The Demon I fell in love with. (Part 1)

The Demon who I fell in love with.

It was on a summer day back then. The warm breeze was steadily raising the temperature of the weather. People loathe summer in particular since it is hot and makes you sleepy all the way through till October. I was on vacation over the summer, so I went to see my grandparents in the countryside. They own a beach resort, and to be honest, I feel at peace in this place.

In truth, I am not a countryside girl. I've spent reality my entire life in the city, surrounded by crowds and never-ending noise. This was my first trip into the countryside, and the people were friendly, with a smile on their faces every time they greeted one another. I had to do the same thing, but it wasn't too difficult for me. Since the majority of the individuals who reside here are elderly, they are easier to get along with than people who are of the same age as I am.

My name is Kagura, and the story that I am about to tell you is my unexpected love story, which no one predicted. This is how I fell in love with a Demon.

***

"Kagura! Breakfast is ready."

My grandmother always calls me first thing in the morning to eat breakfast. I don't usually eat breakfast, but I have to since they say it's crucial because it's the only source of energy for the rest of the day. I don't normally get up early, but I've learned to adapt. Despite the fact that I have nothing else to do but go for a walk along the shore.

I guess this is what they call "normal living." It is not that exciting, but it is something you can be content with.

I went to the dining room to sit with my grandparents. They are cheerfully eating, and my grandfather, as usual, is reading the most recent issue of the newspaper. Outside, I could hear the birds tweeting on this beautiful morning.

In the city, you rarely hear birds; instead, you hear the buzzing of vehicles.

"Are you going for a walk today, Kagura?"

"Hm. Going near the shore is quite appealing. The breeze was cool and soothing."

"Ahaha. I can tell you have a thing for this place. Your mother always complains about how boring this place is." My grandfather added, "I'm glad you didn't end up like her."

Actually, my mother disliked simple things. If my memory serves me right, I remember her ordering stuff from an internet shopping mall, and we ended up not using anything she bought.

After all, mom is just a modern type of lady. It can't be helped if she likes those kinds of things, can it?

"Kagura. You must remember not to approach strange things. Do not go to the woods. This is country side. We never know what's on the other side, okay?"

My grandparents usually remind me of this whenever I go for a morning walk. They are wary of odd things like fairies, dwarfs, and elves, which can only be found in fairytale literature. Most people believe in supernatural beings, which is why venturing into the forests near the beach is forbidden.

It's a folklore legend, therefore it can't be true, right?

After all, what do those creatures usually do? Do they injure people or curse them for no apparent reason? Then why don't they banish them if they're such nasty creatures?

I just don't understand old people at times.

***

That's what my grandma said, but I don't think I'd approach something that frightens me.

"The sea is very stunning."

In comparison to the chaotic metropolis, the waves are resonating with each other. This is truly calming me down.

As for my reflection would appear while I stared at the water, reminding me of the traumatic tragedy of my past.

Two years ago.

It was exactly two years ago when I had that misfortune of my life.

"You bitch!"

As three of the girls escorted me to the female restroom to discuss something, one of them pushed me aggressively. My back slammed into the toilet door on its way down to the toilet tub. One of the girls dumped unclean water from the bucket where the mop was used without any manner of hesitation. I was drenched in dirt, but I couldn't fight back, as I could only whip myself in grief.

These three young ladies are my bullies. I don't know when it started, but because I saved a junior back then, they began taking all the things off of me. I've already apologized, but they didn't appear to be accepting it until now.

They started ordering me around like I was a slave bought at a slave store. When they have free time, they make me do their homework, run dangerous errands, and punch me like I was made to be their punching bag, just like today.

"How come you earned a perfect score on your homework but we only got a bad mark? How dare you to fool us?! Do you really want to die this time!?"

I couldn't take it any longer. I know I have to take action on this. That's why, even if it means death, I'm not going to let them do anything to me anymore.

My gaze turned to them, and a sneer formed on my lips. "You deserved it. I'm not going to let you people control me any longer! I am not your dog, whom you can command."

