The first thing Ai felt when her eyes fluttered open was warmth. Not the usual cool sheets of the guild-given mansion bed, but warmth that came from something solid, steady—something that tightened slightly the moment she shifted.
Her sleepy mind needed a few seconds to register. Then she blinked, and her entire body froze.
Arms. Strong arms. Wrapped around her waist.
Her cheek pressed against a chest that rose and fell slowly, rhythmically.
Her eyes widened until they almost trembled.
Shiki…?
She tilted her head up just a little, just enough to peek.
And there he was. Shiki. Sleeping—or no, his lips twitched the moment her gaze found him.
The faintest grin broke across his face, and those eyes opened lazily, immediately locking onto her.
"Morning, kitten." His voice was husky from sleep, too casual, like waking up together was the most natural thing in the world.
Ai went red to her ears. She shoved her hands against his chest but didn't actually push him away, just pressed, trembling. "M-M-Morning?! D-Don't just say it like—like we're married already!!"
His grin widened. "Aren't we?"
Her heart nearly exploded. "W-We're not!"
"Mm." His arms squeezed her a little closer, ignoring her fluster completely. "Feels like we are. Wake up next to you, hold you all night, steal a kiss before bed… that's husband-level, kitten."
Ai buried her face into his shirt. "S-Stop saying embarrassing things…!"
Shiki only chuckled, the vibration of it rumbling against her cheek. "You confessed last night, remember? You can't take it back now."
"I'm not taking it back," Ai muttered fiercely, voice muffled in his chest.
That made him pause. He blinked down at her, lips curving slowly—not into his usual mischievous grin, but into something softer. Something that tugged at her heart.
"Good." He ruffled her hair with one hand, his thumb brushing the side of her head almost tenderly. "I wouldn't let you take it back even if you tried."
Ai's blush deepened until she thought she might melt into the bed.
But after a second, her eyes narrowed slightly. "…Wait. Did you even sleep?"
That made him chuckle again. He tilted his head, looking ridiculously smug. "Of course I did. I just had an idea."
"An… idea?"
"Yeah." He tapped her forehead lightly with a finger, as though it were obvious. "I logged out, went to bed in the real world, then logged back in while sleeping. Kept the headset on. So I get to wake up beside you here too."
Her jaw dropped. "Y-You—! That's cheating!"
"It's called being efficient." He smirked. "Now I can say I slept with you literally and virtually. Double husband points."
Her face caught fire. "S-Stop using that word!!"
"Husband?" he teased, dragging it out just to see her twitch.
"Y-Yes!!"
He leaned down, his lips brushing close to her ear. "Say it once, Ai. Just once."
Her eyes widened, her heart thundering. "…N-No."
"Kitten…" His voice dropped into a mock-threat, low and smooth. "…Don't make me steal it from you."
Her pout trembled, but she refused to hide this time. Her voice was tiny, shaking, but she said it anyway. "…S-Shiki… my husband."
Shiki's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed into a grin so wicked and satisfied she wanted to smack it off him. "Perfect. You're never taking that back."
She squeaked, turning her face away, but didn't push him. Her chest felt too tight, her heart too soft.
After a long moment, she whispered, "…Last night wasn't a dream, right?"
He tilted his head. "Which part? The kiss? Or the part where you told me you love me?"
Her breath hitched. "…Both."
Shiki's expression softened again. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering against her cheek. "It wasn't a dream. You were awake. You asked for it. And it was the best damn kiss I've had."
Her throat tightened, eyes stinging. "B-Baka… don't say things like that so easily."
"I'll keep saying them until you believe me." His smile turned gentle. "I meant it too, Kitten. Every word."
Her pout trembled, and finally she buried her face back against his chest, clutching his shirt. "…Idiot. Then don't ever leave me."
"Never." His voice dropped, serious in a way that made her shiver. "I'm yours now. Get used to it."
They stayed like that for a long while, just breathing each other in.
---
The morning sunlight streamed through the streets as Shiki and Ai walked side by side.
Well—more accurately, Ai was glued to him.
Her small hands were hooked firmly around his arm, her cheek occasionally brushing against his shoulder.
Every step she took had the faintest bounce in it, like she was secretly proud of herself.
Shiki smirked down at her. "What's this? You're holding me like you're my wife walking me to work."
Her blush deepened, but she didn't let go. Not even close. "…I-I am."
His eyebrow quirked, amused. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
She glanced away but pressed closer, muttering with determination. "You said it yourself. Everyone thinks we're married already. So… I'll act like it."
Shiki blinked, then laughed softly, the sound rich and amused. "You've gotten bold, kitten."
"…Shut up."
Her pout only made him grin wider.
