King of the Universe DXD Chapter 1: Neighbors, Cousins, and Chaos

Space

In the cold, endless void of space, silence reigned supreme. A blanket of starlight stretched out infinitely, galaxies glittering like diamonds against black velvet. Among them, cutting through the stillness, a lone spaceship sped desperately forward. 

The ship’s pilot sat hunched over the glowing console, hands trembling as they danced across buttons and levers. Sweat beaded on their forehead despite the chill of the recycled air. Their eyes darted between the flashing warning lights and the radar screen. On that screen, two red dots pursued relentlessly, creeping closer with each second.

“Not again. They keep following.” The pilot whispered under their breath, voice breaking with panic. They didn’t care where they were going anymore, didn’t care what planet or star system awaited them. All that mattered was gaining distance.

On the radar, the red dots surged forward. They weren’t ships—not really—but pods, small and efficient, built for speed and pursuit. Inside each pod sat a man, armored in sleek, dark suits. Their expressions were stone, eyes narrowed in focus. Their mission was clear. Their loyalty was absolute. 

Both shared one thought. ‘Catch her. Do not fail.’

The first enforcer tightened his grip on the controls, leaning forward as though sheer willpower could make the pod go faster. His jaw clenched. ‘She always runs. But the King’s command is absolute. She will not escape this time.’

The second spared a glance at his radar, watching as the lone ship made a sudden adjustment. His eyes widened. “She’s slowing down—!”

Indeed, the fleeing vessel’s speed dropped drastically, almost crawling now. The pods closed the gap in seconds, their engines screaming with restrained power as the distance dwindled to nothing. The first enforcer bared his teeth, lips curling into a grim smile. “Finally cornered and exhausted.”

But then—

A sharp hum echoed from the freighter’s engines, glowing blue against the void. The ship lurched, energy surging. In a heartbeat, the vessel rocketed forward, vanishing into the infinite black as though swallowed by the stars.

The pods were left chasing ghosts.

“Impossible!” The first enforcer snarled, slamming his fist into the console. The screen blinked with static, mocking his frustration.

The second enforcer grit his teeth, then quickly tapped a button on his comm-link. His voice was steady, though underlined by disbelief. “She’s gone, sir.”

A pause. Then a low, gravelly voice crackled through the channel, thick with restrained fury. “Where?”

“We don’t know,” The second replied carefully. “She engaged her hyper drive the moment we were about to close in. She could be anywhere by now.”

“Damn it all!” The voice roared, distortion from the comm.

The two enforcers exchanged a glance, though neither dared voice their unease. To fail the orders of their king was unthinkable. Still, the second tried to salvage the situation, leaning toward the transmitter as if his superior could see the sincerity in his eyes.

“We can still catch her,” He said firmly. “That ship… it will have been fitted with a tracker. She cannot have gotten far. Upload the signal to us, and we will continue pursuit.”

For a long, dreadful moment, there was only silence on the other end. The two men held their breath.

Then the gravelly voice returned, each word sharp enough to cut steel. “…Very well. Find her. Bring her back to me. Now.”

“Understood, sir.” both men replied in unison.

Their pods beeped as coordinates and data were uploaded, the navigation systems adjusting to a new trajectory. Without hesitation, both enforcers straightened in their seats.

The pods shuddered as energy gathered, lights burning brighter. Then, with a thunderous surge, they disappeared into hyperspace—streaks of light stretching into infinity.

Neither man flinched at the disorienting shift. Their thoughts were consumed by the mission, drilled into them until it was the marrow of their bones.

Failure was not an option. Their king demanded no failure.

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

4th of March, Tuesday. 

Kouh Academy

Inside Kuoh Academy’s kendo hall, a rhythmic chorus of strikes and shouts of “HAH!”, rang with discipline. Outside, however, just beyond the changing room, three boys crouched low in the shadow of the trees and shrubs. Their bodies pressed to the wall with their hearts racing with the feverish anticipation of the forbidden holy sight.

“Alright, alright, my turn already!” Issei Hyoudou whispered harshly, his brown eyes narrowing at his so-called comrades-in-arms. “You two hogged the hole long enough. Fair share, remember!”

