SAK Chapter 11 A Peaceful Morning

Issei’s apartment

Morning sunlight filtered gently through the blinds of Issei’s apartment, painting the floor in soft gold. The faint hum of traffic outside blended with the rhythmic sound of sweeping — the sound of Issei, desperately cleaning.

He moved quickly, dusting shelves, straightening cushions, and making sure not a single item was out of place. His movements were focused, but his expression was tense. He looked like a man preparing for judgment day.

Kanna and Lucoa sat on the couch, watching the spectacle unfold like spectators at a comedy show.

“Wow,” Lucoa said with a teasing smile, resting her chin in her hand. “He’s moving like a man possessed. I didn’t know he cared this much about cleanliness.”

Kanna blinked, her expression flat as always. “He doesn’t. He’s simply very nervous.”

Lucoa’s brows lifted. “Nervous? About what?”

“About Mina. The girl that’s coming over.” Kanna replied, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. 

“Is that so? Who is this Mina girl that got Kobayashi so angry at dinner last night?” Lucoa questioned, confused. 

“She’s the girl who asked Issei to marry her.” Kanna replied 

The words hit Lucoa like a bolt of lightning. She sat up straight, blinking in disbelief. “E-eh? Marriage? Already?”

Kanna nodded slowly. “Yes. She’s a mage from this world. She said she wanted to marry him.”

For a rare moment, Lucoa was speechless. Then, with a soft sigh, she leaned back, twirling a strand of her golden hair between her fingers. “My, my… I didn’t realize this world was so quick from ours. Marriage already… and here I thought he was still figuring out how to talk to women without blushing.”

Her playful tone softened, a faint shadow flickering in her mismatched eyes. Deep down, she hadn’t expected to feel that small sting of disappointment. She’d only just met Issei, yet his honesty and awkward sincerity had been oddly refreshing, even charming.

Still, she wasn’t about to let that show. With a chuckle, she added, “And here I thought Japan’s culture was all about polite courtship. I didn’t realize women were the ones chasing men here. So bold~.”

Kanna, unfazed by the remark, replied simply, “She’s not the only one chasing him.”

Lucoa tilted her head, interest sparkling. “Oh? Does that mean you’re chasing him too, little Kanna?”

Kanna blinked at her. “…Issei is mine.”

That earned a soft laugh from Lucoa. “Oh~ possessive, aren’t we? Then why did you let this Mina girl get ahead of you?”

Kanna puffed her cheeks slightly, a rare sign of irritation. “I didn’t let her. Mina said we can share Issei. I’m still thinking about it.”

Lucoa blinked, then burst into laughter so loud it startled Issei across the room. “Fufu~! Share him? Oh, that’s adorable! He’s barely managing one girl and already being divided between two. That’s very dragon-like of him wanting to hoard everything he desires!”

Issei turned, confused. “Huh? What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing~,” Lucoa sang sweetly, waving him off and watched him continue his cleaning before turning back to Kanna. “A harem, then? How ambitious! He really is growing into a proper male dragon.”

Kanna nodded, completely serious. “Issei’s dream is to be Harem King.”

Lucoa’s laughter filled the room again, deep and musical. “A Harem King?! Oh, that’s perfect! That’s the kind of dream only a dragon’s heart could hold. Big, bold, and completely ridiculous.”

Issei, overhearing this, shouted from the kitchen, “Hey! It’s not ridiculous! It’s a noble goal!”

Lucoa covered her mouth, stifling another laugh, while Kanna gave a quiet nod of agreement. “It’s his dream.”

Once the laughter died down, Lucoa brushed her hair over her shoulder and looked at Kanna curiously. “So, tell me, little one—why is this Mina girl coming here? Surely not just to flaunt her engag ement.”

Kanna shook her head. “She’s coming to meet Kobayashi. She wants to ask for Issei’s hand in marriage properly.”

Lucoa’s brows rose. “Oh my~ formal and everything. She’s serious then.”

“She also wants to meet Tohru,” Kanna added. “Because of… an incident she caused in this country. It dragged Issei into trouble.”

That made Lucoa sit up straight, her expression shifting from amusement to concern. “An incident?”

Kanna nodded, looking calm but firm. “It involves the people who are involved in the supernatural in this prefecture of the country. Tohru scared them all when she first arrived.”

Lucoa exhaled slowly, leaning back against the couch, her tone suddenly thoughtful. “That’s not surprising… Tohru’s presence alone would be enough to make most spirits and magi panic. She’s powerful enough to unbalance the entire region.”

Her smile faded a little as she looked toward the window, where the morning light spilled in. “Still, to think her arrival caused such a stir that Issei got caught in the middle…”

Kanna’s gaze flickered to Issei, who was still fussing with cleaning supplies, muttering about dust and perfection. “Issei didn’t mind. He said he wanted to help her.”

