Author's Note:
Hey guys, sorry for the late update! Work and personal life has been keeping me busy.
Quick question: how are you liking the story so far, and what do you think of Raza? Let me know!
Chapter 25
Dawn crept over Kuoh, bathing the old school building in gentle gold. Inside, Koneko stirred from her sleep and slipped out of bed, moving with her usual quiet efficiency. After a quick shower, she dressed and made her way to the Occult Research Club room.
Inside, Raza was already at the kitchenette, the rich aroma of coffee filling the air. Without turning, he greeted her. "Good morning."
Koneko paused, watching him for a moment. In her usual flat voice, she replied, "Morning. Brewing coffee?"
"Yeah," Raza said, a hint of a smirk in his tone. "Made enough for everyone. Want some?"
Koneko’s answer was a simple, "...Yes."
Raza poured two cups, handing one to Koneko. She blew on hers, cautious of the steam, but Raza leaned back against the counter and took deep gulps without hesitation.
Curious, Koneko asked quietly, "How are you doing that?"
Raza looked at her, then his cup. "Thanks to my Phenex blood, I don't get burned easily. High resistance to heat. Cold doesn’t bother me much either."
Koneko blinked, processing. "I see."
She sipped her coffee, now cool enough, while Raza had already emptied his cup. Koneko watched him, then spoke up. "Can I ask you something?"
Raza looked up. "Shoot."
"What are you trying to accomplish here in Kuoh? Why come here? What drives you so much?" Koneko’s gaze never wavered.
Raza’s expression went blank for a moment. Then, quietly, "Honestly? I don’t have any grand goals. It’s simple. I want to make my mother proud, keep her happy. And I want to keep living."
Koneko echoed him, "'Continue to live.' For someone as strong as you, that sounds odd. Don’t you already have the strength to keep going? Or is there another reason you want to get stronger?"
Raza smiled, a little sad. "That’s the thing. It’s all I’ve ever known—surviving. Maybe it’s not what I want, but what I need. Strength is a necessity for me. The rest is secondary. As long as I have those two goals, I’m content. Maybe I needed to come here, too. If that makes sense."
Koneko mulled over his words. She stared into her cup. "Sounds complicated."
Raza chuckled. "Yeah. Guess that’s life, huh?"
Koneko blinked once. "Maybe."
"You aren’t satisfied with my answer?" Raza teased.
"I wasn’t suspicious. Just curious how you think. For what it’s worth, I think you won’t regret being here in Kuoh."
Raza nodded. "Yeah. I think so too."
A comfortable silence settled. Then the door opened—Akeno entered, her trademark smile in place. "Good morning."
Raza and Koneko returned the greeting.
Akeno glanced at the coffee. "Already made some, I see. Let me handle breakfast. Rias and Asia should be here soon."
Raza stepped aside, letting Akeno take over the kitchen. He drifted to the window, gazing out over the school grounds. "Looks pretty peaceful out there—at least when the girls aren’t rampaging. And they call us devils."
Akeno giggled. "Sounds like someone’s still traumatized from yesterday."
"Please, Akeno-san," Raza groaned. "I’ve had enough hormonal teenage girl attention for a lifetime."
Akeno smirked. "Must be so tough, being popular. Fufufu."
Raza couldn’t help but smile, the room settling into another comfortable silence. The door opened again; Asia stepped in, wishing everyone a good morning before sitting beside Koneko on the sofa. The two fell into a quiet conversation about homework and devil contracts.
A few minutes later, Rias arrived. "Everyone, good morning. I hope you all slept well."
The group echoed her greeting. Akeno finished breakfast, and they gathered around the table to eat.
Rias turned to Raza. "By the way, Raza, I’ve been thinking. You should join the Occult Research Club. Become an official member."
Raza raised an eyebrow. "Why? I basically live here already. What difference does it make?"
Akeno chimed in, "If you’re seen coming and going, other students will get suspicious. If you’re a club member, it’s a much better cover."
Rias continued, softer, "Also, I want you to. I think it’d be nice to officially welcome you to our team. You’re not part of the peerage and you’re from another house, but you could still be a club member. Don’t you think that’d be nice?"
Raza looked a little lost. "Well... I mean... sure, I guess."
Rias pouted. "At least pretend to be excited!"
Raza sighed, playing along. "Yes, ma’am. I’d love to be part of the club."
Rias beamed. "See? That wasn’t so hard."
Asia giggled. Raza let out a quiet laugh.
Akeno watched the exchange with amusement. Once breakfast was finished, they headed out together. In the schoolyard, they found Kiba and made their way to the building.
It looked like just another day at Kuoh—at least, for now.