Chapter 166: Shizuku Kurogane's Confession, Giving Everything

"Hah, it's finally over."

Hijiri Kasuga let out a long sigh of relief.

It wasn't just because the match had ended—it was also because Rei Ao's livestream had ended.

Her flushed face was hidden behind her hands as she tried to process everything she'd just witnessed. Out of some inexplicable curiosity, she had shamelessly watched the entire stream.

The bizarre and intimate visuals kept replaying in her mind, completely shattering her worldview.

For someone who had never even held hands with a boy, this was too much to handle.

Especially since she had shared the room with Shinoa Hiragi, making the atmosphere all the more awkward.

But the awkwardness wasn't going to end just yet.

Rei Ao: "@Hijiri Kasuga, @Shinoa Hiragi, there's still some time before you return. Feel free to explore Hagun Academy."

The message appeared in the group chat, and the two exchanged glances before replying.

Hijiri Kasuga: "I-I understand."

Shinoa Hiragi: "No problem."

Meanwhile, Rei Ao and Shizue had finished dressing.

Softly, Shizue asked, "Rei Ao-kun, are you planning to find Shizuku Kurogane-san?"

"That's right. Since she has feelings for me, it's only proper that I respond—just like I did with you."

Leaning down, he kissed Shizue's soft lips before leaving the special viewing deck.

As for Shizuku's whereabouts, Rei Ao didn't need to guess.

The girls' dormitory.

Shizuku was wrapped up in her blanket, dejected and wallowing in her thoughts.

"I'm so useless…"

She murmured to herself.

"If only I could be stronger…"

A voice interrupted her musings:

"Why do you want to become stronger?"

Without thinking, Shizuku answered instinctively,

"To show Rei Ao-kun the best version of myself!"

"!!!"

Realizing what she'd just said, she froze. That voice—it was Rei Ao!

Before she could react, her blanket was pulled away, revealing Rei Ao's calm, knowing gaze.

Panicking, she tried to hide, but Rei Ao firmly scooped her up into his arms and placed her on his lap, forcing her to face him directly.

"Shizuku, can you tell me why you want me to see the best version of you?"

Shizuku's body trembled, unable to lie or hide under Rei Ao's intense gaze.

"Because… because I like you, Rei Ao-kun. I want to stand by your side, just like the others!"

Her shoulders shook as tears welled up in her beautiful eyes.

"But… but I'm so useless. I lost my first match miserably, and I even dragged you down…"

She felt utterly humiliated, convinced she had no right to face him.

Rei Ao smiled gently, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"Liking me is enough. You don't need to be strong for that."

"In that match, what I saw was the most captivating version of you, giving it your all."

"Victory doesn't matter. What's important is your unyielding spirit, your determination to keep fighting. I admire that."

"A-admire…?"

Shizuku's face flushed as a flicker of hope lit up in her watery eyes.

"Y-you mean… you like me?"

"You heard me right," Rei Ao confirmed with a smile.

"Shizuku, will you be my girlfriend? That is, if you don't mind me having other girlfriends."

Then, with a mischievous grin, he added:

"Even if you do mind, I'll still find a way to make you mine."

As he spoke, his hands naturally encircled Shizuku's slender waist, pulling her closer. Their faces were so close that only a breath separated them.

Rei Ao could feel her body heat rising rapidly.

"But I… I lost… I'm so useless…" Shizuku murmured, her voice trembling with self-doubt.

"Then let's prove otherwise," Rei Ao said before leaning in to kiss her soft, pink lips.

"Mmm!"

Shizuku's eyes widened in shock, but as she processed what was happening, she instinctively wrapped her pale arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Rei Ao was briefly surprised. She was far more forward than he'd anticipated.

Moments later, Shizuku slumped against his shoulder, her eyes brimming with contentment and happiness.

She whispered softly into his ear,

"Rei Ao-kun, I want to give you everything… all of me."

Rei Ao's eyes sparkled.

"Here and now?"

Shizuku, blushing furiously, nodded faintly. Even her soft reply was barely audible.

"Then let me take care of everything."

Rei Ao gently laid her down on the bed and pulled the curtains closed.

…

"Stella, thank you for giving us a tour of Hagun Academy," said Hijiri Kasuga with a sincere expression.

"Yes, thank you," added Shinoa Hiragi, equally genuine in her gratitude.

