(Inner Moka POV – Forest Near Dorms)
Kurumu trembles as my attention settles onto her.
To her credit, she doesn't flee. Despite the fear radiating throughout her entire body, she lifts her chin and meets my gaze.
It's foolish… but not cowardly. I'll grant her that much.
"No…" She breathes, and then, louder, forcing strength into her voice: "No! I won't lose! I can't!"
She beats her wings hard, rising higher into the air above me.
"The succubi are dying out!" She cries, her voice raw with desperation. "Our numbers dwindle with every generation, so each of us is given one purpose… to find a worthy male. A monster strong enough to father the next generation. Our destined partner… our 'Mate of Fate!'"
Her voice cracks on the words.
"That's why I needed to enslave all the boys. Because surely one boy in the entire school would be worthy!" Tears prick at the corners of her eyes, glittering in the morning light. "And then you came along, Moka Akashiya! You ruined everything! It's all ruined because of you!"
She folds her wings and dives, claws aimed straight for my face. "AND YOU'LL PAY FOR IT!"
'…I see. So that's what all this nonsense was about.'
A quiet breath of laughter escapes me as I'm genuinely amused at the absurdity of it all.
So she schemed, wept and transformed, waging war against me all over something she could have solved with patience. I did nothing, and somehow, in her mind, I'm the villain of the story.
"I'll pay?" I echo, sidestepping her dive with the barest tilt of my body. Her claws cleave nothing but air. "For interfering with your selfish little plans?"
She lands clumsily, whirling to face me, and I let my smile sharpen.
"You poor, foolish creature." I say, and I let a fraction of my yokai energy bleed into the air around me. The pressure of it presses down on the clearing, flattening the grass, and the succubus visibly buckles beneath its weight. "Your plans failed without any effort on my part… they were doomed from the very start."
She gulps, her whole body shaking now, but to my mild surprise, she grits her teeth and charges again.
"GYAAAA!"
'Predictable.'
She telegraphs the swipe long before it lands, fueled by rage instead of thought.
"Too slow." I murmur, almost bored. I duck beneath her claws, slide past her guard, and in the same fluid motion, I'm behind her. My hand closes around the base of her spaded tail, and she freezes instantly.
"Tell me." I tilt my head, examining her the same way one might examine an insect. "If I pull this off… will you finally learn your place?" I tug at her tail for emphasis.
"N-No! Please, don't—!" She begins, only to be interrupted when I yank hard.
Her body whips off the ground with a strangled shriek, and I spin her through the air, building momentum. And once I'm satisfied, I bring her down, slamming her into the earth hard enough to crack it open beneath her.
The impact echoes through the forest, a small crater blooming around her as dust and shattered dirt spray outward. She bounces from the residual force, limbs limp, and then lies still in the ruined ground, groaning weakly.
I release her tail and step toward her unhurriedly.
"Your attacks are too direct. Too angry." I observe coolly as she struggles to push herself up with trembling arms, and fails.
"All that posturing." I crouch slightly, meeting her watery eyes. "Yet all it took was one strike to put you in the dirt. You act so tough, but you're just a little girl. Learn your place."
'I need to make sure she won't bother me again.' I think. 'I'll scare her a bit.'
"Heh. A pity that after today…" I say menacingly, stepping closer with a malicious grin on my face. "You'll never get any older."
"N-No…!" Kurumu's eyes blow wide, terror finally overwhelming everything else. Tears spill freely down her cheeks as she shrinks back against the broken earth, too frightened to even flee. "I'm sorry…" She begins to beg for her life, and right before I reach her…
Kai steps between us, arm stretched to block my path as he faces me, and shields her.
"Huh…?" Kurumu gasps, shocked he'd defend her.
'…What's he trying to pull?' I narrow my eyes. 'There's no way he thinks I actually intend to kill her.'
After all, Saizo was far more deserving of death, and even he was allowed to live.
Still… I decide to play along. For now.
"What are you doing?" I ask flatly. "Get out of the way. She tried to kill you."