Motohama, his glasses flashing mischievously in the dim light, kept his face pressed firmly against the tiny crack in the wooden panel. Matsuda, bald and grinning like a man possessed, was right beside him, elbows jutting out to block Issei’s every attempt to squeeze in.

“Hold your horses, Issei,” Motohama snickered, fogging up the peephole with his breath. “This angle is perfect! The whole panorama of heaven laid out before us. Patience, my friend.”

“Yeah,” Matsuda added, eyes gleaming with predatory delight. “We’re talking about prime viewing time. Gotta soak it all in.”

Issei’s frustration boiled over, his face redder than a ripe tomato. “Don’t give me that crap! We agreed—five minutes each! You’re already way over time!” He shoved at their shoulders, trying to wedge himself between them. “Move it, move it, move it!”

The struggle was like three hyenas fighting over a carcass. Motohama hissed, Matsuda cursed, and Issei growled as he dug his fingers into their shirts. Finally, with one desperate push, he forced them aside and plastered his own eye to the coveted hole.

Victory…?

His anticipation died instantly.

Through the tiny crack, there was nothing. Just plain wooden floorboards and neatly stacked kendo gear in the corner. The changing room was empty. Completely, utterly empty.

Issei blinked. Once. Twice. Then scowled. “What the hell? Where are the girls!?”

Behind him, he heard a suspicious sound of feet running. The kind of sound traitors make when abandoning ship.

Confused, Issei leaned back, ready to ask Motohama and Matsuda what was going on—only to find empty air. His “brothers” in peeping had vanished without so much as a squeak, leaving him crouched alone in the hallway.

A chill crept down his spine.

“Hyoudou-kun.”

The voice, feminine and dripping with icy displeasure, slithered into his ears. Slowly, painfully, Issei turned his head.

There they were.

A dozen members of the Kendo Club stood in a semicircle. Their eyes glowed with fury hotter than dragon fire. Their wooden shinais rested against their shoulders like executioner’s axes. And their leaders, Murayama and Katase stared at him with piercing eyes, stepped forward, tapping her shinai into her palm.

Katase's smile was sharp enough to cut steel. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”

Issei’s brain scrambled for excuses. ‘Okay, okay, think, think! It’s not what it looks like… no, wait, it’s exactly what it looks like! Abort! Abort!’

“I-I can explain!” He stammered, holding up his hands. “It’s not—uh—see, I was… checking for termites! Y-Yeah, termites in the wall! Gotta protect school property, right?”

The silence that followed was suffocating. Every girl’s glare intensified, their knuckles whitening on their weapons.

“…Get him.”

The command was given, and the kendo girls surged forward.

“W-Wait, hold on—AAAGH!” Issei yelped as the first shinai cracked against his shoulder. He stumbled, only to catch another blow to his side, then another to his legs. It became a storm of bamboo fury, each strike punctuated by shouted battle cries.

Whack!

“Ow!”

Thwack!

“Not the face—!”

Smack!

“AAHH, MY SPINE!”

To passing students in the hallway, it looked less like a fight and more like a ceremonial sacrifice. A lone pervert crushed under the righteous wrath of Kuoh’s kendo warriors.

Motohama and Matsuda, safely hiding behind a building, peeked out just enough to watch their friend’s brutal punishment unfold.

“…Man, Issei’s taking one for the team again,” Motohama muttered, adjusting his glasses solemnly.

Matsuda nodded, though he winced at the sickening thud of another blow. “He truly is the hero we don’t deserve. Godspeed, brother.”

Meanwhile, Issei was dragged across the hallway floor by his collar, dazed and covered in welts. His thoughts were a jumble of pain and regret. ‘Why is it always me!? Those bastards ditched me! Damn you, Motohama and Matsuda! You better bring flowers to my grave!’

Katase lifted her shinai one last time, eyes burning with justice. “Maybe this will teach you your lesson, Hyoudou!”

WHAM!

And with that final strike, Issei Hyoudou’s world faded into blissful unconsciousness.

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

Kouh, School Infirmary

The soft scent of antiseptic and lavender filled the air, a strange but oddly calming combination. Sunlight filtered in through the half-open blinds of Kuoh Academy’s infirmary, painting striped patterns of gold across the white sheets. The steady tick of a clock echoed in the otherwise quiet room.

