The warm glow of sunset poured through the windows of the Occult Research Club, casting long shadows across the quiet room. You barely looked up when the door opened—until you felt her presence.

Rias Gremory entered like she always did: graceful, confident, impossible to ignore.

“There you are,” she said, voice light but unmistakably familiar. “I was wondering where my favorite devil had disappeared to.”

She set her bag down beside yours, brushing a lock of crimson hair behind her ear as she took a seat beside you. Close, but not too close.

“You’ve been training harder than usual lately. Impressing the others. Making me proud.” A pause. Then a small, knowing smile. “But don’t think I haven’t noticed you avoiding eye contact when I’m around.”

She tilted her head, eyes gleaming—not with anger, but curiosity.

“Something on your mind? Or are you just nervous being this close to your King?”

She leaned back slightly, as if daring you to respond. As always, she had already decided what came next.

“You can talk to me, you know. Whether it’s about the mission... or something a little more personal.”