Lucoa’s smile returned, this time gentler. “Of course he did. I might not have known him for long but it’s clear he wears his heart on his sleeve. That’s just who he is.” Kanna nodded along as that was also the reason she likes Issei as well.

Issei finally set the broom aside with a heavy sigh of triumph. The once-cluttered apartment from gaming night was now gleaming in the morning light. Every cushion was aligned, the small table wiped spotless, and not a single speck of dust dared to remain.

“There!” He said proudly, wiping his forehead. “Now I’ve got nothing to be ashamed about. My home’s clean, everything’s in order, even Oba-chan can’t scold me for once.”

Kanna and Lucoa both looked up from the couch, where they’d been lounging the entire time.

Lucoa smiled lazily, her chin resting on her palm. “You worked so hard~. You’d think you were expecting someone important.”

Issei groaned and stretched. “I kind of am. My friend Mina is coming, remember? And I promised Oba-chan that they’d meet today. I really, really hope they get along…”

Kanna, who was dangling her legs off the couch, tilted her head slightly. “…What if Mina talks about the marriage proposal?”

Issei froze mid-stretch. “…Fuck.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, his face dropping into a look of dread. “Yeah… that’s gonna be a disaster. Oba-chan’s already overprotective. If Mina brings that up, she might actually throw her out the window.”

Lucoa laughed softly behind her hand. “You really agreed to marry her, huh? I’m surprised. What made this girl so special that you said yes?”

Issei’s face reddened immediately. “W-well, she’s… I mean…” He scratched his cheek, looking away in embarrassment. “Mina’s… beautiful. But it’s not just that. She’s brave, and amazing in her own way. She jumps into things headfirst, even when she’s way over her head. She doesn’t give up, no matter what. I… kind of admire that about her.”

Lucoa’s teasing smile faltered just a little, a faint pout forming on her lips. ‘Beautiful and amazing, huh?’ She thought, a twinge of envy tugging at her chest.

Kanna, however, didn’t even hide her reaction. Her cheeks puffed slightly, sparks flickering faintly around her horns. Before Issei could react, she reached out with a tiny hand and sent a sharp jolt of static electricity across his arm.

“OW! Kanna! What was that for?!” He yelped, shaking his arm as faint smoke curled up from his sleeve.

Kanna stared at him with narrowed eyes. “…I don’t like that you compliment other girls and not me.”

Lucoa couldn’t hold back a giggle, her laughter melodic and teasing. “Ara~ looks like someone’s jealous.”

“I’m not,” Kanna said flatly, though her glare told another story.

Issei blinked, then laughed nervously, his expression soft. “Alright, alright, you’re right. I shouldn’t have said it like that.” He smiled and gently patted her head, his tone warm. “But you know, Kanna—you’re also amazing. Incredible, even. And beautiful too. I’d have to be blind not to notice that.”

Kanna’s eyes widened slightly, her usual composure slipping. Her cheeks turned pink, and she glanced away quickly, her voice quieter now. “…Stupid Issei.”

Lucoa watched the exchange with a small, knowing smile, though a faint blush dusted her cheeks as well. ‘He really does have a way with words when he’s not being a nervous wreck.’

Breaking the moment, she crossed her legs and asked curiously, “So, Issei~ mind explaining what sort of trouble Tohru caused? Kanna mentioned something earlier, and now I’m dying to know.”

Issei’s head snapped toward Kanna, who suddenly found the ceiling very interesting. “Kanna…” He said in a warning tone.

Kanna blinked innocently. “It’s bad to lie to Lucoa.”

Issei sighed in defeat. “Figures.” He sat down at the table, rubbing his temples. “Alright, fine. But you have to promise not to freak out, okay?”

Lucoa raised a brow but nodded. “I’ll try.”

“Well,” Issei began, “when Tohru first started living with Oba-chan, she didn’t exactly hide her presence. Her power and aura were basically screaming to anyone sensitive to magic. It freaked out the entire supernatural community around Saitama. They thought a Dragon King had invaded Saitama.”

Lucoa’s expression turned serious. “Oh dear… I can imagine the chaos that caused.”

“Yeah,” Issei said grimly, leaning back. “It’s gotten worse. Right now, there’s basically a turf war happening all over the country. Spirits, youkai, mages, even minor kami are fighting over territory because everything got shaken up. And it’s spreading.”

Lucoa’s eyes softened, the amusement gone from her tone. “That’s… not small trouble, Issei.”

“I know.” He exhaled heavily. “At first, I didn’t know anything about it. But then, during a trip to the city of Tokyo, I came face to face with one of those incidents, and it was during this trouble that I met Mina. She is an Onmyōji, basically an official officer that is meant to keep the peace and order of the supernatural community in Japan and was sent to where I was to try to calm things down. She’s the one who explained what was happening.” 