On one of the beds, Issei Hyoudou lay sprawled. His uniform was rumpled, his shirt open at the chest where bandages peeked through, and several patches covered his arms and ribs. Even breathing hurt a little. ‘Ugh… did they train with bamboo swords or steel pipes?’ He thought, groaning faintly.

A rustle of papers and the faint squeak of a chair signaled someone nearby. When Issei cracked open an eye, he saw her.

Mikado Ryouko, the school’s doctor, moved gracefully around the room as she arranged medical supplies. Her green eyes glimmered with a mix of warmth and mischief, and strands of reddish-brown hair brushed her shoulders, catching the light when she turned. Her white lab coat fluttered slightly with each step, but it did little to conceal the pink top underneath—a soft fabric that dipped low enough to hint at the curve of her breasts. A black skirt hugged her hips, cinched at the waist by a thin belt. She looked less like a school nurse and more like she’d stepped out of a magazine photo shoot.

Issei sat up a little too quickly, then winced as his ribs protested. “Ow—! Ah… I’m… I’m in the infirmary?” His voice cracked. ‘Great, smooth, Hyoudou. Sound like a total idiot in front of the hot nurse.’

Mikado turned toward him, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “Good, you’re awake. I was starting to think you were going to sleep through the rest of the day.” She crossed the room with easy steps, clipboard in hand. “How are you feeling?”

Issei’s eyes darted away, heat rising to his cheeks. “I—I’m fine. I mean, I think so. Th-thank you, Ryouko-sensei. For, uh… patching me up.” He rubbed the back of his neck, painfully aware she had probably seen every bruise and cut while tending to him. ‘Could this be any more embarrassing?’

Mikado tilted her head, an amused gleam in her eyes. “You know, Hyoudou-kun, you should really try not to receive these kinds of injuries so often.” She set the clipboard down on the bedside table and leaned in slightly, her hair brushing her cheek. “But then again…” She chuckled softly. “It’s always nice to treat my usual customer.”

Issei gave a sheepish laugh, scratching his cheek. “Y-Yeah, I guess I do end up here a lot…”

Her teasing smile deepened. “ ‘A lot’ might be an understatement.”

He hesitated before asking, “Um… was it you who… you know, dragged me here?”

“Me?” Mikado shook her head, her earrings swaying slightly. “No, no. The thanks should go to your cousin. He was the one who rushed in with you. Quite worried, too. It was actually a little heartwarming.”

Issei blinked. “Rito?” The mental image of his cousin glaring at him while dragging his half-dead body down the hall flashed through his mind. He sighed, a mix of guilt and gratitude stirring in his chest. “Figures… guess I owe him. Again.”

“Guess you do,” Mikado said, her tone gentle but still edged with humor.

Issei swung his legs off the bed, flexing his hands to test his soreness. The antiseptic smell and soft sheets were oddly comforting, but the humiliation of landing here yet again was stronger. ‘Can’t keep letting Rito see me like this. He’s going to start thinking I’m hopeless…’

He stood carefully, wincing as his back twinged. Mikado raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re feeling well enough to leave already?”

“Of course.” Issei straightened, then forced a grin. “In fact, I feel so much better after receiving your… uh, beautiful care, Ryouko-sensei.” His tone was playful but awkward, like he couldn’t quite decide if he was joking or flirting.

Mikado chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she picked up the clipboard again. “You’re such a charmer, Hyoudou-kun. But try not to get yourself hurt again too soon.” She winked. “I may enjoy patching you up, but even I have limits.”

Issei rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously. “I’ll… do my best. Can’t promise anything though.” He gave a half-salute, turning toward the door.

As he left, Mikado watched him go with a small, fond smile. “That boy.” She murmured, shaking her head. “Always the same.”

—---------------------------------

The sun bathed Kuoh Academy’s tennis courts in a warm glow, the faint shimmer of heat rising off the asphalt. The rhythmic thwack-thwack of tennis balls echoed in the air, punctuated by the shouts of girls calling out plays and encouragement to one another. The scent of freshly cut grass wafted in on the breeze from the nearby field, blending with the faint smell of sweat and chalk.