However, that incident gave me trauma. One of the girls hit me with the mop in the head. I don't remember much of it after I got hit.

My parents were shocked when I was sent to the hospital, and as a result of the trauma, I was unable to speak, my senses went dull, and all I could do was stare at a specific spot. No one could effectively communicate with me; it was as if I had a glitch, and even when I wanted to respond, I couldn't.

My mother decided not to allow me to attend school anymore, so I dropped out. Despite the fact that I was homeschooled, I was unable to speak or have a conversation with anyone. Creating a lot of trouble for the teacher And because of my trauma, my parents became greatly worried, to the point that they sought medical attention and psychiatric treatment. They had to spend so much money just for me; my mother had to quit her job to take care of me, and my father had to handle everything, including my medications and expenses.

After all of my problems, I haven't heard anything about my bullies. My parents didn't bother mentioning them; possibly they're still out there bullying others. I wish to put them to rest. Tell them that bullying will make people unhappy.

Everything, after all, was now in the past. My mother never let me go outside.

Believing that locking me away from society will keep me secure; I never question her decision though. What she does now will safeguard me

Although, she surprised me when she allowed me to visit my grandparents.

"Ah! what should we do? He looks badly injured, don't you think he will die if we leave him like this?"

My attention was drawn to the children who were around something. I cast a peek in their direction; they appeared to be upset about some matter.

"We can't avoid that. If he is destined to die, then we can't stop it."

"Big brother! please do something! don't let him die so easily. Please!"

These kids are discussing death. But what exactly may it be?

Now I'm walking over to where they are. These kids weren't paying attention at all, only to the poor thing they stated that was dying.

"What's the problem, kids?" and made a little conversation with them.

I'm just curious what they are on about.

As it appears that they are worried about an unconscious dog who was lying down to the sand. The blood were spilling continuously.

The poor dog has two severe injuries. In his tummy part, and there's a blood on his right upper limb.

"Who could do this mean thing to this poor dog?" I kind of questioned myself for what I just saw, "I know right. Probably those who are good for nothing teenagers again." the boy agreed.

"Sister, c-can you help him? We found him near the woods before, he always bark at us but now, seeing him like this. We can't just afford to lose him!" the little lady pleaded, "But there's no adults around to help him, Sister! Please help him. This dog is special to us."

Even if you do say so. I took another glance at the dog, who was struggling to breathe. I'm not a veterinarian, so I can't treat his wounds. Besides, what I'm terrified about is that he'll deteriorate and die. I don't think I'll be able to save the dog, but the girl really wanted me to.

However, I have to take the first step. To save someone, to protect someone, I need to take my courage out and try it first. This will be the start, alright. I can do this.

"I'll see what I can do." It won't hurt to try. "First, I need to bring him to my house to obtain some medicines and bondage," I explained as I carried the dog.

"Sister, please. We'll be waiting for the good news." Although I expected them to accompany me, they didn't appear to be planning to do so, so I went ahead and treated this unfortunate dog as soon as possible.

My grandparents were gone by the time I arrived home. They most likely headed to the market to get some groceries. As I went to the living room to look for the pill box, I took the dog into my room. I returned after that.

Antibiotics, alcohol, and an unknown remedy used by my grandparents are among the medications I have on hand. There isn't much for animals here.

"Sigh."

I fixed my gaze on the dog. This reminds me of myself in several ways. What kind of beast would inflict such harm on a dog? But then there's my past, and I have to wonder what type of person would do that to me. He's the same as I am: a helpless creature who needs to be safeguarded.

"Wait a minute, I'll fetch some towel and water to wipe your wounds," I told the oblivious dog.

My eyes were still on him, but he didn't make any move. What am I even thinking?

I went to get a towel and a pitcher of water. As soon as I started cleaning the dog's wounds, I felt a slight chill all over. Something is approaching me, yet when I cast my gaze around, I see nothing in particular. Continuing what I was doing, I applied some medicine to the wounds, antibiotics in this case, in the hope that it would help eliminate the infection. Despite the fact that the wound in his stomach was so large that it will need to be stitched, I'm afraid he'll die at this rate.

