The afternoon bell echoed through Kuoh Academy, signaling the end of another school day.
Students poured from the classrooms, chatting as they headed for the gates.
Rias walked beside Akeno with Koneko at her side.
“I wonder what Rafsan is doing right now,” Rias murmured.
Akeno smiled knowingly.
“Ara ara, President.
You’ve been thinking about him all day.” “I have not.” “You have.” Before Rias could deny it again, Koneko quietly pointed toward the school gate.
“He’s here.” Leaning casually against a tree outside the gates was Rafsan, several shopping bags at his feet, scrolling through his phone with an indifferent expression as curious students stole glances.
The moment Rias saw him, a smile appeared on her face and she quickened her pace.
“You came.” Rafsan looked up.
“I said I’d pick you up.” “I’m glad you did.” Akeno giggled.
“My, my.
Someone looks much happier now.” Rias shot her an embarrassed glare.
“Don’t tease me.” Rafsan picked up the bags.
“Ready?” Rias nodded.
“Let’s go home.” They walked side by side while the rest of the peerage watched them leave.
“They really do look like a married couple,” Akeno said with a gentle smile.
“They are,” Koneko replied matter-of-factly.
The walk home was peaceful.
The afternoon breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers as the streets grew quieter.
Neither felt the need to force conversation; simply walking together was enough.
Occasionally their hands brushed before Rias quietly slipped her hand into his.
Rafsan glanced at her.
“…Comfortable?” Rias smiled.
“Very.” He nodded and kept walking.
That evening, the aroma of freshly prepared dinner filled the dining room.
They sat across from each other, enjoying a quiet meal.
Halfway through, Rafsan spoke.
“I met two girls carrying Holy Swords today.” Rias stopped eating.
“Holy Swords?” “They introduced themselves as Irina Shidou and Xenovia Quarta.” Rias frowned.
“Church exorcists…” “They were looking for someone.” “The Church wouldn’t send Holy Sword users here without a reason,” Rias said thoughtfully.
“They didn’t cause any trouble.” “Yet,” she added.
After a pause she asked, “What happened after that?” “I went shopping.” Rias raised an eyebrow.
“For a while?” Rafsan took another bite.
“A film crew tried to recruit me for a commercial.” Rias blinked.
“They wanted you to act?” “I refused.” “I expected that.” “They insisted.” “So?” “I still refused.
The actor they hired arrived, insulted me, tried to grab my collar—so I punched him.
” Rias sighed.
“I had a feeling this wouldn’t end peacefully.” “He started it.” Rafsan explained the rest, including the phone call.
When he finished, Rias rested her chin on her hand.
“So…
you blacklisted him.” “He crossed the line.” “Anyone who tries to lay a hand on you should expect consequences,” she said, smiling softly.
“But promoting the actress—if she’s talented, she deserves the opportunity.” Rafsan nodded, and Rias smiled playfully.
“And those girls who approached you while you were shopping?” “They asked if I was free.” “And?” “I told them I was busy.” Rias waited.
“And married.” For a second she stared, then a bright smile spread across her face.
“…Good answer.” “I know.” She laughed quietly.
“I wasn’t worried.” “No?” “No.” She reached across the table and gently squeezed his hand.
“Because I trust you.” Rafsan looked at her and gave a small nod.
“Fair enough.” The peaceful atmosphere returned as they finished dinner together.
After cleaning up, Rias stretched.
“A bath sounds nice.” “I was thinking the same thing,” Rafsan said.
Later he soaked in hot water, sighing in contentment.
A shadow at the door made him squint.
“What are you doing out there?
Come in, if you want.” The figure froze, then stepped inside.
It was Rias—her long crimson hair damp at the ends, blue-green eyes watching him with that composed warmth she always wore.
Her presence filled the steamy room with a calm, intense air.
At his voice she blinked, a little nervous.
“You knew I was coming?” Rafsan shrugged and offered a teasing smile.
“I heard you.
You don’t sneak quietly.” Rias flushed but steadied herself with a proud lift of her chin.
She stepped closer, hands clasped.
“To be honest, I don’t know when it started, but I…
I think i have fall in love with you.” Her admission was earnest, borne of care rather than flirtation.
She sat at the edge of the tub and looked at him with affection that was both noble and sincere.
“Please don’t think you can just get rid of me.” Rafsan let out a dry chuckle and, with a calm intimacy that showed how comfortable he was with her, drew her closer and folded her into his arms.
“You like me?” he asked softer than his usual sarcasm.
“Yes,” she said simply.
“I’ve thought about you a lot.
You’re reliable.
Strong in ways that go beyond the obvious.” Her words warmed him; a softer side of him wished to be spoiled by someone who cared.
He shook his head with an amused smile.
“You talk too much.” She laughed, light and genuine, then reached for his hand and their fingers intertwined.
Rias’s proud composure melted into a private smile.
She leaned in, shy for a moment, then resolved.
“I want to be with you, as someone who stands beside you.” Rafsan let out a quiet, almost reluctant laugh.
When she pressed her lips to his in a short, sincere kiss it was gentle—exactly the small, intimate thing he allowed in private.
He kissed her back, composed rather than passionate, savoring the normalcy of being close.
They settled into a comfortable silence as steam curled around them.
There was no crude display—Rias would never expose herself in a way that compromised her dignity without reason, and Rafsan respected that line.
The moment focused on trust: her care for those close to her, his quiet protectiveness, and the gentle teasing that belonged only to them.
After a few breaths Rafsan stood and offered his hand.
“We should head back,” he said, his teasing carrying the quiet promise that he would stay with her.
Rias took his hand, her fiery pride and tender concern mixing on her face.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
They left the bathroom together—two people who fit differently into the world around them but who, in private, found a small, steady refuge in one another.
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