Standing just beyond the chain-link fence, Rito Yuuki leaned forward, his hands clutching the mesh tightly. His eyes were locked on one girl among the players—a girl whose every movement made his heart skip.

Haruna Sairenji.

Her blue hair gleamed under the sun, the simple red hair clip on the left side of her head catching the light with each swing of her racket. Her purple eyes, sharp with focus, tracked the ball as she moved gracefully across the court. Every time she smiled at a teammate or adjusted her stance, Rito felt his chest tighten.

“She’s… amazing,” He whispered under his breath, eyes wide with quiet admiration. His pulse quickened just from watching her, the world around him blurring until only she remained. ‘If only I could… if only I had the courage to tell her…’

But Rito was so entranced he didn’t notice the figure sneaking up behind him.

“Hey, Rito,” A familiar voice said suddenly, low and mischievous. “Still simping over Haruna, huh?”

“Gah—!” Rito nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around with his face red as a beet. His cousin, Issei Hyoudou, stood there with a grin plastered across his face, arms crossed like he’d just uncovered the greatest secret in the world.

Rito’s heart pounded. He quickly turned his head toward the courts, panic setting in. “D-Don’t say that out loud!” He hissed, waving his hands frantically. His eyes locked on Haruna, praying she hadn’t heard. But she was still fully focused on practice, oblivious to their conversation. Relief washed over him, but only slightly.

He whipped back around, glaring at Issei. “Are you insane? What if she heard you?”

Issei chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, dude. She didn’t. Besides…” His smirk widened. “Everyone in school already knows.”

Rito froze, the color draining from his face. “W-What!?” His voice cracked as he clutched the fence like it was the only thing keeping him upright. “Y-You can’t be serious…”

Issei shrugged. “Yep. Pretty much everyone but Haruna herself. You’re not exactly subtle, you know.”

Groaning, Rito buried his face in his hands. “Why me… why did I get stuck with you as my cousin…”

“Because life’s funny like that,” Issei replied cheerfully, clapping him on the shoulder. “Anyway, I came to find you.”

Rito peeked through his fingers. “What for? To embarrass me more?”

“Nope.” Issei grinned. “To thank you. You know, for dragging my sorry butt to the nurse’s office earlier. I owe you for that.”

Rito’s scowl softened slightly, though he still looked annoyed. “If you could just control your impulses and perverted side, I wouldn’t have to keep doing that in the first place. Do you realize how often I have to explain to Mikan why you’re in the infirmary again? It’s exhausting!”

Issei laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, about that… controlling my perverted impulses isn’t really possible. The female form is something that must be admired and  cherished! It’s my life’s mission, Rito!”

Rito deadpanned at him, unimpressed. “You make it sound like a religion.”

“Exactly!” Issei declared proudly. Then, his tone shifted to one of conspiratorial enthusiasm. “Which is why, to show my appreciation for your help… I’m going to help you confess to Haruna.”

Rito nearly choked on his own breath. “Wh-What!? No! Absolutely not!” He waved his arms like he was trying to ward off evil spirits. “That would be a disaster! You helping me confess? I’d rather get struck by lightning!”

Issei scowled, puffing out his cheeks. “Oi! Don’t underestimate me. I might be a pervert, but when it comes to girls, I know my stuff. Trust me, man—you just gotta man up, show some courage, or else Haruna will never see you the way you want her to.”

Rito fidgeted, eyes flickering back to the court where Haruna was laughing with a teammate after scoring a clean hit. His heart thumped painfully in his chest. ‘She’s so kind… so perfect. But… me?’

“I-I just… I can’t, okay?” Rito mumbled.

Issei leaned closer, his tone serious for once. “Listen, Rito. Haruna’s cute, right? Any guy with half a brain can see that. Which means it’s only a matter of time before someone else confesses to her. And when that happens… who knows? She might accept.”

The words hit Rito like a punch to the gut. He imagined Haruna smiling at some other guy, her hand in his, and the thought made his chest ache. He gripped the fence tighter, knuckles white.

Issei clapped him on the back, jolting him from his thoughts. “So what’s it gonna be, huh? Keep hiding and watching from the sidelines, or step up and take your shot?”

Rito groaned, slumping against the fence. “You make it sound so easy…”

Issei smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. “That’s because it is. For me, anyway. But you? You just need a little push. And lucky for you, I’m the best push there is.”

