Seeing Kuroha's downcast mood, Rias skipped the rest of the briefing and dismissed the gathering.
Kuroha barely registered how it ended—or how he got home.
Even less how...
"Why are you at my house, Rias-senpai?"
Rias lounged like she owned the place, school uniform shed for a provocative purple lingerie set.
At his question, she tapped her chin.
"Hmm... why? 'Cause I got nowhere else to stay?"
Like hell!
Wait—no, his position now.
Tricking a Devil here!
Her teasing drew an indignant scowl, and Rias burst into giggles.
That smile—blooming like a flower, intoxicating.
"Alright, no more messing with you. Just wanna bond with my new servant..."
Watery eyes pleading pitifully from her crimson mane, leaning into him.
"Not okay?"
A red-haired beauty draped over him, begging with puppy eyes—who could say no?
Tell me!
"'Course... no problem..."
"Great. Kuroha, run me a bath? Hate showering at the club every day."
Satisfied, she drifted off, stretching lazily to flaunt every curve.
Every day?
"Rias-senpai... if I may—planning a long stay?"
She stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Guess."
"..."
No answer forthcoming, Kuroha sighed and headed to the bathroom to fill the tub.
As it neared ready, Rias appeared behind him.
"Good enough?"
He shut off the faucet and stood.
"Yeah, senpai—enjoy."
He turned to leave.
But Rias snagged his collar.
"Where to? Serving your master's bath is your duty too."
Stunned yet touched to tears, he cursed not reincarnating sooner.
Master's orders—not my idea.
Self-consoling, he submitted.
Turning, he found her already nude—that vivid crimson mystery dazzlingly bright. He averted his eyes.
Rias eyed him oddly.
"Gonna wash me in your clothes?"
"I... gotta strip too?"
"You tell me?"
Fists clenched in humiliated fury, he stripped at lightspeed.
"Rias-senpai, have a seat here."
He pointed to the stool.
She glanced down, tsking oddly.
"Kinda big, huh?"
"Rias-senpai!"
Ignoring it, he repeated louder.
"Geez, I heard—ain't deaf."
Grumbling, she sat gracefully.
Kuroha clutched the showerhead, staring at her flawless back, frozen.
"Lost on where to start? Need big sis to teach? You're the first—and only—man to touch me."
No movement behind her; she giggled, teasing.
Gonna lose it someday...
Her flirty barbs had him squirming. He crouched to hide his shame, lathering soap on the scrubber. After ages, he grazed her back lightly.
"Mm... chilly..."
Her coquettish hum fueled his fire.
Serving a master like this... not all upsides. Gonna die at this rate.
Definitely.
Mind wandering, he soaped her back till foam blanketed it.
"Kuroha—just the back?"
She spun around.
Those massive swells and crimson peaks filled his vision; he gulped, erection unhideable.
"Just staring? Feel free—I won't mind. You're my servant..."
Her words dripped temptation.
"Rias-senpai..."
"Hm? What?"
"You do this with every servant? If you get more guys later... same deal?"
Some jealous pang made him blurt it.
Rias paused, then smiled radiantly, lifting his downcast chin.
"What do you think, Kuroha?"
"Dunno."
He shook his head.
Darkness engulfed him—buried in soft walls.
Her gentle voice amid the smothering warmth.
"You're special to me, Kuroha. Before you, all girls. After? Only girls. You're one-of-a-kind."
"Pitying me, senpai?"
He chuckled bitterly.
"Pity? Why think that?"
"'Cause pre-you, I was a loser. Horny high schooler fantasizing nonstop. Thinks one confession's soulmate fate—gets stabbed. Me? Special? Laughable."
She pushed him back; light returned, her face softer, less aloof.
"Kuroha, Devils need partners too. As one, I see hidden worth others miss. Our meeting's coincidence, but why not believe you're special?"
Guiding his hand to her snowy peak.
"I know your dirty thoughts—but I don't mind. Just promise: grow strong. Become a Devil mighty enough to protect me... and everything's yours."
Protect... Rias?