He paused, his eyes lowering. “When I realized it all started because of Tohru… I felt responsible. So I told Mina everything about her. About how Tohru isn’t bad—just… really bad at hiding her power in the beginning.”

Lucoa leaned forward slightly, listening.

“Mina understood,” Issei continued. “She said it was an accident and that she didn’t blame her. But… she still wants to meet Tohru, just to make sure she isn’t a threat.”

A long silence followed. The only sound was the faint ticking of the wall clock.

Lucoa finally spoke, her tone quieter than before. “So that’s why she’s coming here today… not just for you, but to judge Tohru too.”

Issei nodded. “Yeah. And that’s why I wanted everything perfect. I don’t want another misunderstanding.”

Lucoa’s gaze lingered on him—serious now, not teasing. “You really care about everyone, don’t you?”

He shrugged, his lips forming a tired smile. “Someone’s gotta make sure nobody blows up the city.”

Kanna, who had calmed down from her earlier jealousy, leaned against his shoulder and murmured, “…You’re still dumb and perverted.”

Lucoa laughed softly, the tension easing again. “Maybe. But he’s a good kind of dumb.”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his cheeks warming. “Gee, thanks.”

Lucoa then leaned back into the couch, crossing one long leg over the other as she studied Issei closely. Her usual playful tone softened into something more deliberate, maternal, almost.

“Well,” She began, her voice lilting with faint irritation beneath the surface, “Now that I actually know what’s going on, I’m going to have to scold Tohru properly.”

Issei blinked in surprise. “Eh? Wait, what? That’s not necessary! Like I said, it wasn’t her fault. It was an accident.”

Lucoa’s mismatched eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile didn’t fade. “Accident or not, that doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to take care of her mess, Issei.”

Her tone carried a firmness he wasn’t used to hearing from her since he met her, the teasing warmth gone, replaced with genuine disapproval. “She’s the one who made the mess, and you’re the one getting pulled into all this nonsense because of it. That’s not fair.”

Issei scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Yeah, maybe… but she didn’t mean to cause trouble. She’s just… Tohru. She doesn’t really think about how much power she’s showing off.”

Lucoa sighed, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “I know. But still, she should’ve known better. I’ll talk to her later.” Then, her tone shifted again, eyes narrowing with curiosity. “Now… about that marriage proposal.”

Issei froze. “O-oh. That.”

Lucoa tilted her head and nodded, her expression deceptively calm. “Yes, that. I want to know more about this.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, his voice sheepish. “Well. It wasn’t really romantic and is more of a transaction. It just sort of… happened. Mina offered to help me with some of the chaos, and to keep Tohru a secret to the rest of the world and in return, we made an agreement. I guess she saw marrying me as a practical solution.”

Lucoa’s brows knit together. “Practical? That sounds cold. What does that even mean?”

Issei sighed and tried to explain, though he still sounded as if he didn’t fully understand it himself. “Well, as you know, I have the Boosted Gear. Apparently, that’s a really big deal here.”

Lucoa raised an eyebrow. “IIs it? I wouldn’t really know but what does that have to do with her proposal?”

“Apparently,” Issei continued, “it gives me the potential to defeat gods.”

That caught Lucoa’s attention — her easy smile vanished. “Defeat gods?”

He nodded. “Yeah. That’s what Ddraig told me. I don’t really understand it either, but because of that, people see me as this big… thing. Mina’s family, her clan, actually is in decline. She said that if she marries me, it’ll help restore her family’s influence and reputation. I guess she thought it was a good deal.”

Lucoa’s eyes darkened for a moment, the warmth replaced by something sharper. “So, she’s marrying you because of your power?”

Issei quickly waved his hands. “It’s not like that! I mean—she’s not using me or anything. I just… wanted to help her, you know? She’s done so much for me already. The least I can do is return the favor.”

Lucoa frowned, the hint of anger beneath her calm voice growing more evident. “No, Issei. You shouldn’t marry someone unless you love them. Marriage isn’t some business transaction. It’s not about what you owe someone.”

Issei flinched slightly at the sharpness of her words. He wasn’t used to seeing Lucoa this serious.

“I know…” He said quietly, then looked down at the floor. “But it’s fine. Really.”

Her gaze softened a little, but she didn’t look convinced.

He exhaled, a small, sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “It’s not like I don’t like Mina. Actually…” He hesitated, his cheeks turning pink. “I—I really do like her,” He admitted. ‘A lie,’ He thought quickly. He already knew he loved her, but he wasn’t ready to say that out loud.

Lucoa’s expression flickered between disbelief and curiosity.

“And, uh…” Issei blushed and continued awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. “She… confessed to me too.”

That made Lucoa pause. “She did?”

He nodded. “Yeah. We might not love each other yet, but we agreed that we’ll probably get there one day. It’s… weird, I know. But we both understand each other. And—”

He laughed, the embarrassment evident in his voice. “She also said she was okay with my dream of having a harem. When she said that, I… I don’t know, I was just really happy.”