Rito gave him a deadpan glare. “…You’re going to get me killed.”

“Or you’re going to get the girl,” Issei shot back with a grin. “Trust me on this, Rito. If I can survive a kendo club beatdown, you can survive a confession.”

For a long moment, Rito just stared at his cousin, torn between gratitude, embarrassment, and the overwhelming urge to strangle him. Finally, he sighed and muttered under his breath.

“…Why do I feel like this is going to end badly?”

Issei smirked, already plotting. “Because it probably will. But hey—that’s what makes it fun.”

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

Some Time Later

The steady rhythm of balls being struck had faded, replaced by the chatter of tired but cheerful voices as the tennis club wrapped up their practice.

Haruna Sairenji walked with her teammates, her face still flushed from the exertion. Her racket rested loosely against her shoulder as she smiled at something one of the girls said. By her side was Kiyome Abe—the club captain. Kiyome was a striking young woman, her long brown hair styled into elaborate drill curls that bounced with each step. Her busty figure and mature aura had earned her both respect and admiration among the club members, and the way she carried herself made it clear she was used to leading.

“Haruna,” Kiyome teased lightly, brushing a curl back from her face. “You were on fire today. If you keep improving like this, we’ll have to make you the ace of the team before you know it.”

“Eh? No way,” Haruna laughed nervously, shaking her head. “I still have so much to work on…”

Their conversation continued as the group began heading toward the school’s main building, chattering about the upcoming matches and looking forward to the showers.

And then—

“Haruna-san!”

The voice rang out suddenly, cutting through the noise. The girls froze mid-step, turning as one to see where it had come from.

Standing just a short distance away, near the fence, was a boy most of them didn’t expect. Rito Yuuki.

His cheeks were burning red, his fists clenched at his sides as though to anchor himself to the spot. His chestnut hair was a little messy, his uniform slightly disheveled from nerves. He stood there trembling like he’d just run a marathon, yet he kept his eyes fixed on Haruna.

The girls exchanged curious glances. Some raised their eyebrows, others covered their mouths to hide mischievous grins. And then, as though on cue, whispers broke out.

“Isn’t that Yuuki-kun?” 

“Wait, isn’t he Hyoudou’s cousin?”

“Eh, what’s he doing here…?”

“Could it be… a confession!?”

The last whisper set off a chain reaction of squeals and giggles.

Haruna blinked, startled. “Yuuki-kun…?” She murmured, her purple eyes widening slightly as she looked at him.

Rito swallowed hard. His legs felt like lead, his heart hammering so loudly he was sure the entire tennis team could hear it. ‘I… I actually said it… I called her name out…! Crap, what do I do now…?’

“C-Could we… uh… talk?” Rito stammered, his voice cracking. “Somewhere… private… and alone?”

That did it. The club girls exploded into barely suppressed squeals, their whispers rising into excited speculation.

“Ohhh, private and alone!”

“He’s totally going to confess!”

“Kyaaa, Haruna-chan!”

Rito wanted to crawl into a hole and die on the spot. His ears burned, his vision swam. ‘This is a mistake, this is a huge mistake, I’m going to faint—’

But Haruna, her eyes soft, pressed her hands together nervously in front of her. “Eh… Y-Yes, Yuuki-kun. Of course.” Her heart fluttered unexpectedly. ‘Could it be…? Is it what I think it is?’

Behind the bushes not far from the courts, a pair of brown eyes sparkled with glee.

Issei crouched low, barely holding back his laughter as he watched. “Nice, Rito. You actually did it. That’s my cousin!” He pumped his fist quietly. ‘Now just don’t screw this up. Come on, Rito. Man up. Don’t freeze, or I swear I’ll push you myself.’

Rito, meanwhile, couldn’t stop trembling. His mouth was dry, his knees weak. The weight of every whisper, every stare from the girls behind Haruna bore down on him like a crushing wave. But Haruna’s gentle eyes gave him strength, and he forced himself to nod.

“O-Okay… uh… let’s, um, go over there…” He muttered, pointing awkwardly toward a quieter walkway near the side of the building.

Haruna nodded softly, her lips curving into a small, curious smile.

