The next day.
Early in the morning.
Upon waking, Bai Li saw the two people beside him.
Asia's golden hair was spread messily on the pillow; her petite body, which had been drenched in sweat last night, had recovered its calm and was enjoying the warmth of the quilt.
On the other side, Sakurajima Mai, biting her own black hair at the corner of her mouth, frowned, then moved her body closer to Bai Li, which seemed to make her feel comfortable.
Without waking the two, Bai Li cautiously got out of bed, then left the room for the washroom.
After a simple wash-up, he took out his phone and ordered three takeaways.
After all, it was impossible to ask Aixi to get up and cook after the busy night.
Fifteen minutes passed like this. Just as the takeaway was about to arrive, he, sitting in the living room making coffee for himself, heard footsteps from the second floor.
Mai and Asia, with pajamas draped over their shoulders, appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Bai Li-kun... how long have you been awake?"
"Less than twenty minutes."
Upon hearing the reply, Sakurajima Mai used her hand to smooth her messy bangs to the side.
"Then it's still early... I'll go take a shower and then change clothes."
"Go ahead."
After Bai Li agreed, Asia, on one side, asked,
"I also need some time... I'll go make breakfast later."
"No, it's not necessary, Asia. I've already ordered takeaway. Just rest today. I also said last night that a balance of work and rest is very important."
"Yes, yes it is..."
Asia recalled everything from last night, and feeling shy, she immediately caught up with Sakurajima Mai, who had just left.
About ten more minutes passed like this.
Breakfast at the Bai Li Family officially began.
The main dish placed before everyone was rice porridge, with some minced meat and yam added. The store owner said it was their newly developed healthy breakfast.
The side dishes were pickled vegetables, tender grilled salmon, and tamagoyaki.
Holding chopsticks, Asia, accustomed to using this utensil, stared at Bai Li and Sakurajima Mai, who had already changed into their uniforms.
"Mai-senpai, Bai Li-san, is going to school... interesting?"
"That's a rather subtle question."
Sakurajima Mai showed an ambiguous expression.
She stopped her movements and raised her chopsticks.
"For us, studying is a necessary path. Although some people choose to give up, most will choose this path."
Because... "If one chooses to give up too early, very few people will be able to find a correct path."
If one enters society too early—
Those with true talent will shine brightly;
Those without talent will get lost along the way.
Sakurajima Mai had deep experience in this regard.
As a former idol, she had seen new recruits at the agency who worked hard, gave up, and persevered.
"In my opinion, it's more for passing the time, and to solve some minor problems."
And to pick up girls along the way.
That was pretty much it; there was no special reason.
At this point, Sakurajima Mai also asked back,
"Could it be... Asia is interested in school?"
"Because Mai-senpai and Bai Li-san have actually spent quite a bit of time in school, I thought... it might be very interesting."
"Indeed, but Asia's identity currently has some issues, so it would be difficult for her to go to school."
Mentioning this.
Bai Li remembered Rias, his collaborator.
The high-ranking devil Gremory family could be said to be nobility in the Devil World and also had influence in the Human World. Perhaps he could entrust them with help.
Although Bai Li also had ways to solve problems with money, his connections were likely not as good as Rias's family.
Being efficient, he ultimately decided that it would be more convenient for Rias to take action.
"After school today, I'll ask Miss Rias. A great noble devil must have many connections in the Human World."
"Really?"
"Of course, when have I ever lied to you?"
"Thank you, Bai Li-san!"
Asia immediately beamed with joy.
After breakfast, Bai Li and Mai went to the entrance. Asia, who had seen them off there, happily waved goodbye.
"See you later, Mai-senpai, Bai Li-san!"
"Before you go..."
Bai Li put his right arm around Asia's waist.
"A farewell kiss."
When their lips parted, Bai Li turned to Mai.
"Mai-senpai."
"I, I don't want to!"
"Mai."
"I know!"
Mai also stopped changing her shoes, came in front of Bai Li, and closed her eyes while standing on tiptoes... ----
----
After arriving at school.
Time quickly came to lunch break.
A refreshed Bai Li sat on a bench on the school rooftop, enjoying the fragrance of the flowers planted by the gardening club and the warmth in the air.
Ten seconds later, the rooftop door was pushed open, and Chihaya Anon appeared on time before Bai Li.
"Good afternoon, Bai Li-senpai."
"Good afternoon."
"Today's bento is my masterpiece!"
"What?"
"Tonkatsu!"
Chihaya Anon looked confident.
Opening the bento box, an aroma of fried meat and sauce wafted out.
"Pre-cooked meal?"
"No, it's not! It's just that some of the sauces came from the supermarket's food section."
"It certainly looks good."
"Hehe, please help yourself."
Chihaya Anon said, handing over the chopsticks.
But before he could pick them up, Chihaya Anon suddenly brought up a new topic.
"Did Bai Li-kun, who was in a band before, have another conflict with his bandmates?"
"No, because they all listened to my arrangements."
"That's amazing."
"What happened with MyGO?"
"Hmm... it's about Toyokawa-san."
Is it coming?
MyGO's MVP to some extent, Toyokawa Sakiko, is finally going to make her move?