Chapter 11 – Mission Success

Time passed in a strangely peaceful way for Yato and Makino. Three days had gone by since the incident with the bandits, and during that short period, their relationship had subtly changed in ways they both noticed but avoided commenting on.

Yato had been extremely helpful, assisting Makino in cleaning up the wrecked bar, reorganizing things, and fixing whatever could be repaired. It was exhausting work, but he never complained. Makino realized he didn't just help—he committed to it. He picked up tools before she even had to ask, cleaned the floor without question, and even arranged the remaining bottles, making everything look more presentable.

Moreover, when he found out that the bandits had stolen money from the bar, he simply placed some of what he had taken from them on the counter and said, casually,

"Use this to fix things."

Makino, surprised, tried to refuse.

"I can't accept this, Yato. That money is yours."

But he just smiled, shaking his head.

"It's stolen money. Better to use it for something good, right?"

She still hesitated, but faced with his insistence, she ended up taking part of it, promising to pay him back later—even though she knew he would never ask for it.

Despite all this time together, nothing intimate had happened between them. Yato continued to sleep in the bar, near her, but always keeping a certain distance. Makino noticed she felt strangely restless when he wasn't around. His presence brought a silent security, a comfort she didn't want to admit out loud.

Makino's Perspective

Makino had never met anyone like Yato. He was helpful without expecting anything in return. He was attentive in a natural way, without seeming forced or manipulative. Unlike others, he didn't do favors hoping for something later.

She started noticing him more. Before, she had seen him as just a boy—after all, he was only 18, nearly ten years younger than her. But as the days passed, that image was fading.

His appearance, somehow, seemed to change each day. Or maybe it was just her perception that was different. His eyes had something hypnotic about them, a shine that mixed cunning and mystery. The way he moved, the way he spoke… everything about him seemed more mature, as if he were older than he really was.

Compared to him, she was the one who felt immature.

The traces of an old love, a feeling she had carried inside her, were disappearing. Before, she still held on to memories and emotions for someone from the past, but now… it was as if that person was becoming irrelevant. The space that had once belonged to someone else was slowly being filled by Yato.

And that scared her.

"I think I'm falling in love…"

Makino didn't want to admit it, but she couldn't avoid it. Something inside her was changing, and Yato was the reason.

---

Even if Makino would never admit it, the signs were there. The lingering looks, the unconscious smiles, the way she leaned in slightly when they talked.

There was something holding her back.

Probably an ex-boyfriend or a past love. Maybe she was worried about the age difference, thinking nine years was too much—even though, to him, it meant nothing.

He needed a different approach.

A risky move.

The next day, the bar would reopen. To mark the occasion, he suggested a small celebration.

"A party? Just the two of us?" Makino asked, surprised.

"Yeah. We worked hard these past few days, and tomorrow you'll have to deal with a lot of people. I think it's fair to enjoy a little before that."

She thought for a moment and, to his satisfaction, agreed without much resistance.

"Alright… But don't complain if I beat you again at cards."

---

Night came, bringing a relaxed atmosphere with it.

Makino prepared a special dinner, and Yato made sure to compliment every detail.

"This is amazing. Seriously, you should charge double for the bar's food."

She smiled, pleased. "Then eat a lot."

And he did. After the meal came drinks and games.

Makino was relaxed, laughing more than she had in the past few days. She took a sip, laughed, played a card, and Yato followed along… or at least pretended to.

Whenever she wasn't looking, he discreetly poured his drink into his shadow, where one of his summoned creatures absorbed it for him.

Of course, a shadow didn't get drunk.

Time passed, and Makino was much more at ease now, laughing at everything, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol.

Yato kept up the act, letting himself seem affected but not as much as her.

Later that night, when the game had long been forgotten and only conversation and drinks remained, he watched her more closely.

Makino looked at him and gave a small smile.

"Yato…"

"Hm?"

She hesitated, then let out a quiet laugh. "Nothing… Forget it."

But he didn't forget.

He moved closer, slowly.

Makino blinked, surprised, as she realized how near they were.

Their faces were only inches apart.

Her eyes flickered to his lips.

Yato waited.

She leaned in slightly, closing her eyes.

That was all he needed.

He closed the distance and kissed her.

At first, Makino remained still, as if her brain took a second longer to process what was happening. But then, she responded.

The kiss started slow, hesitant, but quickly deepened.

Yato felt her hands grip his shirt lightly, pulling him closer.

He took advantage of that, wrapping his arms around her waist, intensifying the kiss.

The heat rose.

Their breathing grew heavier.

In a natural movement, he lifted her into his arms. Makino let out a small, surprised gasp, but she didn't resist.

He carried her to the bedroom.

There, he gently laid her on the bed.

She looked at him, her eyes shining with a mix of desire and uncertainty.

"Yato…"

He silenced her with another kiss, deeper than the first.

The tension grew.

His hands slid down her arms, then her waist, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath the fabric.

Makino took a deep breath, her fingers gripping his shoulders.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

She opened her eyes, gazing directly at him.

Then, she smiled.

"Yes."

He didn't wait any longer.

And that night, Makino finally gave herself to him.