As the two of them walked away, the tennis club exploded into chatter behind them, like a gaggle of hens who’d just witnessed the juiciest drama of the year.

“Oh my god, did you see that!?”

“Rito-kun is so bold!”

“I didn’t think he had it in him…”

“Kiyome-senpai, what do you think?”

Kiyome smirked knowingly, watching Haruna’s retreating figure. “Hmm… I think we’re about to see something interesting.”

Meanwhile, hidden in the bushes, Issei tried not to laugh too loudly. “C’mon, Rito, don’t blow it now. You’ve got this. Just remember… show courage!”

But deep inside, Issei was just as nervous for his cousin as Rito himself. ‘If he crashes and burns, it’ll crush him. But… maybe, just maybe, this’ll be the start he needs.’

Haruna, walking beside Rito, tucked a strand of blue hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were faintly pink as she stole a glance at him. ‘What could he want to tell me…? Could it be… what I think it is?’ Her heart thudded in her chest, and she held her breath in quiet anticipation.

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

The walkway beside the school building was quiet, shaded by the branches of tall trees. It was far enough from the courts that the noise of the tennis club faded into the background, leaving only the soft hum of cicadas and the crunch of gravel beneath hesitant steps.

Rito Yuuki walked stiffly, every muscle in his body tense as he struggled to find words. Beside him, Haruna Sairenji walked calmly, her purple eyes glancing his way with a mixture of curiosity and wonder.

‘Okay… this is it, Rito… just say it… tell her how you feel…’ His fists clenched at his sides, his palms sweaty. His throat felt like sandpaper, and every time he opened his mouth, nothing came out.

Finally, Haruna broke the silence, tilting her head slightly. “So, Yuuki-kun… what did you want to talk about?”

Rito froze. Her voice was gentle, but it carried a weight that pressed down on him. His mouth opened. “I-I… um…” He swallowed hard. ‘Come on! Just say it! I like you, Haruna-san! That’s all you have to say!’

Hidden a few meters away, crouched behind a bush with leaves sticking into his hair, Issei Hyoudou clenched his fists. His face was determined, almost heroic. “You’ve got this, Rito… c’mon, say it! Man up!” He whispered to himself, practically vibrating with energy.

But before he could will his cousin into action, a shadow fell over him.

“What exactly are you doing here?”

Issei jolted like a kid caught stealing snacks. He turned his head slowly to find Kiyome Abe standing there, arms crossed under her ample chest, eyes sharp and skeptical. Her drill curls swayed with the wind, glinting in the sunlight like polished bronze.

Issei forced a smile, scratching his cheek nervously. “Uh… me? I’m, uh, here to show moral support for my cousin. You know, family spirit and all that.” He jabbed a thumb toward the walkway where Rito and Haruna stood.

Kiyome raised an eyebrow. “Moral support. From behind a bush.”

“Hey, don’t judge my methods,” Issei retorted, puffing his chest. “What about you? Why are you sneaking around here?”

Kiyome’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’m here to watch over my junior. Just in case your cousin does anything he shouldn’t.”

“Wha—!?” Issei whispered sharply, glaring at her. “Rito wouldn’t do anything like that! He’s the purest guy I know. Well… too pure, honestly, but that’s why I’m helping him!”

The two leaned closer, their voices getting louder as they argued, neither realizing that their whispers carried far in the quiet walkway.

Meanwhile, Rito and Haruna both stiffened as the voices reached them.

“Rito’s trying to confess and you're here making it difficult for him!”

“You're the one messing it up, idiot!”

“I’m not messing it up, you’re the one making noise!”

“Don’t blame me, blame your cousin for not having the balls!”

Rito’s face turned scarlet, his entire body trembling. Haruna’s cheeks were just as pink, her eyes darting between him and the bushes. The romantic tension shattered like glass under a hammer.

Rito stammered, voice breaking. “I-I… uh… it’s nothing! Really! Forget I said anything, Sairenji-san!”

“Eh? Yuuki-kun…?” Haruna blinked, her heart sinking slightly, though she masked it with a soft smile. “O-Oh… I see. Well, if it was nothing, then… maybe another time.” She bowed her head politely, though the warmth in her eyes dimmed just a little.

