Dead. I am spiritually dead.
Akeno was the first to break the silence—with a giggle. "Ufufu~ So that's what boys call it now—'stress relief.' I see."
I sank lower in my seat. "Please just… kill me."
Then Asia suddenly raised her hand as if a light bulb went off above her head.
"Ah! Issei-san… that must be what you were doing yesterday when I knocked and you said you were, um, m-masturbating…"
BANG.
My forehead hit the table. Hard.
Rias gasped softly. Akeno let out a soft "Ara~" and turned toward Asia.
"You told her that? With no hesitation?" Rias asked, her voice calm—but clearly holding back some kind of emotional crisis.
"I wasn't thinking!" I groaned into the desk. "It just came out! I panicked!"
Koneko finally blinked and looked up from her cookie. "Oh. I was just messing with you."
Everyone turned toward her.
She chewed once, then added, "I mean, yeah, I smelled something weird, but I was guessing."
I slowly raised my head from the table, a long red mark forming on my forehead.
"So… this was all… a bluff?"
Koneko gave a small nod. "Didn't think you'd actually say you were jerking off with panties."
"Why would you even joke about that!?"
"I was bored."
I slumped back into my chair. "I can't believe this."
Akeno leaned closer, her dark eyes twinkling with amusement. "Issei-kun, you should really consider a career in confession videos. You're very… honest."
"That wasn't honesty! That was panic and social suicide wrapped in one embarrassing package!"
Asia, now crimson to her ears, muttered softly, "I didn't even know you could… um… use clothes for that…"
"I—Asia—no! Please don't say it like that!"
Rias sighed and ran a hand through her scarlet hair, clearly trying to hold her composure. "Issei, I don't know what's more shocking. The fact you confessed so easily, or that this somehow keeps happening around you."
"I'm starting to think I'm cursed," I muttered.
Koneko finally gave the closest thing to a smile I'd ever seen from her—a tiny amused curl of her lips.
"I thought you were dumb. Now I know you're dumb and honest."
"Thanks, Koneko. I'll treasure those words like a dagger in my heart."
Asia finally stood up, walking toward me hesitantly.
"I-Issei-san… I'm sorry I brought it up. I didn't mean to embarrass you," she said softly.
I waved her off, too tired to care anymore. "No, it's okay. I did it to myself. Like always."
Then I turned to glare half-heartedly at Koneko. "You better buy me some ice cream later for this."
Koneko shrugged. "I'll think about it."
Rias finally stood and walked toward the window, exhaling slowly. "Well, I suppose there's no permanent damage done. Just a reminder that in this club… secrets don't last long."
Akeno sipped her tea. "Especially when Koneko-chan is curious."
Asia leaned closer to me again, whispering, "Umm… I won't tell anyone else, Issei-san. I promise. But… maybe next time just say you were changing clothes?"
"Noted," I replied hollowly.
"Or cleaning," she offered helpfully.
I gave a slow nod. "Cleaning. Yes. From now on, I'm always cleaning."
Koneko munched her cookie. "You were definitely not cleaning."
Everyone chuckled.
I leaned back in my chair and stared at the ceiling. "God, if you're watching, I'd like a redo of the last ten minutes."
Rias chuckled softly. "No redos, Issei. Only consequences."
Great. I now had a new reputation: Issei the Panty Whisperer. I just cemented Previous Issei reputation.
•••
"Now then, I will have Asia make her début as a Devil starting tonight," Rias said, her arms crossed and her usual confidence radiating like a queen issuing a royal decree.
Asia, who had been sitting beside me in the clubroom, perked up with a nervous but excited smile. "M-My debut?"
Rias nodded with a warm expression. "Yes, Asia. You've been reincarnated as a Devil, which means you're now officially part of my peerage. And tonight, we'll go on your first real job."
"W-Wow…" Asia said, clasping her hands together. "I'll do my best, Buchou!"
"You'll be with Issei," Rias added, turning to look at me.
I blinked. "Huh? Me?"
Rias raised a brow. "Yes, of course. Who else? You two are the newest members of the team, and it's important to support each other. Besides…" She gave a teasing smirk. "You've been doing well lately."
That was… oddly encouraging. My chest puffed a little with pride before I caught Akeno looking at me with a knowing smile. Great. She probably sensed my ego inflating.
"I'm honored," I said, trying to sound cool but probably just sounding like a guy who was still recovering from earlier panty-related confessions.
Asia beamed at me. "Thank you, Issei-san. I'll be in your care!"
Her smile made my brain short-circuit for a second. Must protect. Must support. Must not get distracted by her innocent cuteness.
~~~
[There is a 20% discount in my Patreon, where you can read all the chapters I posted till now. Use the Code: 6F228. Hope, you will enjoy it. Last date sept 6.]
(I posted some audiobook of this fanfic in my patreon. Check it out.)
I have posted 50+ advance chapter on my Patreon. If you are interested, join my Patreon.
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517