"She's already learned her lesson." He replies, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smirk. "Killing her would be excessive… and isn't worth the energy."
'…This cheeky brat.'
He's throwing my own words back at me. The exact ones I used about Saizo, word for word, with that insufferable grin.
My smile widens dangerously.
"That's not for you to decide." I warn, my voice dropping. "And I'm sure you know that. So tell me the real reason you're doing this."
He doesn't flinch, and simply meets my gaze as the playfulness fades from his face.
"Kurumu doesn't deserve to die." He says calmly. "She attacked me, yes. But only after I provoked her, threw her around, and mocked her… a tiny bit. But through all of it… not once did she actually try to hurt Moka. She used her as bait to get to me, but she never meant her any real harm."
'Hm. Persuasive. But…'
"Is that all?" I press, watching him carefully.
'He's still hiding something.' My eyes narrow further. 'Why go to all this trouble when he could have defeated her himself? Why have me do it?'
He pauses, contemplating for a moment. Then—
"…No." He admits. "I also think she was justified in how she felt. Shouldering a burden like that, the survival of your entire race resting on your shoulders, would drive anyone to do desperate, reckless things." His gaze doesn't waver. "It's the same reason I'd do anything to protect the people who matter to me. Like you, Moka."
'…Tch. Does he really think flattery will work on me?'
And yet, I know he means every single word. He says it like it's a fact of the world, as obvious as the sky being blue.
That, somehow, is more annoying than if he had been trying to charm me.
"Hmph." I step forward, reaching up to pluck the Rosary from his fingers. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm letting this go this time, since it is quite tedious. Don't forget, I am not nearly as soft as your 'other' Moka."
He says nothing, only watches me with maddening calm, like he can see right through me.
And then, just before I put the Rosary back on… an idea occurs to me.
A way to make this brat pay for whatever he's actually scheming, using his own audacity against him.
The corner of my lips curls upward.
"You wanted headpats, didn't you?" I ask sweetly, tilting my head. "For all your hard work?"
His eyes go wide. For the first time since this began, he's finally the one caught off guard.
"…No need." He says instantly.
"Oh, but I insist." My grin sharpens, flashing a fang. "Consider it your reward."
(Kai POV – Forest Near Dorms)
'…Damn it. That actually hurt.' I groan internally, the dull throb in my skull quickly beginning to fade. 'Was she trying to crack my head open?'
My hair's a mess, head still stings, and Moka now rests limp in my arms, her hair faded back to pink, fast asleep with a small, peaceful smile on her lips.
'…Well. What now?' I sigh, glancing toward the distant dorms. 'Going to class now is out of the question.'
Better to just ditch the day entirely than wake her. I adjust my hold, shifting her carefully into a proper princess carry, her head settling against my chest—
"Why…?"
Kurumu's voice stops me. It's small and hoarse, nothing like the brash, scheming girl from earlier.
I glance behind me. She's pushed herself upright amid the wreckage, dirt smudged across her cheeks, her wings drooping limply behind her. She's staring at me in confusion.
"Why did you save me?" She whispers. "I… I tried to kill you. I would've hurt you. And you still…" Her voice cracks. "Why?"
For a moment, she looks less like a succubus and more like exactly what Inner Moka called her… a scared little girl, in over her head, who never expected kindness from the person she'd wronged.
I give her a small, honest smile.
"Because, while I don't agree with your methods…" I say. "I respect you for fighting so hard for something you believe in. That's not something worth killing over. Plus no one got hurt, so it's alright."
'Except you…' I add internally, observing her injuries.
Her eyes go wide. Then they begin to shimmer as fresh tears well up. She ducks her head quickly, hiding her face as her shoulders tremble.
I decide to leave her be. She's not hurt badly, and some moments are better had alone.
So I turn, Moka secure in my arms, and start the walk back toward the dorms.
'…I wonder if it worked.' I muse, a private little hope flickering in my chest. 'Guess only time will tell.'
Because yes, Inner Moka was absolutely right to be suspicious of me.