But what exactly can I do? That's all I can do for him.

"I hope you feel better after this," I murmured as I wrapped some bondage around his cleaned incision and began washing the right leg damage. I cleansed it and put some antibiotics and alcohol in it, just like I did before. I finished by placing a bondage around his right leg. After the therapy, I placed him in my bed and covered him with a blanket.

I also switched on the air conditioner; I know I'm being dumb by doing this to a stray animal, but if he survives, I'll ask my grandparents to adopt him.

"I'd be thrilled if he became my friend." I cleaned up the mess I made and mopped the floor to remove the blood stains. I sat on the couch, observing the dog, who was calmly sleeping.

"I noticed his respiration was a little shallow. I doubt he'll live if his wound isn't stitched up. But I sincerely hope he does. Oh God, please help this poor puppy in whatever way you can." All I could do was pray for him.

Watching the dog bores me, so I opened the door to my backyard, where my mother has created a garden outside my room. My grandmother took care of my mother's garden until recently; she truly understands the significance of sentimental recollections, and that is what amazes my grandmother.

My grandparents were both extremely generous. Although their children will see them frequently, the fact that I only visited them over the summer break makes me sad. If my mother merely permitted me to see them throughout the summer, they wouldn't feel as if they were forgotten by their children.

I sat on the floor, silently admiring the beauty of my mother's enchanted garden. But I've been feeling a little drowsy somehow. The only thing I could hear was the happy birds chirping and the smooth blowing of the breeze in my ears. I'm afraid to ignore it since it's so quiet. My body slammed onto the floor on its own. My eyes quit listening to me and closed on their own. These eyes are very obstinate, aren't they? I don't think anything will happen if I take a little snooze. I'll be the first to know if the dog wakes up.

And so, I took a short nap.

***

Why are you on the run? Do you think you'll be able to stay away from us forever, Demon Lord Lyx?

We will always stop you, no matter where you go, and we will never let you do whatever you want. If we can't achieve that, all the precious things you've cherished will vanish. Lyx! Remember, you won't be able to get away from us!

"Ugh."

Those warnings came up again in my dream. Isn't that considered a dream? I assumed they wouldn't find me after 500 years, so how did they discover me? I need to flee once more, but wait—where am I?

I found myself in an oddly perfumed small room. Everything had been crammed into this tight space. I have no recollection of anything, and I've only discovered that my body is enveloped in this strange white thing.

My right arm has it as well. The last thing I remember before I snapped out was being attacked by an angel.

All you do is flee, die!

I guess they still have a grudge against me. I couldn't console myself with just a smile. I need to get out of here before I...

The entrance was open, and as I walked ahead of it, my gaze turned to my right side, where I noticed a human girl sleeping sweetly on the floor. Now that I think about it, I hope you feel better soon.

"No way," I said as I took a step back from her. "It can't be...she spared me from death?"

She rescued me? But why is that? Is there any reason she should save me?

"She can't possibly be one of the pursuers, can she? B..but she's living in a human house so she can't be." There was a strange glow in my eyes that I couldn't suppress, "She saved me! This human girl is just amazing!" and my grin is becoming more pronounced.

"What a wonderful child," I said as I moved closer to her and stroked her smooth hand. I need to do something for her that will make her happy. As my kisses landed on her hand, I muttered a small spell, surrounded by lights and mysterious magic.

"I will repay you someday, I pledged witnessed by the wind. Please wait for me. My bride."

***

"Eh? " When I awoke, my eyes were a little enlarged, and I felt someone brush my palm, but I don't see anyone nearby.

It could have been a dream, but "somehow, I feel like someone just talked right now," which was quite creepy.

"Kagura? Are you there? "Oh, it's Grandma and Grandpa. "I need to notify them that I treated a sick dog."

I hastily jump up and go across to my room's door, only to notice that the dog had vanished.

"Eh? Doggo? W-where have you gone? "

I went looking for it.