Lucoa stared at him for a long moment, torn between scolding him and laughing. Finally, she sighed, leaning back against the couch. “A harem, huh? You really are a dragon inside, Issei.”

“Ddraig says the same thing,” Issei admitted with a grin.

Lucoa’s smile softened, though her tone was gentler now. “Still, you shouldn’t rush something like marriage. Even if you like her, you deserve to be with someone who loves you for who you are, not just for what you can do.”

Issei nodded. “Yeah… maybe you’re right.”

Lucoa let out a small laugh, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “But… I suppose if she confessed, and you truly like her, then maybe there’s something real there. I’ll stop lecturing.” She smiled again, the teasing glint returning to her mismatched eyes. “Besides, I’d hate to see you marry someone just for convenience. It’d be such a waste of a charming boy like you~.”

Issei flushed at her tone, quickly looking away. “Y-you’re teasing me again…”

Lucoa laughed softly. “Am I? I wonder.”

Issei then got up and stood by the doorway. His nerves hadn’t settled since the moment he finished cleaning, and the knot in his stomach only grew tighter the longer he stood there.

“Alright,” He finally said, straightening up and forcing a grin. “Time to go see Oba-chan and tell her the news. Luckily, it’s her day off, so she won’t be in a rush or too tired from work and hopefully she has recovered from her hangover from yesterday.”

Kanna, already lacing up her shoes, gave a short nod. “Knowing her, she’ll be happy to see you.”

Lucoa stretched her arms over her head with a small, satisfied hum. “Mmm~ this should be interesting. I can’t wait to meet Mina properly.”

Issei laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… about that.”

Lucoa turned to him with curiosity.

Issei hesitated, then leaned closer to them and lowered his voice. “There’s something I need to ask before we go.”

Lucoa tilted her head, her mismatched eyes gleaming in the sunlight. “What is it, Issei?”

“Please,” Issei said earnestly, clasping his hands together, “don’t tell my aunt about… y’know. The trouble Tohru caused, or the whole marriage proposal thing with Mina.”

Lucoa blinked. “Oh? And why shouldn’t I? You shouldn’t be hiding things from your family.” Her tone wasn’t harsh, but there was genuine concern behind it, the kind that came from experience.

Issei sighed, his shoulders slumping a little. “I know… I know it’s bad to keep things from her. But you’ve seen how she gets. If she finds out about all the supernatural chaos going on, or that I’m involved with it, she’ll worry herself sick.”

He paused, his expression softening. “And I don’t want her to stress over me. She already worries enough as it is. If she learns about the turf war, or that Mina’s proposal has anything to do with all this mess, she’ll probably try to stop me from helping.”

Lucoa crossed her arms, her usual teasing smile replaced with a thoughtful frown. “Hmm… that’s a fair point. She does seem the type to overthink and protect.” Lucoa then glanced at him, her eyes calm but serious. “…So what does she think now?”

“She thinks I just got a part-time job,” Issei replied, scratching his cheek sheepishly. “I said Mina was a friend that found me a job and that I’d be helping her family with a few things. She doesn’t know it’s connected to the supernatural world.”

Lucoa exhaled, a faint sigh escaping her lips. “I see… So you’re protecting her by pretending everything’s normal.”

“Yeah.” Issei’s voice softened. “She’s done so much for me. The least I can do is spare her from this craziness especially when she already has a house full of it.”

Lucoa looked at him for a long moment, then smiled faintly — a rare, understanding smile. “You really are too kind for your own good, you know that? But alright, I’ll keep quiet. For now.”

Issei’s face lit up. “Thanks, Lucoa. I owe you one.”

She chuckled. “You can pay me back by relaxing. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Kanna tugged lightly at his sleeve. “…What if Mina brings it up anyway?”

Issei froze, his smile fading instantly. “…Let’s hope she doesn’t.”

“She will,” Kanna said plainly.

He sighed deeply, letting his head fall back against the door. “Yeah… you’re probably right. Guess there’s nothing I can do about that. I’ll deal with it when it happens.”

Lucoa smirked and gave his shoulder a light pat. “That’s the spirit, Issei~. Dragons face problems head-on, after all.”

“Easy for you to say,” Issei muttered, shooting her a half-hearted glare. “You’re not the one about to introduce your aunt to the woman who proposed to you.”

Lucoa laughed, a rich, warm sound that filled the small apartment. “True~ but I’ll be there to watch. This should be very entertaining.”

Kanna nodded, expression as stoic as ever. “It will be.”

Issei groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You two really aren’t helping.”

Still, despite the teasing, a small smile crept across his lips as he opened the door. The air outside was bright and fresh, and though he could already feel the tension creeping up, he straightened his shoulders and exhaled.

“Alright,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “Let’s go face Oba-chan.”

