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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: The Warmth of the Mortal Hearth

The week settled into a punishing rhythm: school by day, Burger Baron by evening, home late at night. Kaito's body adapted with demonic stubbornness, but exhaustion crept in like a stealthy assassin.

Mornings at home remained his anchor.

Sayuri varied her outfits for work—today a soft cream blouse that draped gently over her full breasts and a navy A-line skirt that swayed when she walked. She packed his bento with extra care, adding a small note: *Fight hard today, sweetie. ♡ Mom*

Akari, home for the weekend again, wore casual athleisure: tight black leggings and a loose crop top that revealed her toned stomach when she stretched. She teased him over breakfast but slipped an energy bar into his bag "just in case."

Yui, in her school uniform now, twin tails bouncing, hugged him at the door. "Don't forget to eat lunch, onii-chan! You're working so hard…"

*These women,* Kaito thought as he left, *wield concern like a blade. Dangerous.*

School offered brief skirmishes. Haruka's rivalry sharpened—during breaks she challenged him to quick math problems or trivia, winner choosing the loser's drink from the vending machine. She always paid anyway, grinning.

In PE, a light rain canceled outdoor activities. Indoor basketball instead. Kaito dominated rebounds with his minor strength, Haruka matching him in speed. After one play, she collided lightly with him, hands on his chest for balance.

"Whoops," she laughed, not moving away immediately. "You're solid."

*Solid? I am eternal.*

But her touch lingered in his mind.

Work shifts blurred into competition. Haruka and Reina formed an unlikely duo—Haruka's athletic efficiency, Reina's dramatic flair. They dragged Kaito into "team quests," racing to clear orders.

One slow moment, Haruka leaned close at the assembly station. "You're getting scary good. Almost as fast as me."

Reina overhead: "Our party grows stronger! Soon we shall conquer all Baron realms!"

Kaito muttered, "This is no conquest. Merely survival."

Haruka bumped his hip. "Lighten up. It's fun with you here."

*Fun. This realm corrupts me.*

The real trial came Friday night.

A massive rush—nearby concert letting out, customers swarming. Kaito flipped, wrapped, served with mechanical precision. Sweat beaded under the visor. Haruka matched him order for order, ponytail whipping as she moved.

Reina shouted encouragement like a bard: "Hold the line, heroes!"

By closing, all three were drained. Reina locked up, then surprised them. "Victory milkshakes—on me! Manager's treat."

They sat in the empty dining area, sipping thick chocolate shakes. Haruka kicked her feet up, uniform rumpled, cheeks flushed.

"To the best newbie ever," she toasted mockingly.

Reina raised hers. "To our unbreakable fellowship!"

Kaito allowed a small smirk. "To tolerable allies."

They laughed. For a moment, the greasy citadel felt almost… pleasant.

He arrived home near midnight.

The house was dark except for the kitchen light. Sayuri waited again, a habit now. Tonight she wore a thin silk night robe, pale pink, tied loosely at the waist. It clung to her curves, the fabric translucent enough in the soft light to hint at the shape beneath—no bra, just soft swells and the faint shadow between.

She stood when he entered, concern etching her face. "You're later than usual. Everything okay?"

Kaito removed his visor, running a hand through damp hair. "A great battle. But won."

Sayuri approached, taking the visor gently. "You look exhausted." Her fingers brushed his temple, pushing back a strand of hair. "Let me make you tea."

He caught her wrist lightly—minor strength careful. "Mother. You should rest. You work harder than I."

She smiled, sad around the edges. "I'm used to it. Sit."

He obeyed, watching her move. The robe shifted with each step, revealing glimpses of thigh, the sway of her hips. Centuries of commanding succubi, yet this mortal woman undid him with simple grace.

She set tea before him—chamomile, steaming. Then, unexpectedly, sat beside him on the couch instead of across.

Silence stretched, comfortable but charged.

"Kaito," she said softly, "you've changed everything this week. The house feels… lighter. Because of you."

He met her hazel eyes. "It is my duty."

She shook her head. "It's more than duty. You're… growing up so fast." Her hand rested on his knee, maternal, but the touch burned.

They talked—quietly, about nothing and everything. Her work stress. His shifts. The girls' pride in him.

At some point, her head leaned against his shoulder. Hair spilled loose, fragrant. The robe gaped slightly, revealing the inner curve of one breast.

Kaito's breath caught.

Sayuri noticed, stilled. But didn't pull away.

Minutes passed. Tension built like a gathering storm.

She whispered, "I've been alone a long time."

His voice was low. "You need not be."

She turned to face him fully. Eyes searched his—vulnerable, wanting.

The kiss began tentative. Her lips soft, tasting of tea and warmth. Kaito cupped her cheek, centuries of restraint unraveling.

Sayuri melted into it, a soft sound escaping. Hands slid to his chest, then around his neck.

They moved to her bedroom—door closed softly, light dim.

Clothes fell away slowly.

Sayuri's body was lush, mature—full breasts heavy in his hands, nipples darkening under his touch. Soft belly from bearing children, hips wide and inviting. Skin flushed pink.

She guided him with shy confidence, rediscovering her own desire after years dormant.

Kaito worshiped her—kisses down her neck, lavishing attention on each breast until she arched, gasping. Fingers exploring her warmth, finding her soaked, trembling.

When he entered her—slow, careful—she clung to him, tears in her eyes. Not pain. Release.

They moved together gently at first, then deeper, more urgent. Her legs wrapped around him, heels digging into his back. Whispers of "Kaito… my sweet boy…" mingling with moans.

Climax built like a tide—Sayuri first, crying out softly into his shoulder, body clenching around him. Kaito followed, spilling deep inside with a guttural sound, holding her tight.

Afterglow: tangled limbs, her head on his chest.

"I forgot how good it could feel," she murmured, fingers tracing his skin. "To be wanted."

Kaito kissed her forehead. "You are treasured beyond measure."

She smiled, sleepy. "Stay tonight?"

He did.

As she drifted off in his arms, robe discarded on the floor, Kaito stared at the ceiling.

*This realm offers pleasures no demonic court ever matched.*

But dawn would come. School. Work.

And secrets to keep—for now.

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