she said quickly. "Everything is excellent!"
"I see. That's good."
Rias nodded slowly, still studying her face.
"Since the weekend is coming up," Rias added, "if you're free, we could all go shopping together. Downstairs in the district. See if you need anything."
"Uh… y-yes," Ravel said, nodding rapidly. "That sounds good."
Inside, she let out a quiet, shaky breath of relief.
After last night, just looking at Rias made a strange guilt churn in her stomach.
But… from Rias's expression, it didn't look like she knew anything yet.
Behind them, Nagisa—walking in with Yukina—raised an eyebrow, amused.
'Weekend already, huh? Time to visit Mom again with Onii-sama…'
And get a "checkup"… ♡
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