—--------------------------------------------

The soft sound of knocking echoed through the hallway outside Kobayashi’s apartment. Issei stood in front, a nervous smile plastered on his face as Kanna stood quietly at his side, her expression calm but her tail flicking faintly behind her. Lucoa stood just behind them, humming lightly, her bright hair shining under the morning light that streamed through the corridor window.

“Alright,” Issei muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, “let’s hope Oba-chan’s in a good mood…”

A moment later, the lock clicked, and the door swung open to reveal Tohru’s cheerful face. “Isseiiii! Kanna!” She exclaimed, delighted to see them. “Good morning! You’re early today.”

But as her eyes shifted, she froze mid-greeting. Her expression shifted from joy to confusion as she spotted the tall, curvy figure behind them.

“Lucoa-san?” Tohru blinked. “What are you doing here?”

Lucoa smiled warmly and gave a lazy wave. “Oh, Tohru~! It’s been too long. I decided to stay here in this world for a while.”

Tohru tilted her head, still confused. “Stay? Here? But… why here specifically?”

Issei stepped in before Lucoa could draw it out into something dramatic. “Ah, yeah, about that, Lucoa’s gonna be living with me and Kanna for a while. I offered her a place since she wanted to explore and know about this world a bit more.”

Tohru’s eyes widened. “Ehhh?! Issei’s apartment?! You mean… she’s living with you?”

Lucoa chuckled softly, folding her arms with amusement. “He was very kind to invite me in. Such a sweet boy.”

Tohru blinked rapidly, her brain still processing it. “W-well, that’s… surprising. But if Issei agreed, I guess that’s fine.”

But before she could relax, Tohru suddenly felt something, a faint but unmistakable chill crawling down her spine. Lucoa’s smile hadn’t changed, but her expression carried a glimmer of something dangerous.

Her mismatched eyes were locked on Tohru, the cheerful energy replaced by something almost predatory.

Tohru stiffened, her scales practically tingling as the air around them shifted. “U-uh… L-Lucoa-san? Did I… do something wrong?”

Lucoa’s smile widened a little, calm and terrifyingly serene. “Oh, nothing you didn’t already know was wrong, dear. But later… we’re going to have a very intense talk.”

Tohru’s wings twitched nervously as sweat began to bead on her forehead. “A… talk?”

“Yes,” Lucoa said lightly, her tone sweet but unmistakably sharp beneath the surface. “A long one.”

“…Okay,” Tohru managed weakly, her voice cracking slightly as she gulped and nodded quickly.

Watching the entire exchange, Issei’s instincts screamed that Tohru was about to melt into a puddle of anxiety if he didn’t intervene. “A-anyway!” He said quickly, clapping his hands together to change the mood. “Where’s Oba-chan? I, uh, need to talk to her about something important.”

Tohru blinked, startled out of her fear. “Oh! Kobayashi-sama’s still sleeping. She has a killer headache from last night and is currently still recovering."

Lucoa grinned innocently. “Ah~ so she is still feeling the effects.”

Issei pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course she is… Alright, I’ll go wake her up. We’re expecting a guest soon.”

“A guest?” Tohru tilted her head.

“Yeah,” Issei said with a small smile. “Mina’s coming over. She’s the friend I told you about.”

Tohru clasped her hands together, her mood instantly brightening again. “Ohhh~ I can’t wait to meet her! I’ll make tea and food for everyone!”

She stepped aside, waving them in. “Come on in! I was just cleaning up a bit.”

As the three entered the familiar apartment, the scent of polish and soap hung in the air, mingled with the faint remnants of last night’s wine. The living room was bright and welcoming, but still bore the quiet aftermath of a chaotic evening, a few stray glasses on the table and a faint scorch mark on the wall where Kanna had zapped them last night.

Issei exhaled as he stepped inside. “Feels like I was just here yesterday.”

“We were,” Kanna replied matter-of-factly, already walking toward the couch.

Lucoa smiled softly, her eyes scanning the apartment as she followed them in. “It’s cozy~. I can see why Tohru wanted to stay here.”

Tohru laughed sheepishly as she wiped the counter with a towel. “Yeah, Kobayashi’s place is the best!”

But her laughter faltered for a second as she caught Lucoa’s lingering gaze again. A chill ran down her spine. ‘That look… I’m doomed.’

Meanwhile, Issei crouched near the hallway leading to the bedroom, steeling himself.’ Alright. Just wake her up gently. Don’t say anything about the chaos or the marriage thing. Just… smile and hope for the best.’ He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “This is gonna be one long morning…”

Behind him, Lucoa smirked faintly, watching him go. “Good luck, Issei~. I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

—-------------------- 

Kobayashi’s room

Issei quietly pushed open the bedroom door, the hinges creaking just a little. Soft light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a warm morning hue. What caught Issei’s attention immediately was the peaceful sight before him.

