It wasn't often Draconis handed out compliments, so when he did, the whole room brightened.
"I honestly didn't think we could catch up in just one day," Itsuki said, her smile infectious.
"Yeah, I felt weirdly sharp today," Yotsuba chimed in, grinning. "Stuff that usually makes my brain melt just… made sense."
Ichika laughed. "That's rare, Yotsuba. Must mean you've been working hard."
Yotsuba scratched her head, bashful. "Maybe… But after this much studying, my head kind of hurts."
Draconis smiled, a teasing glint in his eye. "Don't worry. Maybe your brain's finally growing."
Everyone: "…??"
Yotsuba burst out laughing, playfully nudging him. "Maybe you're right!"
"So, confident about the exam?" Draconis asked, glancing at Yotsuba but meaning all of them.
"No problem! I'll pass for sure!" Yotsuba declared, snapping into a salute, all mischief and energy.
Ichika joined in. "If we can't pass after all this, we wouldn't have the nerve to face you again."
Draconis nodded, satisfied. "Good. Then take tomorrow to rest up, and hit the exam with everything you've got."
Whether he could call this tutoring job complete would depend on the results.
The girls answered in chorus, their spirits high as they fell into easy chatter.
Draconis slipped out to the balcony, letting the night breeze cool his skin.
A moment later, Ichika joined him, eyes twinkling. "Miku's making dessert. You should try some before you go."
"Really? Then I'd better," Draconis replied, smiling softly. Ichika leaned on the railing beside him, both gazing up at the stars.
"These past few weeks… we really owe you," she said.
"You've all put in the work," Draconis replied.
Ichika shook her head gently. "No, I can feel everyone changing. That's because of you. Before, we could never settle down and study together."
She exhaled, her voice warm. "So, please keep looking out for us."
"I will," Draconis promised, meeting her gaze with quiet assurance. "You're a great big sister, Ichika."
Ichika blinked, cheeks flushing. "…Hey, where'd that come from? You're making me shy."
Draconis just smiled, turning back to the night sky.
Soon, Miku called everyone in for dessert.
Draconis eyed the plate. "Is this… cake? Bread? Or maybe cookies?"
Miku puffed out her cheeks, torn between disappointment and hope—adorable, really.
Nino snorted. "Told you your cooking wasn't up to snuff."
Truth be told, Miku's baking skills left a lot to be desired.
Draconis just grabbed a fork, took a bite, and raised an eyebrow. "…Wow. That's sweet."
Sticky, sugary, almost gluey—but at least it wasn't burnt or bitter.
"At least it's edible. Anyone with a sweet tooth would love it," he said, picking out the positives for Miku's sake.
He understood her feelings. First crushes were pure, awkward, and utterly normal. Everyone went through them. He had enough self-awareness to admit his own appeal—he was a devil, after all, and who knew what would happen once the job was done? Maybe they'd all get tired of him.
Still, Miku managed a small smile, confidence restored by his gentle words.
Ichika led her aside, whispering, "Miku, you like Draconis, don't you?"
"Eh?"
Miku froze, but didn't deny it. She nodded, quiet but certain. "Mm-hmm."
Ichika sighed inwardly. She'd already guessed—Miku had learned to bake just for him.
So… what about her own feelings?
A pang of bitterness stung Ichika's heart. The more time she spent with Draconis, the more she realized she liked him too. He was always so sure of himself, so grounded. Maybe it was his power, maybe just his confidence. Either way, it was magnetic.
But now Miku liked him, too. Was she supposed to compete with her little sister?
"I'm going to get the best score on this exam," Miku said suddenly, gathering her courage. "Then I'll confess to him."
"Oh… really?" Ichika blinked, then smiled in support. "Go for it, Miku. You've got this."
"I will. I'm sure of it," Miku replied, her usual shyness replaced by a new resolve.
By the time they finished dessert, it was after eight. Draconis stood to leave.
"I'll be back Wednesday. Your exam results should be out by then."
The girls looked reluctant to let him go. Even though most of their time together was spent studying, it always seemed to fly by.
Miku steeled herself. There's a saying: 'See someone anew after three days apart.' She'd make sure Draconis saw her differently next time.
After saying his goodbyes, Draconis returned home through the teleportation circle.
Rias and Asia weren't around—probably back at the castle. He sent Rias a quick message to let her know he was home.
A lot had happened in just a few days. Mai Sakurajima and Nodoka Toyohama's issues remained unsolved, and the quintuplets' scores weren't in yet. Plenty to think about.
He showered, collapsed onto his bed, and slipped into his training trance.
Moments later, the teleportation circle lit up—and Rias stepped through, her silhouette framed by the glow…
…
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