"DXD: Multiverse Journey"Chapter 254: Kurumi, Please Give Me My Reward
The Ferris wheel climbed higher, their cabin suspended in a world between sunset and starlight. Evening had settled over the city—the sun melting into the horizon, streaks of gold and violet painting the clouds, the last blush of daylight fading into dusk. The sky was breathtaking, a canvas of liquid color, reflected in Kurumi's wide, awestruck eyes.
"So beautiful…" she whispered, barely aware she'd spoken.
She glanced at Shuo, catching him silhouetted against the dying light, his profile sharp and handsome as he gazed out over the city. Her heart skipped, then raced, pulse fluttering like the wind outside.
On the surface, Kurumi looked calm—composed, even. But inside, her thoughts tumbled in a storm. Memories from the past two months flashed through her mind: the friend she'd lost and found again, the pain and the miracle, the way Shuo had pulled her out of hell and into hope.
Every moment with him replayed in her mind, each one adding to the warmth blooming in her chest. Is this what falling in love feels like?
"Kurumi, you okay?" Shuo's voice broke through her reverie, gentle and concerned.
"Huh? Oh… it's nothing. Just lost in thought." She forced a smile, trying to steady herself.
After a beat, Kurumi lifted her face, wine-red eyes shimmering with uncertainty. "Shuo-chan… do you think someone like me—a Spirit—really deserves a life this magical? I mean… I…"
Before she could finish, Shuo reached out and softly pressed a finger to her lips.
He met her gaze, eyes honest, voice steady. "I'm not great with fancy words, but I promise you this: I'll worry with you, laugh with you, love you—with everything I have. No one will ever hurt you. Not while I'm here."
Kurumi stared at him, stunned, then broke into a radiant smile. "Ara, Shuo-chan, if you keep saying things like that, I'll fall even harder for you."
"Just 'fall harder'?" he teased.
She shook her head, lips quirking. "No… it's more than that. I love you. Deeply."
Without another word, Kurumi wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him—soft at first, then fiercely, pouring every ounce of emotion into the embrace. Shuo froze, surprised, but quickly responded, drawing her closer as the world spun quietly outside.
When they finally parted, both were breathless. Kurumi's cheeks glowed, her eyes half-lidded and playful. "You're pretty good at this, Shuo-chan."
He coughed, grinning. "Comes with the territory. With all the girls at home, practice is kind of required."
Kurumi giggled, shaking her head. "Such a flirt. No wonder you have a house full of admirers."
Shuo just shrugged, unapologetic.
As the Ferris wheel descended, the city's neon lights flickered on, crowds surging through the streets. Kurumi and Shuo found a quiet bench, recounting the day's adventures.
"I haven't felt this happy in ages," Kurumi sighed, content. "Thank you, Shuo-chan."
"If you want, I'll make sure you feel this way every day."
Their eyes met, both smiling—an unspoken promise passing between them.
Kurumi's gaze sparkled as she remembered the roller coasters, the haunted house, the laughter and confessions. She stretched out a hand, lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Let's go home. It's the perfect ending to our date."
Shuo hesitated just a moment, then took her hand, his grip gentle. "Then let me escort you, Kurumi. My final duty today."
Kurumi's smile softened. "Thank you, my knight."
Night had fully arrived, but Tengu City was anything but quiet. The streets pulsed with life, neon signs flickering, crowds weaving through the glow. Shuo carried Kurumi on his back, hands supporting her silk-clad legs, weaving through the bustle toward the quieter residential district.
Kurumi felt no embarrassment. They'd hugged, kissed, confessed—what was left to be shy about? Besides, Shuo had already stolen enough kisses to last a lifetime.
Her arms looped around his neck, face pressed close to his cheek, watching him with a fond, thoughtful smile.
Love is war, she mused. And the battlefield was crowded. Tohka and Origami had long since fallen for Shuo; even Nia, the second Spirit, had surrendered after last night's date. Yuzuru, Kaguya, Shiori, Kotori—even her best friend Sawa seemed a little too interested.
So many rivals! Kurumi squinted into the breeze, her worries swept away by the comfort of Shuo's presence. Her hair danced in the wind, a few stray strands tickling his nose and making him laugh.
Soon, they reached a house with the name "Itsuka" on the gate.
Kurumi slid off Shuo's back, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, her smile bright. "Thank you, Shuo-chan. Today was… perfect."
"Heh, since you're so satisfied, how about that reward you promised?" Shuo wrapped his arms around her, voice low and teasing at her ear.
"Reward?" Kurumi blinked, then remembered her promise. She bit her lip, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course there's a reward. I was thinking of giving you something special—just like Nia did…"
Shuo's eyes lit up, hungry and hopeful. "Seriously? That's the best news I've heard all day."
But before Shuo could celebrate, Kurumi continued, her tone playfully cruel. "But… Sawa wants to sleep with me tonight and hear all about our date. So…"
She paused, then smiled sweetly. "Sorry, Shuo-chan. Consider this a rain check. For now, your reward will have to wait."
Before he could protest, Kurumi brushed a butterfly kiss across his lips, slipped from his arms, and dashed inside, laughter trailing behind her.
Shuo stood alone in the night, stunned, his hopes dashed.
The duck was so close… and now it's flown away.
Damn it, Sawa—if I ever get the chance, you're in for it.
—
"Achoo!" Sawa, curled up in her room with her phone, sneezed and frowned. Who's talking about me? Must be Kurumi again.
She smiled, thinking of her friend's date. Kurumi must be so happy… When will I get to—no, no, Sawa, what are you thinking?!
She shook her head, then hopped up. Time to go find Kurumi-chan!
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]