---
By the time they reached the Bar, the heavy wooden doors swung open with a creak.
Instant silence.
Every single patron inside—the adventurers, the drinkers, even the musicians—turned their heads toward the door.
Shiki stepped in with Ai on his arm, and for a moment the silence stretched thick.
Then—
Clap.
Clap clap.
Clap clap clap clap.
The whole room burst into applause.
"Victory against the Commander of the Celestial Knights!" someone shouted.
"Damn, I thought you'd die for sure!"
"To take her on and win… you're insane!"
The cheers rolled through the bar like a wave. Mugs were slammed on tables, boots stomped against the floor. Adventurers raised their glasses high.
Shiki smirked lazily, letting the applause wash over him. "Not bad for a day's work."
Meanwhile, Ai was crimson, eyes darting everywhere as people cheered and—most dangerously—some women winked at Shiki.
Shiki leaned close to her ear, murmuring. "See? They're already treating us like a married couple."
Her blush darkened. "…B-Baka…"
They moved to a corner booth, Ai refusing to release his arm even while sitting. Her small hands clung to him like he might vanish otherwise.
As the applause settled, the chatter picked up again—most of it gossiping about the fight, Seraphina's pride, and the mysterious adventurer who took her down.
And then—
A shadow fell across their table.
"Well, well, look who finally shows their faces."
Ai stiffened instantly. Her head snapped up.
Standing there was Eline—the infamous busty maid of the bar. Her frilly uniform strained against her chest, the deep cut of her neckline leaving far too much cleavage on display. Her tray balanced easily on one hand, her lips curved into a knowing smirk.
Ai's grip on Shiki's arm tightened dangerously.
"Eline…" she muttered, eyes narrowing.
Eline chuckled, leaning forward just enough to make Ai's blood boil. "My, my. You finally caught him, huh? I thought I'd have to step in and steal him away first."
Ai flushed scarlet. "Y-You—!!"
Shiki, of course, was grinning like a fox.
She turned to Shiki, voice dropping playfully. "So, Master Shiki… what can I get you? Strong drink? Special meal? Or maybe… me?"
"Oi!" Ai slammed her hand on the table, face red.
Shiki leaned back casually, smirk spreading. "Tempting."
Ai gasped, scandalized. "Shiki!!"
He tilted his head innocently. "What? Can't a man appreciate good service?"
Her pout deepened, eyes watery with frustration, but her hold on his arm only grew tighter.
Eline giggled, clearly enjoying Ai's misery. "Don't glare so hard, sweetie. He's a man. Men like curves." She pressed a hand deliberately against her own chest, making them push up even higher. "And I've got plenty to share."
Ai's jaw dropped, words failing her.
Shiki, meanwhile, looked absolutely entertained. "…Well, she's not wrong."
"Shiki!!!" Ai nearly burst into tears of frustration, shaking his arm furiously.
Shiki chuckled, leaning down to whisper against her ear. "Relax, kitten. You're cuter when you pout."
Her face went up in flames.
Eline returned shortly with their order—two plates of steaming hot food, drinks balanced elegantly.
But instead of setting them down and leaving like a normal waitress, she plopped herself down right beside Shiki.
On his other side.
Her thigh brushed his.
Her cleavage was level with the table.
Ai's blood pressure skyrocketed.
"What the hell are you doing?!" she shrieked.
Eline smirked, leaning against Shiki's arm. "Oh, don't mind me. Just making sure my favorite customer gets proper attention."
"You're not his favorite anything!" Ai snapped.
"Funny." Eline tapped her lips. "He hasn't denied it yet."
Ai turned to Shiki, furious, expecting him to fix this.
Instead, he smirked. "She's got guts, I'll give her that."
"SHIKI!!"
The entire bar turned to look at the scene, half-laughing, half-whispering, clearly enjoying the drama of it all.
Shiki chuckled again, clearly thriving in the chaos. With one hand, he reached over and pinched Ai's cheek gently. "Relax. You're the one I go home with, kitten."
Her heart skipped. Her cheeks flared red.
Eline's smirk faltered slightly, but she covered it with another laugh. "Tch. Guess I'll just have to try harder."
"You don't need to try at all!" Ai barked.
Shiki leaned back, satisfied, watching the two women squabble over him like it was the finest entertainment in the world.
His smirk never faded, but his hand subtly slid over Ai's under the table, giving it a squeeze.
Ai blinked, her anger softening into warmth instantly. She looked up at him, lips parting slightly.
Shiki just smirked knowingly, eyes saying everything his mouth didn't.
Her blush deepened, and she clung tighter to him.
No matter what Eline tried—she wasn't letting go.
---
End of Chapter : 27 : The Busty Rivalry
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