Akeno had mentioned it earlier—while Draconis was out cold, Koneko had helped replenish his magic. He owed her a proper thank you.
"Koneko."
She looked up, golden eyes calm and unreadable as always. But beneath that cool exterior, Draconis could see a flicker of joy—just for him.
"You're awake. How's your body holding up?"
"I'm back to normal, more or less. Thanks to you, too."
He smiled, and Koneko's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile.
"I'm glad you're okay. That fight must've been rough."
"Just doing my job." Draconis gave her a quick hug—rare for him. Koneko blinked in surprise, then managed a shy, genuine smile.
"I'll look forward to that treat," she said, voice almost playful.
Draconis grinned, waved, and teleported away. He'd been unconscious for days—Mai Sakurajima had to be worried sick.
He found a quiet spot on an overpass and dialed her number. Two rings, and her voice came through, a mix of relief and nerves.
"Draconis?"
"Hey, it's me."
"You… Where have you been? I couldn't reach you at all!"
He winced. His old phone had been a casualty of battle—this was a replacement he'd just bought.
"Long story. Ran into some trouble, but it's sorted now."
He asked where she was. Mai said she'd just finished an audition and was heading home.
"Want me to pick you up?"
"Sure."
He got the address and teleported to the company entrance. It didn't take long to spot her—Mai stood quietly by the door, radiant as ever.
People passing by couldn't help staring, some sneaking photos. She was used to it, but Draconis felt a protective urge rise.
He watched her for a moment. Today, Mai wore a crisp white blouse with a black bow tie, a linen skirt skimming her thighs, and black heels—no stockings, just pale, flawless legs. She looked impossibly mature, almost like an older woman. If he didn't know her age, he might have been fooled.
Mai caught sight of him, eyes lighting up as she strode over.
The crowd murmured—Mai Sakurajima, the star, walking up to some guy? But she didn't care. With Draconis there, she knew she wouldn't be bothered.
He glanced at the onlookers, noticed a few phones raised, and snapped his fingers. Memory magic rippled out, erasing the moment from their minds.
"Hm, maybe I should go public with you one of these days," Draconis mused, half to himself.
Mai smirked. "If you don't mind being treated like a rare animal everywhere we go, I'm fine with it."
He grinned. If they did go public, he'd be "Mai Sakurajima's boyfriend" everywhere. Not the worst fate.
"Doesn't bother me. Memory magic works just as well…"
"Better not to go public at all, then. Less attention that way," Mai replied smoothly.
"True, but it'd be nice to have official status, you know? I've got this gorgeous celebrity girlfriend, and nobody knows. What a shame I can't show off in public."
Mai rolled her eyes. "Is that really your first thought after dropping off the face of the earth for days?"
Draconis raised an eyebrow, voice softening. "Honestly, I'm overflowing with love for you, but I never know how to put it into words."
"Do you enjoy being such a smooth talker?"
She stepped forward and stomped on his foot—hard.
"Mai, you're wearing heels."
"I know. Is there a problem?"
"…Nope."
He didn't push it. She'd been worried, no matter how cool she acted. Let her vent—he owed her that much.
Ignoring the crowd, Draconis pulled her gently into his arms. Mai resisted for a moment, then relaxed, wrapping her arms around him.
"No more disappearing acts, got it?"
He understood. She meant his sudden, days-long vanishing.
"It was an accident. I'll be careful next time."
Holding her close, Draconis felt his heart settle.
After a while, Mai patted his shoulder and stepped back, searching his eyes.
"So what actually happened?"
He didn't want to hide anything.
"In short, a fallen angel straight out of the Bible lost his mind and tried to destroy the city—kickstart a war between three worlds."
Mai's jaw dropped. That one sentence hit her like a truck.
She stared at him, speechless.
"…Can you explain? I feel like I don't understand anything about your life."
"Of course. Why don't we head home first?"
"Okay…"
Draconis bent down and swept her into a princess carry.
Mai squeaked. "Wait—?!"
"Hold tight. We're flying."
Black devil wings unfurled behind him. Holding Mai close, Draconis shot into the sky.
…
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