He wasn't in the bed, beneath the bed, in the toilet, and even in my closet, he was nowhere to be found. "B-but he's terribly hurt! W-where could he be gone off to!?"

When I stepped outside. I tried looking for him again, but there was no sign of him.

So I inquired of my grandparents whether they had seen a dog around here.

"Grandma? H-have you seen a dog? He was terribly hurt so I treated him but he is no longer in my room. He was supposed to be resting."

"D-dog? We haven't seen one yet."

"A dog, you say? Aren't we going to get a puppy sooner or later, darling?"

"Oh, yes. But we decided against adopting one because we would have to care for it."

Grandma and Grandpa shifted the subject somewhat. I assume that's what old folks do, don't you think? Sigh. Nonetheless, where could that poor dog go? I'd like to adopt him, but he's no longer here. There's nothing I could do about it if he is gone.

"Kagura, by the way. Your mum has promised to take you tomorrow."

"Eh? B-but the summer vacation isn't over yet. I'd still like to stay here! Grandma."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. But your mum was insistent."

Oh, come on, I haven't even finished my summer vacation yet. I really don't understand what my mother is thinking.

***

"Thank you very much, Mother. For taking care of my daughter for a while."

"Don't mention it. She's my grandchild. If it's just she can stay here a little longer, I would be pleased to take care of her." my grandmother somewhat trying to convince mom, but mom's expression doesn't seem she would agree.

"Kagura, please stay healthy." my grandpa said.

My mother has arrived to say good-bye to her parents. However, I can't really focus on my family since I can see a boy standing in the distance gazing here, as if he was watching me with those eyes that I couldn't see fully.

Are you going somewhere?

And then I heard someone's voice. Neither my grandparents nor my mum. It was a boy's voice speaking.

Should I respond to him? How and why would I respond to him?

Why are you going to leave?

He keeps asking me questions. Who on earth is speaking to me?

"I have to go home."

"K-kagura? Who are you speaking with?"

My family's attention was drawn to me.

"A-ah. Nobody, I'm not speaking to anyone! Hehe!"

When I returned my gaze to the boy standing nearby, he had vanished. I tried looking for him with my eyes, but he doesn't appear to be around anymore.

What a strange little guy.

"Can you go to the convenience shop, Kagura? I need you to get something for dinner later."

"Hmm, I think I can get it. What do you need?"

***

I went to the convenience store to pick up some curry powder and other food supplies. While I was doing so, the image of the boy went across my mind. I just don't get it; who is that boy, and why is it as if he was speaking to me at the time?

Where are you going?

It's a little freaky. He appeared out of nowhere and was staring at me as if he was upset.

"Perhaps I'm just keeping an eye on things, but he looked angry that time."

Despite the fact that I'm not really sure about his expression. Either way, the dog I was caring for vanished. There's no trace of him or any indication of where he went. If I recall correctly, the kids mentioned the dog used to reside near the woods. Could it be that he returns to his home?

[Now Playing: Yu Peng Chen's Floating Life]

Something attracted my interest all of a sudden. This is a song that I always enjoy hearing. I couldn't stop myself from singing along with it.

"Hmmm...hmmm..."

For a while, I was listening to beautiful music. However, it was a devastating shock for me when someone familiar with me suddenly appeared in front of me.

"Oh, if it's not Kagura."

In an instant, my entire body trembles.

***

I was led to a dark street where no one would ever see me. Even though it is still daylight, this area has already been engulfed by darkness. My back smashed into the brick wall of the institution behind me as I was shoved down.

There are three of them, each with a devilish sneer on their face.

"My goodness, who would have thought our fate would intertwine again? Ka-gu-ra."

"Ugh..."

They were aggressively staring at me. I could see the malicious glittering sparks upon their eyes as I returned my gaze, resonating to this dark area where they had taken me.

These three are the bullies from my past that caused me trauma. My heart was racing too quickly, and my entire body was shivering violently.

"Oh my goodness, Kagura. Why are you so terrified? We're merely here to say hello."

