The soft warmth against my arm was the first thing I noticed. The second was the scent—sweet, floral, and unmistakably familiar. I stirred from sleep, the early morning light gently seeping through the curtains and warming the room in a golden hue.
My eyes slowly opened.
And there she was.
Rias Gremory. Crimson hair splayed over my pillow like a royal tapestry, her cheek nestled close to my shoulder. Her breathing was soft, slow, and peaceful.
And she was very, very naked.
I blinked once. Then twice. Then slowly sat up, careful not to wake her.
…Yep. Still naked.
My brain tried to process the situation logically. I was certain I'd given her her own room when she moved in. A private room, complete with personal furnishings and a custom bed fitted to her specifications. I even remembered carrying the ridiculous amount of luggage she brought, most of it unnecessary.
So why…?
Then it clicked. Of course. How could I forget?
Rias Gremory had a long-standing habit of treating me like her personal body pillow. I had read that about her before I even got reincarnated. Apparently, in the original timeline, Issei just accepted it with a mixture of embarrassment and delight.
But experiencing it firsthand?
Totally different story.
Because no matter how composed I tried to stay, no matter how mature I wanted to seem...it was very hard to concentrate with a completely nude Rias sleeping beside me.
I glanced down, trying not to stare—but failed miserably.
"Light pink tips, huh…" I muttered to myself. "Why didn't I notice that yesterday in the bath…"
A small, teasing murmur broke the silence.
"Good morning, Ise."
I froze.
Rias opened one eye, her lips curving into a sleepy, knowing smile. "You must be surprised… seeing me like this."
I cleared my throat and looked away—but not before my eyes betrayed me and took one last glance.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the view."
Rias giggled softly, stretching like a cat, the sheet falling slightly to reveal more of her flawless skin. "You're honest. I like that. And you smell really nice today."
I turned toward her, cheeks warm. "I thought you had your own room?"
"I do," she said, propping herself up on one elbow. "But I had a nightmare last night. About losing you. Again. So… I came here. It felt safer."
Even though it sounded casual, there was something deeper in her voice. Something raw.
"You could've just asked," I said gently.
Rias's smile softened. "Would you have said yes?"
"I would've said I'd hold you all night if it helped."
Her eyes widened slightly, then she reached over and gently brushed a lock of hair from my forehead. "You're getting bolder."
"Just catching up to you."
The room was quiet again, but the silence between us felt warm.
Then—
KNOCK KNOCK
"Ise-san?" came a soft voice from the other side of the door. "Are you awake? I made breakfast!"
Asia!
Rias didn't even flinch.
But I did. "Ah, Asia, wait a—!"
Too late. The door opened.
Asia stepped in, smiling sweetly—then stopped.
Her smile froze.
Her eyes slowly moved from me to Rias. Then to the blanket. Then to the clothes neatly folded on the chair. Then back to Rias's exposed shoulders… and the blush on my face.
The silence hit like a bomb.
Rias didn't bother covering up. She just tilted her head with a calm, "Good morning, Asia."
Asia's eyes filled with tears.
"Uuu… Issei-san… I thought we were going to eat breakfast together…" she whispered.
"Wait, Asia, it's not what it looks like." I said, trying to keep my voice calm.
She didn't listen. She stared at Rias—then suddenly clenched her fists with determination.
"If… if Rias-san can sleep with you… then… I-I can too!"
"Eh!?"
Before I could stop her, Asia began unbuttoning her top.
"What are you doing!?"
"I'm also doing what Rias-san is doing!" She cried, face flushed but determined.
"Asia, you don't have to—!"
"I-Issei-san, you said you wouldn't leave me behind!"
I turned toward Rias, silently begging for help.
She just smiled smugly. "Looks like you've got your hands full now, Ise."
Asia finally slipped out of her shirt, standing beside the bed with trembling hands and misty eyes.
"I-I know I can't compare to Rias-san, but… I-I want to be by your side too."
Cute!!
I reached out, gently taking her hand.
"Asia… You don't have to compete with anyone. You're already important to me."
She blinked. "Really?"
I nodded. "Always."
She slowly climbed onto the bed, slipping under the covers from the other side. Her body was trembling slightly.
Rias leaned over and pulled her gently into a side hug. "You're part of the family too, Asia. But Issei is my servant." Rias said, half joking, half serious.
~~~
(Volume 1: life as Issei is over in my Patreon and Vol 2: Rise of God has started. If you are interested check it out.)
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