"DXD: Multiverse Journey"Chapter 235: The Bet—Kaguya's Heart Unveiled
Just as Shuo predicted, the match had barely ended when Kaguya quietly beckoned him away from the crowd.
She took his hand—soft, warm, and a little hesitant—and led him down the empty coastline. The villa faded into the distance, leaving only the sound of waves and the hush between them.
Shuo couldn't help but notice the blush blooming across Kaguya's usually pale cheeks.
Tsundere to the bone, but even she couldn't hide her nerves now.
"Hey, Kaguya. Didn't you say you had something to tell me? Now's your chance."
Kaguya slowed, fidgeting with his hand, unable to meet his eyes. After a few seconds, she turned, face flushed, voice barely above a whisper.
"Actually… um, I wanted to…"
Shuo grinned, teasing. "Why so shy? That's not the Kaguya I know."
Her eyes widened, then she coughed, trying to recover her composure. Right hand to her forehead, she struck a pose she probably thought was regal.
"Ahaha! Clearly, you've fallen for my masterful acting. Being toyed with by me is an honor, you know!"
Shuo laughed. "Now that's the Kaguya I recognize. Though, your shy side is pretty cute too."
Kaguya's bravado cracked; her blush deepened. She sighed, voice soft.
"I mean… I'm a Spirit. I have to act like this, or I lose all authority."
"Honestly, you're adorable either way."
"Shut up!"
She tried to glare, but her embarrassment only made her more endearing.
Finally, she took a breath, steeling herself.
"Okay, here's what I wanted to ask: Tomorrow, after the contest… I want you to choose Yuzuru."
Shuo had suspected as much, but hearing it out loud still stung.
These twins—always breaking his heart.
Kaguya forced a smile, her words tumbling out.
"Compared to me, Yuzuru's way cuter, right? She's a bit slow, but so gentle… and her chest is huge. She's basically every guy's dream!
If you pick her, you'll get all kinds of perks. Honestly, there's no reason for you to choose me, so…"
She trailed off, scratching her head, eyes averted. Even as she smiled, Shuo could see the tremor in her shoulders, the dimness in her gaze.
The girl who was always so lively now looked utterly defeated.
It hurt to watch.
He spoke quietly, gently.
"Kaguya… Why do you and Yuzuru have to fight for a winner at all?"
She hesitated, a shadow crossing her face.
"It's our… destiny, I guess."
Destiny.
Shuo's eyes narrowed. Destiny was meant to be broken.
He'd helped Origami reclaim her parents, helped Kurumi reunite with Sawa, and rewritten his own fate by coming to this world.
Why should he believe in destiny now?
He straightened, voice firm and unyielding.
"Destiny's just something you break. I don't believe in fate."
He met her eyes, letting his conviction show.
"So I won't grant your request. Whether it's you or Yuzuru, I won't let either of you disappear."
Kaguya's body trembled. Light flickered in her eyes—a spark of hope.
She turned, searching his face.
"Shuo… How do you know so much about us?"
He smiled, showing teeth.
"I know everything about you and Yuzuru. You two are more alike than you think."
He leaned in, voice soft but certain.
"So you get it now, right? This whole charm contest is pointless. Because I want both of you."
Kaguya stared, stunned. Her heart thudded so loud she was sure he could hear it.
She tried to laugh it off, face burning.
"Ahaha… Shuo, are you confessing to me or something?"
He shrugged, grinning.
"If you want it to be a confession, then yeah—it is."
She tried to play it cool, but her blush betrayed her.
Shuo's gaze softened.
"Honestly, you and Yuzuru are both beautiful. If I could, I'd confess to you both."
Kaguya stepped closer, meeting his eyes.
"You could try, you know. You might be surprised."
There's nothing more captivating than a girl caught between shyness and hope.
Right now, Kaguya glowed—cheeks pink, eyes shining, every inch a miracle.
Shuo reached up, brushing her cheek. She didn't flinch; instead, she leaned into his touch, eyes full of anticipation.
He bent down, and she closed her eyes, arms slipping around his neck, rising onto her toes.
He felt her nervousness, her trust. He wrapped his other arm around her, holding her close.
Time seemed to pause. When they finally parted, Kaguya rested against his chest, cheeks still flushed.
She whispered, voice trembling.
"Shuo… If you promise me one thing, you can do anything you want to me. I won't say no."
He smiled, gentle but firm.
"I can promise you a lot of things—but giving you up isn't one of them."
She looked up, torn between joy and disappointment. But when his words sank in, happiness bloomed in her eyes.
"Shuo… Please, just choose Yuzuru. She's sexier, sweeter, more charming. She deserves to live more than I do."
He hugged her tighter, voice resolute.
"I told you—I won't give up either of you. And who says one of you has to disappear?"
He grinned, mischievous.
"By the way, do you know why Yamai Kazamachi split into you and Yuzuru?"
She blinked. "Why?"
He leaned in, teasing.
"Kiss me and I'll tell you."
Kaguya rolled her eyes, but pouted and leaned in anyway.
Shuo smiled, patting her head as he explained.
"Because she was lonely. Yamai was so lonely, so desperate for connection, that she split into two.
So really, you and Yuzuru are both idiots. I'll bet you anything—Yuzuru would make the same choice as you. Do you believe me?"
Kaguya's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yuzuru… would do that too?"
He nodded, watching her process the truth.
He offered a gentle, bittersweet smile.
"Let's make a bet. If Yuzuru makes the same choice, then neither of you gets to sacrifice yourself for the other ever again. Deal?"
Kaguya's eyes shimmered with tears, hope and nerves warring on her face.
"Shuo… Is that really possible? We can both live? Neither of us will disappear?"
He ruffled her hair, smiling softly.
"Silly Kaguya. Just get ready to lose the bet—and stay right here by my side."
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