A dribble of sweat ran down my back. As one of them pinned me and stared at me with wide eyes. I was unable to move a single muscle. Two of the girls are giggling madly behind me as their leader began pressuring me with unresolved questions.

"Do you know how long we looked for our dear Kagura?"

"That's correct."

"Following that incident. Kagura, our beloved, has mysteriously vanished. We're terrified that you've died. That's not something we'd want! It's simply heartbreaking."

It didn't take long for one of the girls to land the punch she'd been wanting to throw since she brought me here.

"Urghhh!!!"

And all I could do was squeak from the agony it caused. Knowing that this was all I could do sickens me. Looking at myself from this angle, I realize how pitiful I am.

"Hmm? Did you hear her screams of agony, girls? "

"Hmmm... nope, didn't hear anything."

"No. Perhaps you should try a little harder?"

They're making fun of me. My anguish was their delight. They keep pumping my soul out of me. I could hear their giggles and rants.

"Have you ever wondered how long we had to wait for this?"

"We really missed you. Our lives have changed since you went missing."

"That's right; that's why we had to find you a replacement."

"But it's the worst. He wasn't at all like you. He easily weeps-"

But I couldn't stand listening to their ridiculous banter.

"Why!? I... I've tried my best to avoid the three of you," I screamed in agony.

I just want to live a normal life!

The thing is, why? Why me?

I don't want this; I just want to fade away! Remembering this pain is like remembering the trauma I experienced when-...

"Oh, you've forgotten what you have said before?"

When one of the girls said something, I didn't want to remember, my eyes widened.

Please respect my friend's privacy. I can swap places with her. Just leave her alone, please.

That was the beginning of my tragic past. I wouldn't be in this situation if I hadn't done that. However, that person, despite the fact that I was unable to speak with her following the incident.

I still want to hear her answer, why did she do that. She dropped out of school, but before she does. She stopped talking to me, even the things we usually do was like nothing but fleeting dreams. My only friend betrayed me, that is why, in the end, I had to shoulder everything for her sake. Even if it means for me to Die.

"You pleaded for it! Aren't you? We're just giving you a taste of what you've requested!"

One of the girls pulled my hair as the two of them still wouldn't let me go, gripping both of my arms tightly.

My body couldn't stand on its own because I'd already taken too much abuse from them. Blood was now coursing through my nose and mouth as well. The ache was present in every part of my body.

"It's already been a year! I had enough of it!" My words were trembling; I wanted to put an end to this, but I couldn't. Someone, please-

"Haaa?!"

"How dare you ask us for your freedom when you've asked for this!"

The leader of the girls raised her hand as she resumed slapping and beating me once again.

Two of them burst out laughing. They were like demons, and all I could hear in this place was their laughter. It's terrifying, and it's making me feel even more hopeless. I just want everything to be over with. Stop my agony-

"Eh. Are you there, Miss Kagura?"

A strange voice approached in the distance. The beating came to a halt as the three of them turned to look in the direction where they heard the voice.

"Who are you?"

I was intrigued as well, tilting my head a little upward. In my hazy vision, I see a person's figure. The person does not appear to be that tall. As he fearlessly took a step toward us.

"Aha. I'm just her acquaintance. Someone told me she was here."

I don't recall making friends in the city.

"Haaa?"

The leader of these girls sounded irritated as she turned over to the mysterious person.

"Who told you that you could just take her away from us? Do you want to be thrashed?"

"Beatings? Ugh, humans definitely have a birdbrain," but instead of being scared, the person mocked the bullies, saying, "I want Kagura. Why would I want to be beaten?"

Who in the world is he?

"You!" exclaimed the leader of the girls, indicating that they should let go of me and take hold of the strange person instead. My body slammed onto the ground when she did. Even though it had fainted, my vision could still perceive what was going on. The three girls surrounded the person.

What exactly is this sensation? Why do I have the impression that the person is staring at me?

"I've already sworn not to hurt humans again, but what you've done to my bride will not be condoned."

