Raphiel's words made Yukinoshita Yukino's body tremble.
She'd heard before that Hayashi Maki paid a price to save her, but she'd always assumed that price had been offset by what her sister did.
Hearing it plainly now, she finally understood: someone had quietly borne the pain she should have suffered.
A warmth welled up in her chest.
Thinking of that big scoundrel, Yukino felt something new take root in her heart without her noticing.
"Shiraha, thank you for telling me. But… what happens to the person who takes on that injury?"
Raphiel smiled lightly. "Nothing mystical—however badly you were hurt, that's how badly he gets hurt."
"It's damage transfer, not some game's healing spell."
"Yukinoshita, someone really loves you. Treasure that."
For once, Raphiel let a more angelic tone slip, speaking to Yukino with meaning.
She didn't understand why she felt a fondness for Yukino, but she didn't dwell on it. She was an angel; humans usually weren't worth fussing over.
"I understand. Thank you for telling me. Really—thank you."
Yukino clasped her hand, sincerely grateful.
Raphiel shook her head with a smile. "No need. It's enough that you believe me—I was worried you'd think I was a weirdo."
"Not at all. In my eyes, you're basically an angel."
"Uh… haha, you flatter me." Raphiel laughed it off quickly. An angel couldn't reveal herself to humans; that would count as a failed trial and could get her sent back to Heaven. Then again, as long as the supervising archangel didn't notice, it wasn't a big deal.
And that archangel was Gabriel's sister—Archangel Zelel.
Yukino hadn't expected things with an angel to go so smoothly—nor to learn something she'd always missed.
"Um, Shiraha… what do you think of demons?"
Nervous, Yukino asked.
"Demons? Have you met one?" Raphiel eyed her with a smile.
"I don't know if I have. But the fact that I can stand here now… that person really did save my life."
Raphiel waved a hand. "Don't worry. Whoever saved you wasn't a demon. That damage-transfer art isn't simple."
"Demons destroy things or devise weird curses. They don't use techniques that take on pain themselves to save people."
Yukino went blank. "If he isn't a demon… then is he an angel?"
"Heh. Does it matter if he's an angel or a demon? What you should think about is who helped you, not get stuck on labels and let your mind run wild."
Yukino felt embarrassed—mostly torn.
Seeing this, Raphiel added, "Alright, since you look so lost, one more thing: there's a holy aura on you. It's probably a blessing he left. If you're in danger, he'll likely show up right away."
"Someone like that isn't a demon. And besides, demons aren't necessarily bad now. You need to feel it out for yourself."
With that, Raphiel patted Yukino's small hand and got up—she needed the restroom.
Yukino pressed a hand to her heart, cheeks growing hotter.
"Does he… love me?"
Before, he'd just seemed to bully her. But now, after the angel's guidance, Yukino realized she'd been taking blessings for granted.
She was lucky to have a clean slate—to start a healthy life again.
Her sister loved her—enough to give up everything to save her.
And that big scoundrel—he'd taken on all the injuries from the car accident. The pain she'd felt—he had suffered it in silence.
Just then, a message came in.
Demon Lord: "Hey hey, no way—Yukino-chan, you actually did it? You made friends with an angel already?"
He sounded a little rattled.
Yukino's mood lifted.
"Yep, I've already hit it off with Shiraha. What now—scared?"
Even though her feelings toward him had shifted and she'd gained some clarity, it didn't stop her from clapping back. He had bullied her—and he'd seen all her awkward, embarrassing sides. That alone made her bristle.
Demon Lord: "Scared of what? I haven't done anything wrong."
Yukino arched a brow.
"What you did to me doesn't count?"
Demon Lord: "Ahem—what are you saying? I've been doing good things for you, Yukino-chan. I've been working hard for your growth."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Bah. Keep it up and I'll have Shiraha punish you!"
She was borrowing the tiger's might now—anything to keep him from getting too smug. Or maybe… she just wanted to provoke him so he'd get mad and come find her. She was too shy to seek him out herself, so better to make him move.
Demon Lord: "Oh, I see how it is—make friends with an angel and you're already threatening me. I'm very angry. The consequences will be serious."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Heh. And?"
Demon Lord: "Just wait for the bell. I'm coming to 'punish' you."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Fine—let's see who punishes who."
Before she knew it, class ended.
A minute later, Hayashi Maki looked down at the breathless, rosy-cheeked second heiress in his arms, reluctant to lift his mouth from hers. His expression went a bit odd.
"Yukino-chan—this is your 'punishment'? 'Let's see who punishes who'—is this how you punish me?"
Her pale arms were still looped around his neck.
Breathing hard, Yukino buried her face in his chest and clung tighter.
"I am punishing you… I—I'll smother you."
Heat shot through Hayashi Maki.
"Yukino-chan… you do realize men can't handle teasing, right?"
He dipped down again and captured her lips. Only two minutes before the next class did he finally let go. With a sigh, he stroked her hair. "I'll let you off for now. Keep provoking me and I'll punish you again."
Yukino nodded, cheeks flaming, and answered softly, "Mm."
Hayashi Maki blinked in surprise. Was that… acceptance of his "punishment"?
Weird. It felt like he was the one falling into her snare.
Was Yukino provoking him on purpose—just to make him come over and "bully" her?