Kobayashi lay sprawled on the bed in her pajamas, her red hair was loose and unkempt from sleep. She was seen hugging her pillow tightly, her lips curved in a small, content smile. Her breathing was slow, even, she looked so relaxed that it made Issei hesitate to disturb her.

‘She looks so peaceful,’ He thought, rubbing the back of his neck with a soft smile. ‘She really overdid it last night…’

He stood there for a moment, quietly watching her, the corner of his lips twitching upward. Even though she could be strict, and even scary at times, she was still his precious aunt—the person who had always looked out for him when his parents were busy, always making time for him to play even when she was busy with her school life. She’s such a hard worker that there was something comforting about seeing her like this.

Still… he didn’t have much choice. Mina would be arriving soon.

Issei sighed and crouched beside the bed. “Oba-chan… come on, wake up.” He gave her shoulder a gentle shake. “It’s morning already. You need to get up.”

Kobayashi groaned faintly, shifting under the blanket. Her eyelids fluttered open, and her hand brushed at her hair. “Mmm… Issei?” she murmured, blinking blearily. Since she didn’t have her glasses everything was blurry but her vision cleared just enough to be able to make out his face, her sleepy expression melted into a soft, delighted smile.

“Ah~ it’s my adorable Issei,” She said happily, her voice still groggy.

Before Issei could react, she reached out and grabbed him by the wrist—then suddenly pulled him down onto the bed.

“Huh—wait, Oba-chan?!”

He barely had time to yelp before he landed beside her, and in one swift motion, Kobayashi had wrapped her arms around him. His face was pressed against her chest as she sighed with satisfaction, snuggling him close like a plush toy.

“Oba-chan! W-wait! What are you—”

“Shhh~,” She murmured, half-asleep. “You’re warm… It’s been so long since I got to cuddle you like this.”

Issei froze, completely flustered. His face burned red as he tried to wriggle free, but her grip was surprisingly strong for someone still half asleep.

“Oba-chan! Come on, you can’t just—uh—hug me like this! You need to wake up and—”

She just groaned softly and pulled him closer, rubbing her cheek against the top of his head. “No… I’d much rather sleep more with my cute nephew~.”

Issei panicked, his thoughts a storm of confusion. ‘She’s half-asleep, and completely unstoppable! Why is she still so strong?’

He tried again, pushing lightly at her shoulders. “Oba-chan, seriously! You have to get dressed! Mina’s coming over soon—it’s already ten!”

That name did it. Kobayashi’s eyes opened slightly, a pout forming on her lips. “That girl again…? The one who’s trying to steal you away from me?”

Issei blinked in disbelief. “Steal—what?! She’s not—Oba-chan, please don’t start that again!”

Kobayashi just huffed softly, tightening her hug. “I don’t like her. She’s taking my precious Issei away. I’d rather just stay like this.”

“Oba-chaaan!” He groaned, his voice half-exasperated, half-pleading.

When logic failed, Issei resorted to his last weapon—the one thing that always worked.

A small, mischievous smirk formed on his lips. “Alright, you asked for it.”

He slipped his hands under her arms and began tickling her sides mercilessly.

“Wah—! Issei! P-pfft—stop! Hahahahaha!” Kobayashi burst out laughing, her whole body jerking as she tried to twist away. “N-no fair! Ahahaha—Issei, s-stop!”

“Not until you promise to get up!” He said as his body was on top of her, grinning as she kicked and squirmed, her laughter echoing through the room.

“Okay—okay! I’ll get up! I promise! Hahaha—stop already!”

Satisfied, Issei finally pulled away, laughing himself as he stood. Kobayashi was left breathless, cheeks flushed from laughter and hair sticking out wildly. She shot him a half-playful glare.

“You’re evil,” She said, chuckling softly.

“Maybe,” Issei replied, smiling. “But it works every time.”

Kobayashi sat up slowly, running a hand through her messy hair. “Fine, fine. I’ll get dressed. But only because you asked nicely and tickled me half to death.”

As she got up and began gathering her clothes, Issei turned toward the door, shaking his head with a sigh of relief. ‘Crisis averted. For now.’

Outside, he could already hear Tohru humming cheerfully while Lucoa chatted with Kanna in the living room. He smiled faintly. ‘Now all that’s left… is to wait for Mina’s arrival.’

—--------------------------------------------

Kobayashi’s apartment

Kanna and Lucoa were seated comfortably on the couch watching TV, while Tohru was busy tidying the table and humming happily to herself. Issei could be seen helping Tohru clean.

The sound of the bathroom door opening caught the attention of everyone in the living room.

As steam rolled out of the bathroom as Kobayashi finally stepped into the hallway, dressed neatly in a simple shirt and jeans, her glasses perched properly on her face. Her hair, freshly brushed, framed her expression in that familiar mix of calm composure and quiet exhaustion.