For the past two hours, Stella had guided them around the academy, introducing them to its unique features. The two visitors from another world were particularly fascinated by the cultural differences.

"It's nothing. It's the least I could do," Stella replied, scratching her head.

However, she couldn't help but grumble, "What is Rei Ao up to? Don't tell me he's with the director again…"

Shizue, standing nearby, stayed silent, knowing exactly what Stella was implying.

The tension broke when Rei Ao appeared in the distance, walking toward them with a smile.

"Looks like I made it back just in time," he said warmly.

Stella shot him a fierce glare.

"If you hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have had any other places left to show them!"

She had even taken them to her least favorite spot—the library.

Rei Ao chuckled. "Thanks for taking care of our new members."

His sudden gratitude caught Stella off guard, making her feel both pleased and a bit embarrassed. She turned her head slightly, trying to hide her reaction.

With a hint of her usual tsundere tone, she muttered, "I'm not like some group leader who ignores new members to go off and enjoy himself."

Rei Ao didn't argue. After all, his absence was partly because Shizuku had been… insistent. After her "baptism," she had mentioned learning many techniques from his livestream that she wanted to try. Naturally, Rei Ao obliged, ensuring she was satisfied before returning.

"Anyway, that's enough for today. Let's head back," he suggested.

Shinoa Hiragi nodded calmly. "Understood."

Hijiri Kasuga, however, blushed and avoided looking directly at him. "O-okay."

Stella looked slightly disheartened at the mention of their departure. But before they left, Rei Ao turned to her and said, "Stella, congratulations on your victory. Your performance today was truly impressive."

"Ugh!!!"

Hearing the words she had most wanted to hear, Stella felt as though her heart had been filled with honey.

But, maintaining her pride, she tilted her head up and replied arrogantly, "Who do you think I am? I'm Stella, the princess of the Vermillion Kingdom!"

Rei Ao, unimpressed by her boastfulness, poured a bit of cold water on her enthusiasm.

"Don't get too full of yourself. You still have weaknesses to address. If you don't work hard, Shizuku might surpass you."

"What?!"

The idea of being surpassed by Shizuku—was unthinkable to Stella. Their gap in strength was significant, after all.

Rei Ao, however, only gave a cryptic smile.

As Shizuku was now one of his girlfriends, Rei Ao had granted her his blessing:

[Name]: Shizuku Kurogane

[Abilities]: "Dragon's Power", "Ice Spirit", "Rei Ao's Blessing", "Inherent Device: Nocturnal Rain"

Even Kurono Shinguuji, who had shared many delightful moments with him, wasn't excluded:

[Name]: Kurono Shinguuji

[Abilities]: "Dragon's Power", "Demon", "Time and Causality Manipulation", "Inherent Device: Primordial Father", "Inherent Device: Goddess of Thought"

This was why Rei Ao urged Stella to work on her shortcomings. Without explaining further, he led the group back.

After their departure, Stella frowned as she pondered Shizuku.

"There's no way I'll be surpassed by her. She's just a defeated, defeated opponent!"

But her thoughts turned more compassionate. "She's probably back in the dorm, crying under her blanket over her loss."

She decided she might check in on her. After all, they were comrades in battle, having fought hard together.

…

Back on campus, Rei Ao returned to the rooftop where he had first left.

It was now dusk, and the campus was nearly empty as students had gone home.

Scanning the area, he spotted a familiar figure hurriedly entering the school grounds.

"Michiru Hyodo?"

Michiru Hyodo seemed anxious as she rushed up the stairs, eventually arriving at the rooftop, panting heavily.

"Huff… huff…!"

After catching her breath, she noticed Rei Ao standing there.

"Rei Ao-kun? What are you doing here?"

She remembered he hadn't been in class all afternoon and had heard he'd taken a leave of absence.

"Just looking for something," Rei Ao replied casually. "What about you, Michiru-san? You seem to be in quite a hurry."

Michiru scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

"I'm here looking for something too," she admitted.

Glancing around, she continued, "When I got home, I noticed a piece was missing from my guitar. I couldn't find it, so I thought I'd come back to the school and check here."

It wasn't uncommon for her to come to the rooftop during lunch to practice her guitar.

~~~

New Fanfic! "Freelancer in the Ninja World!"

Check it out! Also Thank you for reading! Please Vote to keep it up on the rank!

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 50 Chapters Ahead of Others!