The next morning came with golden rays peeking through the windows of the Occult Research Club room. It was quiet, warm even, with the subtle hum of magic still lingering in the air from last night's events.
Asia was sitting quietly on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, wearing one of Akeno's spare robes that looked a little too big for her.
Her golden hair shimmered softly in the morning light, and her green eyes, though still a bit distant, were clear.
I stood at the doorway for a moment, just watching her.
She looked... peaceful.
Considering what had happened just hours ago, I didn't expect that.
Rias had given her a room at the club's dorm, and she'd been brought here for orientation. But it seemed she hadn't slept much. She sat curled up with a blanket, gently sipping tea that Akeno had given her.
She saw me and smiled—hesitant but genuine.
"Issei-san," she said quietly. "Good morning."
"Morning, Asia," I replied, walking over to sit across from her. "How are you feeling?"
She looked down at her cup. "Different. But... not bad."
I nodded. "Your body's probably still adjusting to being a Devil."
She touched her chest, over her heart. "It's strange. I don't feel human anymore. But I don't feel like a monster either."
"You're not," I said firmly. "You're still you. Just with a little extra magic in your blood."
She giggled softly. "I can feel my Sacred Gear, too. Twilight Healing—it's still there."
I nodded.
That made her even more valuable—and vulnerable.
"You need to be careful, Asia," I said seriously. "There are people out there who would hurt you just to get your Sacred Gear. We can't let them know you still have it."
She looked down, gripping the cup a little tighter. "I don't want to be a burden..."
I reached out and gently placed a hand over hers. "You're not a burden. You're part of the team now. You're part of us."
Her eyes shimmered slightly, tears threatening to spill. "I never had a family before... not a real one."
"Then we'll be your family," I said with a grin. "A loud, weird, perverted one—but a family."
She laughed—a soft, pure sound that made something in my chest relax.
Rias entered then, dressed in her usual school uniform, her red hair flowing like a crimson river. "You two are up early."
"Couldn't sleep much," I admitted.
Asia gave a shy nod.
Rias sat down beside Asia and handed her a wrapped bento. "You'll be attending school with us starting tomorrow. Akeno and Rias have arranged everything."
Asia's eyes widened. "I get to go to school…?"
Rias smiled gently. "You'll need to blend in like the rest of us. But yes. Welcome to Kuoh Academy, Asia."
Asia looked like she might cry again, but she held it in.
Kiba and Koneko soon arrived, both acting as if things were returning to normal. Kiba gave Asia a warm smile, while Koneko gave a nod that, for her, was practically a bear hug.
We all ate breakfast together in the club room. It was quiet, peaceful, and full of small chatter about school and upcoming events.
But I noticed something.
Even as she smiled and laughed, there was still a flicker of uncertainty in Asia's eyes.
Later that day, I found her sitting alone by the courtyard garden behind the old school building. She stared at the flowers gently swaying in the breeze, her hands folded neatly on her lap.
"You okay?" I asked, sitting beside her.
She nodded, but her gaze didn't leave the garden. "Issei-san… do you think… I was meant to become a Devil?"
That was a tough question.
I leaned back and looked up at the sky.
"Honestly? I don't know. Fate's a weird thing. Maybe you weren't supposed to. Maybe this was a twist."
She looked at me, curious. "Then why do you think it happened?"
"Because you chose to help people," I said. "Even when the Church turned on you, even when you had nothing. You didn't stop trying to heal. You never changed who you were."
She smiled sadly. "Even now… I still want to heal. Even if I'm a devil."
"Then don't stop," I said. "You're Asia. Not a pawn. Not a monster. Just… you."
A light breeze passed by, and I saw her relax slightly.
"…Thank you, Issei-san," she said softly. "For saving me. For staying."
I looked at her and forced a smile. "You don't have to thank me. Just promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Don't lose that kindness. Even when things get ugly. Even if the world tries to twist you." Saying that, I touched my heart, an involuntary moment. Is that regret I am feeling?
It was not Issei's, so that means it was mine? Now what could have caused me to feel this regret? But without minding me, Asia gave a determined nod. "I won't. I promise."
~~~
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