Ryuichi felt a warm, moist sensation brushing against his ear. A soft, tempting breath followed — unmistakably Akeno Himejima's.
She made deliberate, teasing sounds with her lips — playful, seductive, and dangerously close. Her stunning body hovered in front of him, just within reach.
The distraction threw his focus into chaos for an instant, disrupting the steady flow of magic pulsing through his body. He forced himself to concentrate, rebalancing the current. The two of them were levitating mid-air — if his control slipped now, they'd both plummet straight to the ground.
"So this kind of distraction counts as part of the training, huh?" he muttered dryly.
But before he could say more, Akeno leaned closer, her hot breath tickling his ear. She must have realized he couldn't exactly fight back right now — which only made her more daring.
"Hehe... seeing you react like that is just too cute, Ryuichi. I can't help wanting to make you feel even better. Maybe give you a little... extra service."
Her body pressed against his, her soaked uniform clinging tightly to her skin. The heat radiating from her body contrasted tantalizingly with the cool dampness of the fabric. With her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders and that teasing, sinful smile, Akeno was the very picture of temptation itself.
"Extra service?" he asked, wary yet flustered.
"Mm-hmm. Is it really that bad if I show a little affection to my cute junior?"
She didn't wait for his reply. In a flash, Akeno's lips captured his.
Their tongues tangled wildly, recklessly, as he lost control of his concentration. The magic flow dissolved, and gravity reclaimed them — their bodies descending gently to the ground.
Her body was soft, sweetly fragrant. Her wet clothes were cool to the touch, yet beneath the fabric, her warmth seeped through, pressing so close he could feel her heartbeat against his chest. The blend of coolness and heat sent his nerves into overdrive.
Akeno kissed him deeply, only breaking away after minutes had passed, leaving his lips tingling and his thoughts scattered. She gave his cheek a few playful pecks, satisfaction shining in her eyes.
"You really took the initiative there," Ryuichi said, half amused, half stunned.
"Hehe... I used to see you as a cute underclassman. But lately... I've realized how unbelievably attractive you are. You're always confident, always so serious — it's hard not to fall for you."
"Hearing you say that... doesn't sound bad at all."
"Hehe..."
Resting her head on his chest, Akeno gave him an intoxicating look, her violet eyes full of mischief and desire.
"When I think of you, I start to feel so hot inside. My chest tightens... and I can't stop wanting to tease you. The more I hold back, the harder it gets. Tell me, Ryuichi — does that mean I've fallen for you?"
Before he could answer, she kissed him again — this time with more passion, her boldness overwhelming him.
He let her take control for a while, meeting her intensity with a gentler touch, guiding her until she relaxed contentedly against him, breathless and flushed. He brushed her hair softly and said with a faint laugh, "I thought we'd always keep some distance — kind of like how things are between me and Koneko."
"Nonsense. Koneko trusts you more than she lets on," Akeno whispered playfully. "If she ever had someone she liked... it would definitely be you."
"Really?" Ryuichi blinked, utterly at a loss. He'd genuinely never noticed. He'd always believed his relationship with Koneko would stay pure and simple — just friends.
But hearing it from Akeno — another woman — made it sound far less innocent than he'd imagined.
Ryuichi chuckled helplessly. "That's one dangerous thought you're planting there. But, well... this really isn't the right time or place. I'm more the type who prefers doing things the proper way — honestly, openly."
He cupped her cheek gently, smiling. "Sneaking around has its thrills, sure... but wouldn't it be better if you became my woman in the open?"
Akeno froze for a moment, then her eyes shimmered with warmth. "If that's what you mean, then... yes, that would be even better. Are you trying to take care of my feelings, Ryuichi?"
He met her gaze seriously.
"Of course. I don't want you to ever belittle yourself for the sake of love. Every one of you in my peerage is precious to me. I treasure all of you."
His sincerity melted through her like molten light. Akeno laughed softly, a breathy sound that carried equal parts affection and amusement.
"You really are too gentle... and too good at making a girl's heart race."
"Gentle?" Ryuichi smiled faintly. "That's not a word that suits a Devil like me. But treating the ones I care about with kindness... isn't that just natural?"
"Hehe..."
Propping herself up, Akeno peered down at him with a playful smirk.
"Tell me, Ryuichi... am I beautiful?"
"You are."
"Do you... want to feel me more closely?"
"I do," he whispered.
"Then what are you waiting for? I bet Rias has already had her turn. It's not fair — I want to experience it too."
Ryuichi blinked at her, blushing slightly. "Then... another kiss?"
That made Akeno smile wider. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms again.
This time, Ryuichi didn't hold back. His hands moved instinctively, deftly exploring her curves in a rhythm that felt half skill, half magic.
Just as the moment began to drown the world around them, the surrounding air quivered — a wave of demonic energy flared up.
A crimson magic circle blazed to life in the room. Out stepped Rias Gremory, tall and regal, with her crimson hair flowing behind her.
Her eyes fell on the scene before her — Ryuichi and Akeno entangled on the floor. She blinked once, then slowly, the corner of her eye twitched.
The silence hung heavy.
"…."