“Good morning,” Kobayashi said, her voice composed but still carrying that hint of sleepiness.

“Good morning, Kobayashi-san!” Tohru beamed, tail swishing behind her. “I was about to start making tea and coffee for everyone. Did you sleep well?”

Kobayashi glanced at her, then at Issei, who was trying his hardest not to look awkward. “Yeah,” she said dryly. “A little too well, maybe.”

She exhaled softly, tying her hair back. “Alright, Issei. You said we’re having a guest, right? That Mina girl?”

“Yeah,” Issei replied, where he was nervously straightening the magazines on the coffee table for the third time. “She’ll be here soon. You, uh, feeling better, Oba-chan?”

Kobayashi gave him a small smile as she adjusted her glasses. “Much better. Thanks to you, apparently. I don’t even remember half of last night, but I woke up laughing.”

Issei laughed awkwardly. “Y-yeah… you were definitely laughing.” And trying to suffocate me, he thought, quickly choosing not to add that part.

But just as he relaxed, Kobayashi’s eyes shifted toward the couch—and froze.

Sitting there with effortless elegance was Lucoa, sipping a cup of tea that Tohru had nervously brought her, her mismatched eyes shining with serene amusement. Kanna sat next to her, munching on a piece of toast, completely unbothered.

The color drained from Kobayashi’s face. “...Lucoa-san?”

Tohru, who was cleaning the table, flinched at the tone of her voice.

Lucoa looked up from her tea with her usual warm smile. “Oh! Kobayashi~ Good morning.”

Kobayashi blinked twice, as if she wasn’t sure if she was still hungover. “Wait. You’re here? Here here? I thought you went back to your old world after checking up on Tohru and Kanna.”

Lucoa set her teacup down delicately, her voice light. “Oh, I was going to, but I changed my mind. This world is just so fascinating~ So much to see, so much to learn. I decided to stay a bit longer.”

Kobayashi crossed her arms, eyes narrowing slightly. “Uh-huh. So you’re visiting, then?”

Lucoa smiled even brighter, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “Not quite~ I’m living here now.”

The words hung in the air like a sudden drop in temperature.

“...Living here?” Kobayashi repeated slowly, her tone calm but dangerously cold.

Lucoa nodded happily. “Mhm~! Issei was kind enough to offer me a place. I’m staying with him and Kanna for now.”

Silence. The kind of silence that could make a glacier seem warm.

Even Tohru, who was usually oblivious to such things, sensed the drop in temperature and stopped cleaning mid-swipe. Kanna continued eating, completely unconcerned.

Issei could feel the glare before he even looked up. When he finally did, Kobayashi’s sharp gaze was fixed squarely on him—glasses glinting, her expression a perfect storm of disbelief, irritation, and something very close to maternal fury.

“Kobayashi-san?” Tohru asked nervously, inching away. “Your aura is… uh… freezing the air.”

Kobayashi’s voice was calm, but it carried the kind of edge that made Issei’s blood run cold. “Issei.”

He straightened up immediately. “Y-yes, ma’am?”

“Would you like to explain,” she said, her tone as flat as a blade, “why you let her—” she pointed at Lucoa “—move into your apartment?”

Lucoa blinked innocently. “Oh, it’s simple. Issei’s such a sweet boy, he offered right away. Isn’t that right, dear?”

Issei’s face turned red as he fumbled for words. “W-well—uh—I mean, she didn’t have anywhere to stay! And I thought it’d be rude not to help! She’s a friend of Kanna and Tohru so I thought it would be okay, Oba-chan!”

Kobayashi’s glasses flashed. “A friend.”

“Yes!” Issei said, sweating. “Just a friend!”

Lucoa giggled softly, resting her cheek in her hand. “He’s being modest, really. He’s been such a wonderful host~”

Kobayashi’s smile twitched. “Wonderful host.”

Tohru slowly leaned over to Kanna and whispered, “Kobayashi’s smiling… but that’s the bad kind of smile.”

Kanna blinked once and nodded. “Very bad.”

Issei could practically feel the pressure building in the air, the kind that came before an explosion. He raised both hands defensively, waving them wildly. “O-Oba-chan, please! Don’t look at me like that! It’s not what it sounds like! She just needed a place to stay!”

Kobayashi pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed deeply. “You’ve been here for one week, and somehow, you’ve managed to turn your place into a dragon boarding house.”

Lucoa chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Oh, Kobayashi, don’t be so tense~ You should be proud. He’s growing into quite the generous young man.”

Kobayashi turned her glare toward her. “You’re not helping.”

Lucoa only smiled sweetly. “Wasn’t trying to.”

Issei groaned, already regretting every decision that led to this moment. ‘Great. Mina’s not even here yet, and she’s already mad.’

Tohru, ever the peacemaker, stepped in with a nervous laugh. “So! Tea? Maybe tea will help!”

