Two weeks had passed since Rias and Rafsan’s wedding.
For everyone else, Kuoh had already slipped back into its usual routine.
Every morning, students filled the streets on their way to school, chatting with friends and complaining about classes.
Nothing seemed different.
Rias couldn’t say the same.
She still attended classes, spent time with the Occult Research Club, and handled her usual responsibilities.
But now, at the end of each day, she had someone waiting for her at home.
Rias adjusted her school bag and glanced at Rafsan walking beside her.
He moved at his usual slow pace, both hands tucked into his jacket pockets.
Rafsan hadn’t changed at all.
Same slow steps, same hands in his pockets, same expression that made it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
They were married now, but Rafsan still acted as if they were simply dating.
Somehow, Rias found that reassuring.
When they reached school, they went their separate ways.
Occult Research Club Later that afternoon, Rias opened the door to the Occult Research Club.
“Rias-san!
Welcome back!” Asia immediately ran over to greet her.
“Thank you, Asia.” Issei looked around.
“Where’s Rafsan?
Didn’t he come with you?” Akeno covered her mouth with a hand, laughing softly.
“You thought of him before anything else?” “I was just wondering!” Koneko looked at Issei.
“You’re too curious.” Kiba gave her a small smile.
“So, President…
is married life treating you well?” “It’s only been two weeks,” Rias said.
“Ask me again in a month.” Gasper peeked out from behind his cardboard box.
“I-I’m glad you’re happy, Rias-senpai.” Rias smiled warmly.
“Thank you, Gasper.” Before long, the questions began.
“How’s married life?” “Are you two getting along?” “What’s Rafsan like at home?” Rias laughed.
“We’re doing fine.
We’re still getting used to living together.” Akeno’s eyes narrowed playfully.
“Oh?
And what’s he like at home?” Rias hesitated.
“Lazy.” Issei nearly choked.
“Seriously?” “He spends half his free time lying on the sofa.” Koneko nodded.
“That sounds accurate.” Rias sighed.
“He’s not that bad.” Akeno grinned.
“You’re already making excuses for him?” “I’m not making excuses.” Issei laughed.
“I still remember how easily he defeated all of us.” Akeno nodded.
“He certainly left an impression.” Kiba smiled.
“I’d still like the chance to speak with him properly.” “So would I,” Asia added.
Gasper nodded nervously.
“I-I’ll try to talk to him too.” Rias smiled.
“I’m sure he’d be happy to hear that.” After a while, they moved on to school gossip and the club’s usual problems.
Before long, the bell rang, and everyone returned to class.
Evening at Home When Rias finally returned home that evening, she found Rafsan exactly where she expected him to be.
Rafsan was sprawled across the sofa with a half-empty bag of chips resting beside him, completely absorbed in whatever was playing on TV.
Rafsan glanced over from the television.
“You’re back.” “Yes.” Rias slipped off her shoes and stepped into the living room.
A shirt was draped over the back of a chair.
Rias stared at it for a moment.
She picked it up between two fingers and gave Rafsan a look.
“You know, there’s a laundry basket for a reason.” Rafsan only shrugged.
“It’s a house, not a museum.” “You’re just lazy.” “I prefer relaxed.” Rias shook her head.
“You always have an answer, don’t you?” She carried the shirt away before heading into the kitchen.
Rafsan watched her disappear into the kitchen before returning his attention to the television.
Rias began preparing dinner.
She washed the vegetables, cut the meat, and started cooking.
The smell finally pulled Rafsan away from the television.
He wandered into the dining room and dropped into his chair.
When Rias placed the food in front of him, he picked up his fork and took a bite.
After another bite, he looked up at her.
“Well?” He met her gaze.
“This is really good.” Rias smiled.
“I’m glad.” “You never told me you could cook this well.” “You never asked.” He took another bite.
“Then I’ll be asking more often.” “Don’t get used to it.” “Too late.” Rias laughed softly.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
The only sound in the room was the faint clink of cutlery against plates.
It wasn’t some grand date or special occasion.
Just dinner at home.
Somehow, Rias liked it more than she expected.
After dinner, Rafsan reached into his pocket and placed a small black box on the table.
“I made this for you.” Rias looked at him.
“For me?” He nodded.
She opened the box.
Inside was a silver locket shaped like a four-leaf clover, thin green lines crossing its surface.
Rias picked it up.
“What does it do?” “It’s a defensive support device.” Rafsan paused before explaining, “When you activate it, it’ll transfer energy to you and protect you from serious injuries.” Rias studied the locket.
“How long will it last?” “Long enough to keep you alive until I get to you.” She stared at him.
Then she kicked him lightly under the table.
“Ow!” Rafsan rubbed his leg.
“What was that for?” “You made it sound like I’m about to die.” “I was explaining what it does.” “You could have explained it without making it sound so frightening.” “Fair enough.” Rias lowered her gaze to the locket, tracing its smooth silver surface with her thumb.
“You made this because you’re worried about me?” Rafsan’s gaze shifted aside.
“Of course.” “You worry about me that much?” His eyes returned to hers.
“You’re my wife.” His voice softened.
“Of course I do.” She pressed the locket gently against her chest.
“Thank you.” Night Later that night, after they had taken their baths, they climbed into bed.
Rafsan turned his head away when Rias moved closer.
“Rias…
do you really have to sleep without clothes?” She smiled.
“Why?” She slipped an arm around him and moved closer.
“Don’t you like looking at your wife?” His face turned red.
“S-Stop teasing me.” Rias laughed.
“You’re cute.” “Can we just sleep?” With a quiet smile, she rested her head against his shoulder.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the air conditioner.
After a long silence, Rafsan finally spoke.
“Rias…
about earlier.” She looked at him.
“What about it?” He stared at the ceiling.
“I know I don’t always say things the right way.” Rias said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
“I’m better at dealing with problems than…
this.” “This?” “Feelings.
Relationships.
All of it.” He sighed.
“But I’m trying.” Rias smiled faintly.
“I know.” Rafsan turned to face her.
“You really don’t care what other people think about you?” She thought about it.
“I care.” Then she smiled.
“I care what people think.
I’m just not going to let them live my life for me.” Rafsan nodded.
“I think I’ve started to understand that.” His gaze dropped to the blanket.
“I’ve changed a little too.” Rias raised an eyebrow.
“You have?” “A little.” She smiled.
“How?” Rafsan was quiet for several seconds.
Then he answered honestly.
“I didn’t used to think much about what I’d lose.” His eyes settled on hers.
“Now I do.” “Because of me?” “Because of us.” For a moment, Rias had no answer.
Instead, she moved closer and kissed him.
Rafsan returned the kiss.
When they pulled apart, Rias rested her forehead against his.
“You won’t.” A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
“You’re sure?” “Yes.” She pulled him into her arms.
“I’m your wife, remember?” A small smile appeared on Rafsan’s face.
“Yeah.” He tightened his arms around her.
“I’m glad.” Rias smiled.
“So am I.” They stayed together for a while, enjoying the quiet.
Eventually, Rafsan whispered, “Good night, Rias.” “Good night.” Rafsan fell asleep first.
Rias lay quietly beside him, watching his sleeping face.
Two weeks ago, sleeping beside Rafsan had felt strange.
Tonight, it didn’t.
She pulled the blanket over them, then settled against him and closed her eyes.
For now, she was happy.
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