The youthful chatter faded as Kiba approached the secluded area behind the school building.
It wasn't his first time there; on more than one occasion, he'd been summoned by girls hoping to confess their feelings.
Of course, he had never intended to accept, and over time, he grew tired of such encounters—eventually choosing to speak directly with those interested to avoid unnecessary situations.
Turning the corner, he spotted the person who had called him this time.
He was tall, with silver hair and a strikingly handsome face—at least to most eyes. Kiba had heard that some girls had tried to get close to him before but lost interest due to his aloof attitude.
Still, what could this kouhai possibly want, meeting him here in secret? A strange thought crossed Kiba's mind, but he quickly brushed it off with a shake of his head.
"Oh, Kiba-senpai, you came," the young man greeted politely.
Kiba nodded with his usual refined smile.
"What's going on, Daniel? Is something important? Why all the secrecy?"
Daniel hesitated before meeting his gaze with dull gray eyes.
"There's… someone I like."
Kiba froze, feeling a sudden chill run down his spine. Could his suspicion be true? He subtly took a step back.
"Uh… I appreciate the honesty, but… I don't think—"
Before he could finish, Daniel looked offended, nearly choking in disbelief.
"Seriously?! I meant Koneko and Asia. You didn't actually think I was talking about you, did you?"
Kiba coughed awkwardly, then regained his composure.
"Ahem… of course not. Just joking—you looked tense."
Daniel stared at him, unconvinced.
"Well, joking aside… I need advice. What should I do? You're the only guy I can trust. Issei's… not exactly reliable."
Kiba nodded, recalling the brown-haired boy. But what could he really say? He was popular, yes, but he lacked real experience in romance.
"So, what exactly do you want to ask?"
Daniel paused for a few seconds before answering.
"Koneko's been with me through tough times, and I really like the bond we share," he said, remembering the hardships he'd faced upon arriving in this world. "And Asia… she helped me move forward. They're both so cute that I don't know what to do. Who should I choose?"
Kiba blinked, slightly confused.
"Why choose?"
"Huh?"
"Devils are polygamous, you know," Kiba explained. "Due to low birth rates and the massive losses during the faction wars, that practice became acceptable."
Daniel frowned in surprise.
"Wait… wasn't that one of Issei's pervy fantasies?"
Kiba shook his head.
"But… is it really normal to feel this way? Isn't it selfish or greedy?" Daniel asked uncertainly.
Kiba thought for a moment before replying.
"Devils are true to their desires. Upon reincarnating as one, it's likely those desires become amplified. So yes, it's normal."
Daniel hesitated, then nodded as he recalled his own behavior since his reincarnation—he had indeed grown lazier and greedier.
"So Issei acts like that because of the reincarnation?" he wondered before shaking his head. No, Issei was just a pervert.
Kiba noticed Daniel's train of thought had ended and continued.
"Does that clear things up? You just need to make sure both of them agree to be with you."
"How do I do that?" Daniel asked eagerly.
"Oh… I have no idea," Kiba admitted, shrugging. He was popular, yes, but had never had a girlfriend. "Maybe be thoughtful. Cook something for them?"
"I already do that…" Daniel muttered in disappointment.
"Oh."
Both stood in awkward silence for a few seconds before parting ways.
---
The atmosphere in the club felt different. Daniel watched Asia and Koneko as he reflected on what to do.
His conversation with Kiba had strengthened his resolve.
In his previous life—before the accident—he'd never had the courage to confess to the girl he liked. He wouldn't make the same mistake again.
The hesitation that once held him back had vanished the moment he accepted his identity as a devil. Why not go for everything this time?
Now his only problem was figuring out how. He'd never had a girlfriend, nor had he ever been popular. Understanding how to attract someone was entirely new territory.
With no better ideas, he decided to imitate the most affectionate couple he knew: his parents.
For any son, watching his parents flirt was uncomfortable—but Daniel had to admit, there was a lot to learn from it.
He fixed his gaze on Asia. He was certain there was something deeper than friendship between them. If he wanted progress, he needed to close that distance.
It was time to test the first technique he had learned—physical contact.
---
Asia sat beside Daniel after handing out desserts; it was becoming a routine.
As she settled in, a gentle hand landed on her head, softly patting it. Asia stiffened for a moment before realizing it was Daniel.
"Good work, Asia. Thanks for your effort," he whispered, continuing to stroke her hair.
Asia blushed but didn't move away.
Koneko, watching from the side, bit into her macarons more forcefully—her usually blank expression flickering with a hint of irritation.
Daniel, oblivious, congratulated himself inwardly on the success of his "inherited technique." Without hesitation, he went further—resting his arm around Asia's shoulders until he was practically hugging her.
Asia didn't pull away, though her face burned crimson.
Everyone in the room stared in mild surprise.
"Ara, I didn't think you were such a flirt, Kouhai-kun," Akeno teased, resting her cheek in her palm with a playful smile.
Kiba hesitated, feeling that Daniel's sudden behavior was partly his fault.
Koneko lowered her head and furiously devoured more macarons.
Daniel blushed as he noticed the stares. He considered pulling his arm back—but then remembered it was a common display of affection in his household, so he decided to leave it there.
---
Issei watched uneasily. He still held some affection for Asia, and seeing her wrapped in Daniel's arms stung deeply.
Even so, he said nothing. Daniel was his friend—and even he had noticed Asia's growing attachment to him.
Resigned, he sighed and turned toward the window, needing some air.
As he approached, something darted past him. His devil-enhanced vision caught the object's shape.
"Isn't that one of Daniel's cards?" he thought, watching it float out the window.
Then he froze—there hadn't been any wind.