But as Kobayashi continued to glare at both Issei and Lucoa with the tension in the apartment being thick enough to cut through. Even Tohru had stopped pretending to clean and was quietly inching away from the conflict. Kanna, ever calm, was now halfway through her toast, simply observing as if she were watching a documentary titled “Human Panic in Its Natural Habitat.”

Then, mercifully, a knock echoed at the door.

Knock, knock.

All heads turned. The sound was a lifeline — or a warning bell, depending on how one looked at it.

“Oh, thank God,” Issei muttered under his breath, practically leaping to his feet. “I’ll get it! It’s probably Mina!”

Without waiting for permission, he darted across the apartment and opened the door and froze.

Standing in the doorway was Mina.

The light framed her perfectly, her chestnut hair tied neatly behind her head, with a few soft strands falling to the sides of her face. She wore a pale lavender kimono patterned with subtle flowers, the sash tied neatly around her waist, and light makeup that made her natural beauty shine without overdoing it.

For a moment, Issei just stared, his mouth half open. “Mina…?” He finally managed to say, his voice cracking slightly. “You look… wow.”

Mina smiled softly, tilting her head. “Good morning, Issei. You like it?”

He nodded dumbly. “L-like it? You look incredible! But, uh… why are you so dressed up? It’s not like it’s a festival or anything.”

Mina chuckled lightly, covering her mouth with one sleeve. “Isn’t it obvious? I wanted to make a good impression on your aunt and family. First impressions are everything, after all.”

Issei blinked, still processing that she’d dressed this formally just for his aunt. “You didn’t have to go that far, really…”

“Nonsense,” She said firmly, smiling as she adjusted the collar of her kimono. “One day, they’ll be my family too, won’t they? Giving them the right impression is key to having happy in-laws.”

Issei blushed as he felt his soul leave his body for a moment. ‘She didn’t just say that out loud… right?’

Before he could whisper a warning or even mention the new arrival inside, a familiar voice rang out from the living room.

“Issei! Who’s at the door?” Kobayashi’s tone carried that faint edge of suspicion that made his spine tighten.

“Ah—uh—it’s, um—”

Mina smiled sweetly, already stepping forward before Issei could even attempt damage control. “That must be your aunt. Perfect timing.”

“Wait, Mina—! Maybe?” Issei hissed, trying to stall her, but it was already too late so he sighed in defeat and opened the door wider. “Alright, come on in…”

Mina stepped inside gracefully, her every motion composed and polite. She removed her shoes neatly at the entrance before entering the living room — where four pairs of eyes immediately turned to her.

Tohru’s eyes lit up in delight. “Oh! You must be Mina-san! Welcome!”

Lucoa smiled softly, watching with interest as the young woman bowed deeply.

Kanna gave a small, polite wave from her seat. “Hello.”

And then there was Kobayashi.

The air grew colder again as Kobayashi straightened up from her seat on the couch. Her polite smile was stiff, her glasses glinting dangerously.

Mina, ever composed, stepped forward and gave a perfect bow. “Good morning. I’m Mina Tadayuki. It’s an honor to meet you all. I hope to get along well with everyone here.” Her voice was calm, smooth, and full of genuine respect.

Issei stood beside her, sweating bullets. He could already feel the tension building like a bomb ready to go off.

Kobayashi’s sharp eyes swept over Mina slowly, from her flawless kimono to her perfect posture… and then inevitably, her very generous figure. Her smile twitched.

‘Oh no,’ Issei thought as his stomach dropped. ‘She’s doing the scary smile again.’

Kobayashi folded her arms, her tone deceptively calm. “So this is Mina… the girl who’s trying to steal my nephew away from me.”

Issei choked on air. “O-Oba-chan! You can’t just say that!”

Mina, however, didn’t flinch. Instead, she offered another serene smile. “Steal? Oh no, I wouldn’t say that. I’m merely hoping to… earn him.”

Tohru gasped softly. Kanna blinked. Lucoa let out a quiet, amused hum, her lips curling in a smile. “Oh my,” she murmured under her breath. “This just got interesting.”

Kobayashi’s glare sharpened like a blade. “Earn him, huh?”

Mina straightened, meeting Kobayashi’s gaze without hesitation. “Yes. I’d like you to see for yourself that I truly care for him.”

Issei looked between the two women as if he were watching a standoff between two apex predators. “O-okay, great talk, everyone! Maybe we should sit down? Tea! Tea sounds nice, right?”

Lucoa chuckled softly, leaning back in her seat. “Oh, by all means. Let’s have tea. I want to hear more.”

As the tension quietly simmered in the room, Tohru hurried into the kitchen to grab cups while Issei desperately prayed that somehow, this wouldn’t end with someone breathing fire.

Finally done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. As always this is a commission for Luis. So thank him for allowing me to post this for everyone. What do you think this nice, peaceful, discussion will be about?