[83] : Is This… A Bad Time?

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The next afternoon, inside the Occult Research Clubroom.

"We're here—huh?"

Just like every other day, after the second afternoon class had ended, Bokue arrived at the old school building with Asia. Yet, as soon as they stepped into the lounge, they immediately sensed that something was amiss.

On the sofa sat a certain red-haired girl, legs elegantly crossed, eyes fixed intently on them without blinking.

Usually, Rias would gaze at Bokue frequently, but her stare would be filled with affectionate warmth—today, however, was very different. Her expression was uncharacteristically serious, her eyes flickering restlessly with subtle hints of anxiety.

"What's wrong today?" Bokue tilted his head curiously. "You're looking so serious."

Without hesitation, he casually strode over and sat beside her. One arm comfortably settled around her shoulder while his free hand teasingly poked at her soft cheek.

"Uuu…"

Rias instantly felt her defenses crumble at the affectionate touch, narrowing her eyes slightly as she gently brushed away his teasing hand.

"Bokue, there's something I want to ask you—and I want you to answer honestly."

"Sure, ask away."

The young man nodded slightly, unfazed and confident.

Rias took a small breath, biting her lip slightly before speaking.

"After you went home yesterday… you didn't meet up or do anything with those two church sword-users, right?"

"Oh, Irina and the other girl? Nah, I didn't," Bokue replied straightforwardly. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing. If you didn't, that's good."

Upon hearing Bokue's clear reply, the red-haired girl let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Bokue blinked slowly, confusion clearly written across his face.

Before he could ask further, Akeno descended from upstairs, having changed from her school uniform into casual attire. She smiled charmingly at the two on the sofa and gently explained:

"You see, Buchou was worried you'd been meeting privately with the Church agents. According to what those two said, it's fallen angels who stole the holy swords from the Church. And since you're openly in a relationship with Rias… if someone with malicious intent discovered you'd been associating with the Church, it might get twisted into the Gremory family secretly allying with the Church against the fallen angels."

"Of course, due to Sirzechs-sama, nobody would dare target Rias or the Gremory family openly, but they'd probably band together against you, Bokue," she added, smiling meaningfully. "After all, at the recent party, you essentially stepped on their pride and rubbed their faces into the dirt."

She was referring, of course, to the unforgettable scene of Bokue publicly humiliating Riser Phenex and challenging everyone who objected to the dissolution of the engagement.

"Come after me? They'd need guts for that first," Bokue scoffed, casually picking at his ear. "If they're really dumb enough to come, I wouldn't mind giving them another lesson. Though, if I had to bet, they'll probably just hide like scared villagers from some backwater village."

"Ara ara," Akeno giggled softly. "You're probably right."

Amused by Bokue's colorful description, Akeno gracefully settled down on his other side, pressing close despite Rias's warning stare. She wrapped her arms gently around Bokue's arm, pulling him slightly closer and lowering her voice into a soft, seductive whisper:

"So, Bokue… do you have plans this weekend? It's probably about time for us to clearly define our relationship as well."

"A-Akeno…!" Rias stared incredulously.

She might be lenient as a leader—seeing her Peerage more as close friends than subordinates—but even friends had limits!

"Ara, didn't you say it yourself, Buchou?" Akeno calmly countered, eyes narrowed slightly in teasing amusement. "You wouldn't mind me and Bokue developing feelings too, right? Could it be that what you told Bokue wasn't true?"

"Wait a minute, what do you mean…?" Rias was momentarily stunned.

She struggled to respond. Denying it would be a blatant lie; admitting it would be deeply embarrassing. In her panic, she involuntarily glanced at Asia, who sat on the opposite sofa. The next words she blurted out inadvertently caused the blonde nun to suddenly stand up, small fists clenched with determination:

"I—I'm fine too! If Bokue-san agrees, I'll become an 'inside person' too! Then… I wouldn't be an outsider anymore, right?"

"Eh? Even Asia-chan…?"

Rias's eyes widened in shock.

Language was indeed subtle and powerful. Asia, being from Northern Europe, probably didn't fully understand the implications of "inside person," yet she miraculously used the term perfectly.

Yes, becoming an "inside person" would definitely make her no longer an outsider.

Just as the lounge threatened to descend into chaos, Koneko quietly walked downstairs into the room, wearing a casual outfit. She looked around briefly at the crowded scene, then softly spoke up:

"Bokue-senpai, do you have a moment? Can you come help me with something…?"

"Sorry, Koneko-chan, but he's occupied right now," Akeno responded quickly before Bokue could answer, smiling sweetly yet decisively.

Rias added gently, "Is it urgent, Koneko? If not, can you wait a little while?"

Seeing the madness of the living room unfold, Koneko fell silent, expression blank.

Before she could decide on what to do next, there was a soft knock at the door.

Knock, knock.

Hmm? A visitor?

Quietly, Koneko walked toward the entrance, opening the door cautiously.

Standing outside was an unfamiliar upperclassman with flowing dark purple hair and a calm, serene demeanor.

"Hello, sorry to bother you," the beautiful purple-haired girl smiled politely. "My name is Busujima Saeko, and I'm here to see Bokue-kun. Is he here?"

"…Yes. Though…" Koneko hesitated for a second, glancing back toward the chaotic living room. "…Come inside first."

"Thank you," Saeko nodded politely, removing her shoes and stepping inside.

Yet, upon reaching the lounge entrance, the sword-wielding beauty abruptly stopped in her tracks. Her composed expression suddenly stiffened as she took in the messy scene on the sofa:

—Bokue sandwiched between a flustered, protesting Rias, a teasingly smiling Akeno hugging his arm, and an adorably flustered Asia desperately trying to squeeze into their circle.

Saeko paused, smile awkwardly frozen on her lips.

"…Um, am I interrupting something?"

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