"DXD: Multiverse Journey"Chapter 255: Second-Hand Lollipop Tastes Pretty Good
Night had settled over the house. Kotori, fresh from her bath, ran a towel through her crimson hair, then pulled up a chair with casual authority.
"You've done well these past few days," she announced, voice matter-of-fact. "Kurumi and the others—there's a clear drop in their spirit wavelengths."
Shuo grinned, half-turned toward her, something sly flickering in his eyes. "All the better. So, tomorrow it's your turn, Kotori?"
The question sent a flush racing across Kotori's cheeks. She fidgeted, gaze darting anywhere but his. "It's not—! I mean, it's just to deal with that weird orb thing, so I agreed to… to a date. Don't get the wrong idea, okay?"
Shuo just smiled, undeterred by her prickly tone. "Sure, sure. But I don't think we've ever had a proper date, just the two of us. Honestly, I'm looking forward to it."
He reached out and gave her nose a playful flick. Kotori's lips puckered into a pout, her blush deepening. Before she could protest, Shuo leaned in and—almost without thinking—planted a quick kiss on her lips.
Smooch.
Time froze.
Kotori went stiff, her expression blank with shock. What just happened?
A few heartbeats later, she snapped back to reality—face burning, mind spinning. Secretly, she was happy. But her tsundere pride refused to let her show it, especially with so many girls lounging in the living room.
Just as Kotori's temper threatened to boil over, Shuo scrambled for cover, chanting to himself that he was absolutely not a lolicon. He blurted, "Kotori, you're just too cute! I have zero resistance to adorable girls… Anyway, I'll go shower now!"
Before Kotori could retort, he bolted for the bathroom.
She touched her lips, watching his retreat, muttering under her breath, "Idiot…"
—
The next morning, Shuo followed Kotori through the supermarket, pushing a cart as she scanned the aisles with practiced efficiency.
"Hey, Kotori, are you sure this is your idea of a date?"
She flashed a bright smile, tossing ingredients into the cart. "Of course! Shopping and cooking together—what could be more fun?"
After dropping a pack of fresh beef into the cart, Kotori slipped her hand into Shuo's and tugged him onward. "Besides, isn't this what couples do?"
Shuo shrugged, surrendering to her logic. "As long as you're happy, I'm happy."
They finished their shopping, and just as they were about to check out, Kotori grabbed a massive bag of lollipops. Shuo could only sigh and warn, "Careful, Kotori. Too many sweets and you'll end up with cavities."
"Okay…" she replied, not looking the least bit repentant.
Outside, Shuo naturally took her hand. Kotori popped a fresh lollipop into her mouth, her mood light and content. Being with him always made her feel at ease.
Back home, they got to work in the kitchen, laughter and the clatter of utensils filling the air. The scene was warm—almost domestic.
At the foot of the stairs, several sets of eyes watched them with undisguised interest.
"Kotori's date plan is making hamburgers? They look so good! Slurp…" Tohka, sprawled on the floor in shorts, wiped drool from her chin.
"Didn't expect Kotori to pick a home date," murmured Yoshino. "She really does seem happy, right, Yoshinon?"
"Mm."
"Impressive," murmured another. "That's a solid date idea."
—
After the burgers were done, Kotori unwrapped another lollipop and slipped it into her mouth. But before she could savor it, Shuo snatched it away.
"No sweets before dinner. And you've had enough sugar today, little Kotori. Let your big brother take care of this one."
Under her stunned gaze, he popped the lollipop into his own mouth.
Imported, second-hand lollipop—definitely a unique flavor.
"You—you—you just—!" Kotori sputtered, cheeks blazing, words tumbling out in stutters.
Steam all but poured from her head as Shuo waved her off with a devilish grin. "Oh, this lollipop? Relax, Kotori. I'd never be grossed out by a little of your saliva."
Kotori's embarrassment curdled into indignation. Not disgusted by me? Pervert. Total lolicon. Shameless creep!
Shuo caught her fierce, flustered glare and just laughed, arms wide as he pulled her into a hug.
She was soft and warm—like a doll, but alive, her unique scent making him dizzy.
Kotori's sixteen now, right? That's legal… right?
He ruffled her hair, voice teasing. "What's with the scary face? Sooner or later, you'll be mine anyway. Why worry?"
Before Kotori could launch a counterattack, Shuo turned away to prep the next dish.
Kotori could only stand there, blushing and pouting, grumbling, "Hmph, you owe me double burgers for that."
"No problem," Shuo called over his shoulder.
Ten minutes later, their culinary teamwork paid off.
Kotori glanced up, spotting the girls at the stairwell, all staring hungrily at the feast laid out on the table.
She sighed, then smiled. "Honestly, you guys… Tohka, don't drool on the floor. Come eat with us—we made plenty."
Tohka, Yoshino, and the others lit up, smiles breaking out as they hurried to the table.
Soon, everyone was gathered, laughter and chatter filling the dining room as they tucked into their meal.
Outside, beneath the glow of the villa's porch light, a figure with pink eyes watched quietly, a lollipop held between her lips—observing the joy and chaos within.
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]