It's true I'd never have let Kurumu die. But it's equally true that I never needed Moka to step in and stop her. I could have ended that fight myself, easily, before it ever reached that point.
I had other reasons for doing it the way I did.
'But Moka…' I glance down at the sleeping girl in my arms, a grin tugging at my lips. 'It's not about what you suspect. It's about what you can prove.'
And she can't prove a thing.
'I'll have my revenge for that flick, and atrocious head pat soon enough.' I think, as her pink hair brushes against my arm. 'Once Moka's awake again.'
It might be Inner Moka's body. But the one waking up will be my sweet, soft, and indulgent Moka, who'd never deny me a few headpats and cheek pinches.
So scheme all you like, Inner Moka.
In the end, victory is mine.
(Kai POV – Outside Dorms, Next Day)
"So, your Rosary talked to you?" I repeat Moka's words casually.
"Yeah. That's how I knew you were in danger." Moka says seriously, pouting at how calm I am about it. "I think the magical seal might be weakening…"
She says it nervously, her fingers drifting up to touch the cross at her chest.
She stares at the ground for a long moment. Then, slowly, she lifts her gaze back to mine, and there's a vulnerable uncertainty in it now.
"Kai… can I ask you something?" She takes a deep breath, as if bracing herself. "And… be honest with me. Please."
I nod, my teasing mood quieting at the look on her face.
"If the Rosary stopped working someday…" Her voice grows smaller with every word. "If the other me started coming out more and more, and I changed… or if the seal broke completely, and I wasn't… this me anymore…" Her hands clench at the hem of her skirt. "…Would you still like me?"
'So that's what's been weighing on her.'
It's not really about the seal. It's the fear that what I like is the gentle, pink-haired Moka in front of me, and that if she changed, I'd stop caring.
'I can't have that.'
"Ah—!" Moka yelps as I reach out and pinch her cheek. Gently, but hard enough to make my point.
"Don't ask silly questions like that." I chastise her, keeping her gaze. "I'll always like you. No matter what happens. Sealed, unsealed, pink hair, silver hair… none of it matters. You're Moka. All of it is you. And that's never going to change."
'And I'll make sure that you won't have to worry about that ever happening.' I resolve myself.
Moka goes very still.
"Kai…" She breathes, her cheeks flushing a soft pink, her eyes shimmering. I can hear her heartbeat quicken, fluttering rapidly in her chest.
It's a sweet moment as we simply gaze into each other's eyes.
"…So why have you been pinching me so much lately?" She asks suddenly, rubbing her cheek with a frown. "Are you secretly angry at me?"
…And there goes the moment.
"Ahem." I clear my throat, recomposing myself. "I could never be angry at you. It's just…" I shrug. "You're really cute. And your reactions are even cuter. I can't help myself. Besides, I do still need to punish you for doubting me somehow."
She puffs out her cheeks, glaring at me with her absolutely-not-intimidating suspicion.
Which, naturally, I also find adorable. And, unable to help myself, I pinch both her puffed-up cheeks at once.
"Kya—! Kai!"
I can't hold back my laughter.
"Okay, okay. Sorry, sorry." I say between chuckles, releasing her.
"You're not going to stop, are you?" She stares up at me, pouting, rubbing her abused cheeks, and some small part of me wonders if she's provoking me to keep going.
"Nope." I grin, making her sigh. "Do you even want me to stop?" I ask, tilting my head.
"I-I never said that…!" She squeaks, immediately turning away, her ears burning red.
'…Cute.'
And just as I'm winding up to tease her further—
"Goooood morning!" A bright, sing-song voice erupts from behind us.
Moka jolts so hard she nearly leaves the ground, her eyes going wide with alarm.
"K-Kurumu?!" She squeaks, instantly ducking behind me and clutching the back of my uniform as I turn. "Wh-What are you doing here?!"
Kurumu doesn't so much as glance at her. Her violet eyes are fixed entirely on me, sparkling, and there's a basket clutched in both her hands.
Gone is the murderous succubus from yesterday. In her place is a girl practically glowing, cheeks dusted pink.
