With her arm linked around Ryuya's, Mai felt completely at ease. There was no need to worry about paparazzi or sudden scandals anymore.
After all, if anyone ever caught sight of them, Ryuya could just use Common Sense Alteration, making them forget whatever they'd seen.
Mai thought it was absolutely amazing. Thanks to him, she could live like an ordinary girl without compromising her career. The biggest problem that had once haunted her life was now effortlessly solved—just because he existed.
As they walked toward the station, the two chatted casually.
"How's work going lately?" Ryuya asked.
"Pretty well. The commercial shoot just wrapped up—it went smoothly," Mai replied with a light smile. It was clear from her expression that she genuinely enjoyed her work.
"Well, it's only natural for the talented actress Sakurajima Mai to have a smooth shoot," he said with a teasing grin.
Mai couldn't help feeling pleased by the compliment. Her usually composed face revealed a touch of pride. "Of course. If it were you acting instead, it definitely wouldn't go that well."
"Oh? So that's how little you think of your boyfriend?" Ryuya said with a faint smile.
Mai didn't even pretend to regret her words. She loved teasing him like this—there was something mischievous and satisfying about it.
"Because Ryuya likes it when I tease him, right?" she replied with a sly smile.
"Only when it's you doing the teasing," he said sincerely.
"Hmph."
Her voice sounded like mock annoyance, but her averted gaze betrayed the shy flutter in her heart.
"You're acting pretty well yourself today," she said, trying to brush off his words with a light tone.
If she didn't hide behind that excuse, he might actually realize that her heart was pounding like crazy right now.
Ryuya tilted his head slightly, then reached out to gently wrap an arm around her waist. His expression was calm, his smile soft as he replied in an even gentler tone:
"That's because it's not acting—it's genuine emotion."
"…"
His voice was so smooth, so warm, it practically melted in her ears.
Looking into those gentle eyes filled with affection, Mai felt her defenses crumble.
The boy before her really was captivating—not just because he was handsome, but because when he let down his guard and spoke from the heart, it was almost too much.
She couldn't help but think: I must be the luckiest girl in the world… to be the one he shows his true feelings to.
Unable to resist, Mai slipped her arms around his shoulders, gazing into his eyes and murmuring softly:
"Ryuya doesn't need to act at all. Just being yourself is more than enough—you're already irresistibly likable."
That was what she truly thought.
But Ryuya only laughed lightly. "Ah, well… it's because I know being myself is too likable that I have to use a little acting."
"...Huh?"
For a moment, Mai was completely at a loss, caught between laughter and disbelief.
"You really don't know what humility means, do you?"
"Excessive humility is just another form of arrogance," he replied with perfect confidence.
Mai sighed helplessly. So he's a bit of a narcissist too, huh?
Holding such a beautiful girl in his arms, Ryuya couldn't help but feel his demonic instincts stir. Desire was part of his nature—and right now, his gaze was fixed firmly on Mai's lips.
"Mai…"
He called her name softly, his eyes openly filled with longing.
Seeing him stare so intently at her lips, Mai instantly understood what he wanted. Her heart fluttered, and her breath caught as she looked away for a moment—only to glance back and see him slowly leaning closer.
Her face flushed pink. His face drew nearer, inch by inch, until—
Mai suddenly raised a hand and gently pinched his cheeks, tugging them playfully and twisting his calm, handsome expression into a silly grimace.
"Ow—oww, that hurts."
It didn't, of course.
Ryuya didn't get angry at all. He simply let her pull his face, his voice soft and almost pleading, like a child seeking comfort.
Seeing him act that way made Mai burst into laughter. She couldn't stop the playful smile spreading across her face.
"You totally thought I was going to kiss you just now, didn't you?"
Her tone was pure mischief, her expression brimming with teasing delight.
"Ugh… I really wanna kiss you, Mai," Ryuya said in the most pitiful voice he could muster.
"Cut it out."
Mai didn't fall for his act at all. Still, when she met his warm, smiling eyes, her heart couldn't help but skip a beat.
"T-There are too many people around."
"Hmm? You don't have to worry about that. I can just use Common Sense Alteration."
"This has nothing to do with Common Sense Alteration."
Mai tugged at his cheek again, though to Ryuya, it only felt like a tender caress from his beloved Queen Mai.
Ryuya chuckled. "Ah, I get it now. So it's not about magic—it's just that you're shy."
"Hm? What was that? Say it again?"
Her voice was calm, but her eyes carried a very clear, dangerous glint.
Totally tsundere. Clearly flustered, but refusing to admit it.
Ryuya wisely decided not to push his luck.
"Ah, nothing. I just said… Mai, you're really cute."
"I've already heard that line from you so many times. I'm completely immune now. Totally unmoved."
Mai crossed her arms and put on a straight face. Just moments ago, she'd been all smiles.
As expected of Mai—her ability to change expressions was lightning-fast!
Still, she kept avoiding his gaze, clearly trying to hide her embarrassment.
And that just made her even cuter.
Ryuya smiled, leaned close to her ear, and whispered softly:
"Mai… I love you."
"Eh~?"
She made a startled sound, her expression briefly turning adorably dazed.
Yup, she was totally flustered.
After a moment, she steadied herself and replied in the flattest tone she could manage, "Didn't hear you."
She even turned her head aside, pretending not to care—though her eyes kept sneaking glances at him, and her lips were betraying her with the faintest upward curve.
Ryuya pressed his lips together, suppressing a laugh, then said teasingly,
"Eh? I didn't say anything."
"...??"
Mai instantly turned back toward him, glaring straight into his eyes.
One look at his amused expression and she knew—he was definitely teasing her on purpose.
Not one to admit defeat, Mai gave a sharp little "Hmph."
"Fine then. Let's go home."
"Sure, let's go."
"I meant you go home. Why are you still following me?" she said, regaining her queenly air.
Ryuya tilted his head innocently.
Oh, so we're doing that now, huh?
Heh. Fine, he could let her win this round. After all, as her boyfriend, he was happy to spoil her a little.
Putting on a sincere tone, he said,
"I really want to walk you home. Please, grant me this tiny wish."
Mai, seeing him yield so easily again, felt a surge of satisfaction. Spoiled as she was by his affection, she couldn't help but soften.
Her eyes sparkled with sweet amusement as she gave a light cough to disguise her smile.
"Alright then… I suppose this poor boy's tiny wish can be granted."
...
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