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After school that afternoon, Miko Yotsuya was immediately dragged away by Yuri Wakasa.
The girls had already decided on their plan: grab some snacks at a newly opened café near the train station, then head out to hunt wandering spirits and grind their abilities.
Mai Sakurajima, on the other hand, went straight to Rosen's place with him.
She hadn't brought much luggage. Rosen simply found a quiet spot, then whisked her away to his home using his divine step technique.
At first, Mai didn't feel anything in particular. But the moment she stepped into the house—just the two of them inside—her heart suddenly started racing out of control.
Wait… wasn't she supposed to be the type who wouldn't get flustered around younger guys?Where was all that cool-headed composure she had trained up in the entertainment industry? Someone please drag it out to save her right now!
Her inner voice didn't get to panic for long, though, because Rosen cleared his throat.
The sudden sound nearly made Mai jump out of her skin.
"Wh-what… I-I'm not ready yet…" she stammered.
"Ready for what? I just asked you to come with me to buy something. What kind of preparation do you need for that?" Rosen replied flatly.
Then he paused, his expression shifting."Oh… you mean you want to dress up, right?"
Without waiting for her answer, he waved his hand and conjured up a neat set of stylish outfits—imitating the kind of fashion he'd seen on TV.
"Go change. Once you're done, we'll head out."
And just like that, Rosen left the bedroom, leaving Mai completely thrown off.
So… he wasn't talking about that kind of "preparation"?
She looked at the clothes laid neatly on the bed, bit her lip, and began carefully picking through them.
Fifteen minutes later—
"Rosen…"
He was idly scrolling through his phone on the couch when he heard her call. Instinctively, he turned around.
And froze.
The girl standing there looked nothing like her usual self.
"…So? How do I look?" Mai asked, stepping forward with a light click of her heels.
She wore a soft knit sweater with a slightly loose neckline, paired with a knee-length skirt and brown boots. Her face had a touch of makeup that made her look brighter and more charming than her usual bare-faced self. Her long straight hair was tied into a loose braid, and a pair of oversized glasses framed her delicate features.
It wasn't just a casual change of clothes—it was a disguise, carefully chosen since they were going out.
Even someone like Rosen, who knew nothing about fashion, could tell she'd put real effort into it. Giving her a halfhearted response now would definitely crush her mood.
"…Not bad. Much more polished than usual. Truly worthy of being my follower."
"…Hmph."
Mai gave him a steady look. It was obvious she wasn't completely satisfied with that answer.
Rosen tilted his head. "Then how about this: what if I said the meaning of my existence is Sakurajima Mai?"
His words hung in the air as he studied her.
Fair skin, beautiful features, a playful cuteness wrapped in feigned maturity—if not for the fact that Rosen could literally traverse worlds, she'd practically check every box, right down to the "rich lady" label.
Seconds passed.
Mai's cheeks flushed a rosy pink. She fiddled with the strands of hair at her forehead, eyes darting nervously aside.
"You… you're supposed to be a god, and yet you say things like that… isn't that a bit much?" she murmured.
Easily flustered, wasn't she?
Rosen watched her up close. She seemed a little tired—probably hadn't slept well the night before, faint red lines visible at the corners of her eyes. Her face, caught between panic and shy delight at his praise, was almost endearingly human.
And why not? Compliments cost him nothing. Tossing a few her way made life smoother and, honestly, more fun. Even if his followers obeyed him unconditionally, everyday life still needed some "entertainment."
Mai wanted to act like the older one in this relationship. She even had the urge to pinch his cheek. But in the end, remembering he was a god, she didn't dare.
So the two of them left together.
At first, Mai was uneasy. But she quickly relaxed once they were out walking.
"What are we even buying, anyway?" she asked.
"A house," Rosen replied casually. "Didn't you say the place I live now is too small? And tomorrow I'm meeting your mother. I can't exactly bring her to that little shack, can I? At the very least, she needs to see that the man keeping Sakurajima Mai has a decent level of… capability."
Mai choked. "…Did you seriously just say keeping?!"
Soon, they arrived at a real estate office.
Most of the salespeople weren't interested, seeing only two young customers. But one fresh-faced rookie, probably just out of college, came over enthusiastically.
Rosen didn't waste time. He pointed at the largest villa on the list and immediately said he'd take it. No bargaining, no hesitation—just handed over the card and told them to run it.
The rookie's eyes nearly popped out of his head, his expression halfway between disbelief and idiotic awe.
The moment the transaction went through, the other agents turned green with envy. A few of the female ones were practically ready to throw themselves at Rosen—even with Mai standing right there.
After all, wasn't it normal for rich men to keep a mistress or two?
Paperwork finished, Rosen ignored the manager's offer to chauffeur them over and simply took Mai to the villa himself, bringing all their luggage along in one go.
"This should be enough to convince your mother," he said with a grin.
"At least she won't object to your finances…" Mai admitted quietly.
Even after years of acting, she could never have saved up enough to buy an estate like this.
All she could think was: my god really can do anything.
By the time they got back, the sun had already dipped into the horizon.
Rosen didn't stop there—he even took her out to dinner before heading home.
"If Miko and Yuri find out, they'll be so jealous," Mai said, smiling brightly as they walked in.
Somehow, their gazes lingered just a little too long. The air between them grew soft, tinged with a faint, unspoken heat.
Mai's face turned pink. She glanced away, but her eyes kept sneaking back, filled with a flicker of anticipation.
Rosen noticed.
He stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Her expression turned flustered, unsure how to respond.
And when Rosen leaned in for more, she panicked, slipping out of his hold.
"W-we've been running around all afternoon. I… I'm all sweaty. I-I'll take a bath first!"
She practically fled the room. Rosen just chuckled softly.
No rejection. Which meant… consent.
Looked like he'd be sleeping well tonight.
An hour later—
Mai emerged from the bathroom, steam curling around her. She wore only a robe, damp hair clinging to her shoulders, her skin glowing faintly in the warm light.
Even without stockings, her bare legs and delicate feet were impossibly pretty.
Under Rosen's gaze, she couldn't take it. Heart pounding, she scrambled into the bedroom and dove under the covers.
Her chest felt tight, a mix of nervousness and a strange sense of… disappointment.
But soon, she felt the familiar warmth of another presence slipping in behind her.
That aura—she knew it well. Comforting, steady.
"Don't look back…"
Rosen's voice was low in her ear as he pulled her into his arms.
And then, without hesitation, he began to climb.
"..."
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