"I baked these cookies for you, Kai." She chirps, thrusting the basket up toward me. "I made them myself. Could you try one?"
"Oh? For me?" I blink, accepting one. "Thanks."
I take a bite, and…
"Wow." I say, genuinely stunned. "These are really good."
Kurumu lights up like the sun.
"Right?! I'm so glad you like them!" She presses closer. "You can have as many as you want. I'll bake you a fresh batch every single day if you'd like."
Behind me, Moka watches the exchange with wide, lost eyes, clearly unsure how to process any of this.
So I pluck another cookie from the basket and hold it up to her lips.
"Here. Try one, Moka. They really are amazing." She blinks, then leans in and instinctively takes a small bite.
"…Mm! These really are good—" She catches herself mid-chew, and whirls on me. "W-Wait! That's not the point! Why are you just eating her cookies?! And you—!" She rounds on Kurumu. "Why are you suddenly being so nice?!"
"Why not?" I shrug, reaching for a third. "They taste great. And I don't think Kurumu means any harm."
'Besides, even if she did, I'd be fine against most poisons.'
Besides, who turns down free cookies?
"Actually…" Kurumu clasps her hands together behind her back, suddenly shy, a deep blush blooming across her face. She peeks up at me through her lashes. "Kai… do you remember what I said? About needing to find my 'Mate of Fate?'"
"…I do." I say slowly, my suspicions suddenly feeling validated.
"Well…" She takes a breath, and gives me a beautiful smile. "I found him! It's you! You risked your life to save mine!" She clasps her cheeks, practically vibrating. "I'm completely in love with you, Kai." She gushes, swaying toward me. "So please take responsibility and make me yours."
"K-Kai!" Moka tugs frantically at my sleeve, her voice climbing an octave. "Is she insane?! S-Say something! Do something!"
I nod sagely.
"Kurumu. I'm flattered, truly." I say, my tone grave and diplomatic. "But Moka was first."
Behind me, Moka nods firmly, emboldened. "T-That's right! I was first!"
"So the way I see it…" I continue. "It's really up to Moka. If she agrees, then I don't personally have any objections."
"Yeah, exactly! As long as I—" Moka freezes mid-sentence. Her face drains of colour, then floods with it. "…Wait. WHAT?!"
She stares at the back of my head in betrayal.
"Don't worry." I pat her head reassuringly, like I've solved everything. "This way, all you have to do is refuse, and the problem takes care of itself. Simple, right?"
"Mokaaa~" Kurumu sing-songs, immediately pouncing on the opening, sidling up with a sweet, dangerous smile. "We're great friends, aren't we? You wouldn't deny your dear friend her one true love, would you…?"
"Hieee—! S-Stay back!" Moka squeaks, scrambling out from behind me. "K-Kai, help me—!"
And with that, she takes off down the path at a dead sprint, Kurumu hot on her heels, basket of cookies and all.
I watch them go, a cookie still in hand, and laugh quietly to myself.
'…Well. Looks like my plan worked out after all.' I take another bite. Still delicious. 'All that's left now is to see how long Moka holds out.'
Because the way I see it—
'…it's not cheating, so long as everyone agrees to share.'
***********
A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all? If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or power stones. It really helps the book out.
So, this is the chapter. 3k words🤣. Honestly ended up more fun than I expected, especially since I was initially stumped on who's POV to use. But it worked out for the best.
Yes, I know the romance has been really sweet and wholesome... But it's harem (you can boo me if you want [I know most of you like harem anyway]), but worry not! He won't be going going after any of the other students. It'll be just Moka and Kurumu👀.
As for the ticket, I'm gonna give him silver (will touch on it next chapter), since he technically survived the attack. But I genuinely feel bronze is more fitting. Actually, what do y'all think about giving him a gold for charming a succubus? I mean, that's a huge achievement, right?🫠 Moka doesn't count yet because 1) Inner, and 2) She hasn't confessed. Like, proper confession.
You can also read 6 chapters ahead and support me at [email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
Anyway, let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and have a wonderful rest of your day/night😁