The sun had long since dipped below the horizon by the time we left the karaoke box, and the soft glow of lanterns guided us toward the sprawling poolside where tonight's gathering was arranged. The air was warm, perfumed with the faint scent of flowers and grilled food drifting on the breeze.
Tables were set neatly around the pool, laden with snacks, drinks, and a spread that looked like it had been pulled straight from a high-end banquet. Music thrummed in the background, not too loud, just enough to add life to the atmosphere.
Both Rias's peerage and Sona's were already gathering, the air buzzing with laughter and chatter. What caught me off guard first wasn't the setup, but how everyone looked. No school uniforms, no battle gear—just casual clothes, and yet everyone carried themselves like models on a runway.
Sona stood near the refreshments, sipping what looked like iced tea, dressed in a sleek navy dress that hugged her figure without being too showy. Beside her, Tsubaki radiated elegance in an off-shoulder top, her dark hair flowing down in neat waves. Around them, Sona's peerage members mingled, each one casually dressed but clearly well-prepared for tonight.
Then my eyes found them—Rias and Akeno, walking toward me.
Neither of them were in swimsuits like my stupid daydreams earlier, but they didn't need to be. Rias wore a flowing crimson dress that shimmered faintly under the lights, matching her hair perfectly. Akeno, ever the seductress, was in a deep violet number that draped around her curves just right. Both of them carried themselves with a quiet confidence that drew every eye. Mine included.
"You look like you've been waiting all day," Rias teased softly as she approached, her lips curling into that familiar smile.
"For what?" I asked, already knowing the trap I was walking into.
"For us in swimsuits," Akeno finished for her, her voice velvety smooth, leaning just close enough that her perfume brushed past me. "Were you looking forward to it that much, Ise-kun?"
I let out a low chuckle, meeting her eyes without flinching. "Of course I was. Who wouldn't look forward to seeing two goddesses in swimsuits?"
That earned me a laugh from Akeno, a hand lightly covering her mouth in her signature gesture. Rias, however, tilted her head and studied me with mock seriousness.
"Well," she said, brushing a strand of crimson hair behind her ear, "Sona has allowed us to use the pool tomorrow. That's when you'll get your wish. Tonight, though, you'll have to settle for this." She twirled lightly, letting her dress flow, showing off without really showing.
"Trust me," I said, grinning, "I'm not complaining."
They both gave me looks—different but equally dangerous—before drifting away to mingle.
I exhaled and turned toward the food, only to find Sanji already there, effortlessly charming his way through both peerages' female members while holding a plate stacked high with skewers.
"Oi, Issei!" Sanji waved me over with one hand, the other balancing his plate like a professional. "Get over here, man. The meat is perfectly cooked."
I joined him and picked up a skewer, biting in as the smoky flavor melted across my tongue. "You're right. Whoever handled this deserves a medal."
"That'd be me," Sanji said with pride. "Couldn't trust anyone else to treat such ingredients with the respect they deserve."
We found Kiba soon after, who looked almost too proper in his casual blazer and shirt. He was nursing a drink, chatting politely with a few of Sona's knights, but excused himself when I waved him over. The three of us ended up by the poolside, trading small talk and jokes while the music rolled on. For once, it felt…normal. Just a group of friends enjoying a night off.
That peace didn't last long.
The crowd shifted, drawing my attention to the center. Rias and Sona had settled at a small table with a chessboard between them. The atmosphere changed instantly. Conversations hushed, the air thickened, and both peerages drifted closer, forming circles around their Kings.
Sona's peerage started first.
"Kaichou, victory is already yours!"
"No one can outmaneuver Kaichou!"
They chanted in unison, a synchronized wall of encouragement.
Sanji, who had been standing next to me seconds ago, suddenly vanished from my side and popped up on theirs. He was waving his arms, shouting with the same passion. "Sona-samaaa! Show them your brilliance! Victory is yours, Queen of strategy!"
I blinked at the betrayal. "…Seriously?"
Kiba chuckled. "Looks like Sanji has chosen his side."
"Coward," I muttered, though I couldn't help but laugh.
As the match went on, Kiba and I pushed through the crowd to stand near Rias.
"Buchou, don't let her push you back!" Kiba called out.
"Buchou, Show her what a you can do."
Rias glanced up just briefly, catching my eyes, and a small smile flickered on her lips before she focused back on the board.
The match dragged on, piece after piece taken, Sona's strategy meticulous and cold, while Rias countered with creativity and instinct. The tension built until the final move.
"…Checkmate."
The word fell from Sona's lips like a hammer. The cheers from her peerage erupted, a wave of triumph crashing over the poolside. Rias leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly, the faintest edge of frustration in her eyes though she hid it well.
I stepped closer, ready to offer her comfort, but before I could, Akeno slipped in beside me.
"Fufufu, poor Rias," she whispered, her tone playful yet soothing. "She hates losing to Sona, though she'll never admit it out loud."
I glanced at Akeno, her violet eyes glimmering in the lantern light. "She fought well. That's what matters."
Akeno's lips curled into a knowing smile. "That she did."
Just then, Sona called me out. "Issei, Do you like to go for a game."
~~~
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