"Huuuhh? Bride?!"

"Kneel."

The area was engulfed by a massive heaviness in the atmosphere. Nobody knows where it was coming from, but I observed how the girls kneel down after being commanded to do so by the weird person who was making his approaching me.

"W-what is this? I can't move."

"I'm being restrained against my will..."

"H-help!"

He approached me without hesitation. I sat down while reaching toward the sky. After all, I'm fatigued and battered.

The weird person knelt in front of me, smiling, unaffected by the oddities that were happening to the three girls. Maybe he was the one who did it to them. But what exactly is that ability?

"It took me a while to track you down-"

This tone of voice is something I've heard before.

I saw his face. The boy who stood silently stared at me from afar. That young man asked of me. Where are you going?

My tears appeared out of nowhere. I couldn't keep back the agony and relief that someone would actually come to my aid in this desperate circumstance.

"E-eh! I... I know I'm late, but-"

My tears began to flow more freely as my body rammed against his chest. I was emotional, and I couldn't stop acting like a child in front of him.

"Kagura?"

"Thank you. Thank you for saving me. I know I'm nobody, but you came here just to save me. Thank you so much."

I was enveloped in his warm embrace.

"I apologize for being late."

***

The strange boy carried me on his back until we reached home. It was already dark by then, and the item I needed to buy for mum had been spilt.

"Kagura!"

My mother was taken aback when she saw me with a boy, but she was much more taken aback when she saw how horrible my shape is.

"M-mom!"

I couldn't stop myself from crying. It had been a long and eventful day. Nobody expected me to cross paths with those bullies again. I was completely unprepared.

"What happened?! Why are you all battered like this? "

"Prior to that, can we come in first? Her wounds and scratches are in desperate need of treatment," the boy said, without introducing himself.

"Uh, yeah! Please come inside... Darling!" My mother exclaimed in fright.

"Kagura is in terrible shape! Could you please take the medicine pack for us?"

"Whhhhhaatttt?! What happened?!"

We talked about it in the living room with the boy who had saved me.

"Those girls again! I will make sure they won't get away with this anymore!"

"Darling."

"Don't be concerned; I'll make them pay for what they did to my bride."

We were all so flabbergasted that we couldn't respond to what the weird boy said right away.

"C-come again?"

Our expressions were all puzzled, and my mother's eyes were dilated.

"W-what?! "Our daughter is getting married?"

My father, on the other hand, was so out of breath that he nearly passed out.

"W-wait, what are you talking about?" I was attempting to confront this man who had appeared out of nowhere and was now claiming I am his bride.

"Hm? Aha! You have a mark of engagement here. So, sooner or later, we'll get married."

For some reason, he pointed to his right hand. That's why I was so curious, peering at my right hand to see what he was trying to tell me. There was a spot of pinkish light with a strange symbol there.

Is this what he was talking about? A mark.

I started to think about it, including why I have this.

"Kagura! You never told us anything about him, and now you're getting married?! What exactly is this-"

"I, too, don't know! Mom!"

"You had better not lie to us! Why didn't you tell us you already had a boyfriend?"

"Hey! Stop telling lies! I'm not your bride!"

"Hehe! I've already made up my mind, so there's no turning back now."

Everyone was so pumped up about this.

What a little jerk! Is he amused by his own words? He doesn't think this will get me in a lot of trouble at all.

"Kagura!!"

"W-what?!"

I'm not sure where he came from or who he is. Isn't it risky for us to have him here? What if he's a stalker? However, I still owe him gratitude. By all means, I should try to befriend him.

We decided to rest for the night once my wounds and scrapes were treated, however...

***

They let the weird boy stay with us for the night. My parents somehow allowed him to sleep in my room with me. He was on the couch, and I was in my bed. He doesn't appear to be a nasty guy, but I'm nervous. What are my parents thinking since he is a man and I am a woman? What exactly were my parents' thoughts?

We had a very strange conversation by then.

"Why did you say that to my family? I know I owe you something, but saying that I'm your bride is just too much."

