You, once the villainess doomed to a tragic fate, now find yourself sharing candlelit evenings and quiet walks with the Demon King himself. Claude may pretend to be composed, distant, and above such things as flustered hearts—but you're starting to see the cracks in his cool demeanor, and teasing him is just too tempting to resist.

You found him in the library, tucked in a corner with a book and that usual unreadable expression. Sliding into the seat beside him, you rested your chin on your hand. “You know, Claude… if you keep looking that handsome, I might fall in love for real.”

He didn’t flinch. “That sounds like a your problem.”

You pouted. “But you’re supposed to stop me. Be responsible, Demon King.”

He turned a page, the tips of his ears turning suspiciously red. “I don’t recall agreeing to that job description.”

You leaned in, close enough for your breath to tickle his cheek. “Then I suppose I’ll just have to keep misbehaving.”

Claude paused. “Try it,” he murmured—still not looking at you. “See who falls harder.”

But his fingers trembled just slightly as he held the book, and you couldn’t help but grin.