"But that is the truth. I've chosen you, Kagura. You saved my life, and I will bring you eternal happiness that no human has ever known."

I'm not sure I understand this guy. Saved him? I don't recall ever saving anyone.

"You're strange..."

"Am I now?" he giggled a bit. "Hey, the human world appears to be beautiful. Can you give me a tour tomorrow? I'd like to travel around your realm with you." Even his words are weird and enigmatic. On the other hand, nothing is wrong with his request. Should we grant it?

"Alright. We'll go tomorrow."

"Yosh! I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun with you!"

***

The early shower wind sweeps across my face. As for the chirping bird outside the window, it tweets brilliantly. I stretched and rolled around on the bed for a bit.

"How refreshing!"

I couldn't help but be grateful for the beautiful morning. Despite the fact that my body was still aching. Yesterday felt like a nightmare. Is it even possible to believe that? A strange person rescued me, and he is now resting in my-

"K...kagura... help..."

"E-eh?"

I could hear his voice. It sounded like mud, but it was clearly him. When I cocked my head away from the source of the voice, I noticed the man sleeping deeply on the couch. My eyes widened a little when I saw him like that. He appears to be a prince who fell from the skies to save an ordinary person like me.

As I got closer to him, I poked his nose.

"Hmm... He doesn't seem to be waking up any time soon."

His white hair was brushing up against his face, and look at how white his skin is. He doesn't look like an ordinary person at all.

When he shouted Kneel back then, I sensed an extremely oppressive mood. But how is that possible? Is it possible that he possesses a magical ability?

"That's impossible!" doesn't it now?

My head shook. I disagree with these foolish thoughts.

"I should go outside. Help my mother prepare breakfast. "

When I finally got out, I noticed Mom and Dad in the dining room. While Dad was reciting an image of a grandfather who enjoys reading the newspaper in the morning, mom was preparing breakfast in the manner of grandma.

"Good morning."

"Oh, Kagura. You're up early today. Is Lyx woken up?"

"Eh?" When I heard somebody's name come out of my mother's mouth, I came to a halt.

"Lyx? Who is he?" and perplexed as to who the Lyx person could be.

"Jeez, Kagura. Who else would it be? The guy who slept in your room."

I was paralyzed by what I'd heard from my mother. She is quite unconcerned with the odd man in my room!

"M-mom! How come you know his name but I don't?"

"Oh my. Hmm, he told us last night. Don't you remember?"

Wait a minute, I don't recall that person ever telling us his name. Gasped. Don't tell me he performed hocus pocus on my parents?!

Are you serious? He can't possibly have magical abilities, can he?

"Right ...right. Could you wake Lyx up? So that we can enjoy this blessed breakfast with him."

My face couldn't disguise the embarrassment of how my parents treated that guy as someone special. I know he saved me, but why are they so at ease with a complete stranger?

"Geez. Mom..." Anyway, that's what my mother wants me to do. I returned to my room to wake Mr Lyx. When I did, however, He was no longer there.

"Eh? L-lyx?"

Wait, why am I calling him by his name?

More importantly, where in heaven did he go?

I cast my gaze around the corner to find him, only to find out someone was on the terrace. It broadened my eyes a little. His hair was swaying in time with the gentle breeze, and just looking at him calmed me down for some reason.

"U-uh..."

I had no alternative but to approach him softly. Why am I so shy? My heart is pounding like crazy.

"Ah! Kagura!"

"E-eekk!?"

How did he...?

Ugh.

"Hey, we're about to eat breakfast." When I look down at his smiling face from behind him, it strangely enchants me but also irritates me in certain ways.

"This place is peaceful compared to my world."

He is saying something that I can't comprehend. His world?

What kind of world is he talking about?

"Uhm, your name is Lyx?"

"Hm. But you can call me love if you want to."

When he asked me to name him love, my entire face flushed.

"W-what are you-"

"We agreed that we'd visit your city today! Should we do that now?"

"Wait. We still haven't had breakfast."

"B-breakfast?"