Rito could only nod miserably, his shoulders slumped as she excused herself and headed back toward the building.

From behind the bushes, Issei’s face twisted into panic. “Noooo! He froze! Damn it, he had it!”

Kiyome crossed her arms, unimpressed. “See? He got cold feet. Don’t blame me for your cousin’s lack of courage.”

Issei shot her a glare. “Excuse me? If you hadn’t butted in and ruined the moment, he’d have done it!”

Kiyome rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, yes, clearly it’s my fault. Not the fault of the boy who couldn’t string three words together without stuttering.”

“It is your fault!” Issei whispered furiously, jabbing a finger at her. “You distracted me, which distracted him, which ruined everything!”

“You’re delusional,” Kiyome said coolly, tossing a curl over her shoulder.

And so the two stood there, locked in a ridiculous argument, both Issei and Kiyome were red-faced and animated while the very people they were supposed to be supporting were already long gone.

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

Kouh, Issei’s neighborhood

The late afternoon sun dipped low over Kuoh, casting a golden hue across the quiet residential streets.

Issei trudged home, nursing the lumps on his head from the kendo girls. His body ached, but it was nothing compared to the knot in his stomach. His thoughts drifted to the tennis courts, to his cousin standing frozen in front of Haruna, and to the way the moment had slipped through his fingers.

“Damn…” Issei muttered, dragging a hand through his messy brown hair. “I swear, those girls are demons. And not the sexy kind.” But even as he grumbled, his chest tightened. ‘Man, I really screwed that up for him. Should’ve just kept my mouth shut. Hope he’s not too pissed.’

As he rounded the corner, his light brown eyes flicked up to the familiar sight of the two houses side by side—the Hyoudou residence and the Yuki residence. But before he could step onto his porch, the sliding door of the Yuki house opened.

Rito emerged, but not with his usual sheepish smile or clumsy wave. His chestnut hair hung messily over his face, his shoulders slumped as though weighed down by a boulder. He didn’t even notice Issei at first, too lost in his own thoughts.

“Rito…” Issei called softly.

Rito blinked, finally looking up. His eyes looked tired, almost hollow, and his attempt at a smile was more of a grimace. “O-Oh. Issei. You’re back.” His voice lacked energy, the usual nervous spark snuffed out. He rubbed at his arm awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. “…Dinner’s at your place tonight again. Mikan said Aunt Miki’s cooking.”

Issei froze, guilt stabbing at him like a blade. ‘He’s really crushed…’

Normally, Rito would’ve stumbled over his words, flailed his arms, maybe tripped over the step. But now, he just stood there, quiet, the air around him heavy.

“Hey, uh…” Issei scratched the back of his head, forcing a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “About earlier… I—”

“You don’t have to say it,” Rito cut in quickly, shaking his head. His hair hid his eyes, but his voice cracked just slightly. “I… I blew it. I couldn’t say anything. Even when she was right there. It’s not your fault.”

Issei’s grin faltered. He hated seeing his cousin like this. “Rito…”

Rito let out a shaky breath, his fists clenched at his sides. “Why do I even try? Every time… every single time I get close, I choke. Haruna must think I’m pathetic.”

Issei wanted to argue, to tell Rito that Haruna didn’t think that way—but he knew words like that would only sound empty right now. Instead, he reached out and clapped a hand on his cousin’s shoulder.

“Listen, man,” Issei said quietly. “You didn’t fail. You just… froze. But it happens to everyone.” He smirked, trying to lighten the mood. “Hell, if it makes you feel better, I freeze all the time when it matters most. Usually ‘cause I’m too busy getting whacked by girls with bamboo swords.”

Rito let out a weak laugh, but it quickly faded into a sigh. “…It’s not the same.”

“No,” Issei agreed. “It’s not. But you know what is the same? Courage. You either take the shot, or someone else will. And I know you, Rito. You’re not the type to give up. You just need a little push.”

Rito finally lifted his eyes, meeting Issei’s. They were still clouded with doubt, but there was a flicker of something else too.

“…You’re going to get me killed,” He muttered.

Issei grinned, relief washing over him. “Maybe. But better that than living with regret, right?”

Before Rito could respond, the sound of the Hyoudou home’s door interrupted them as it was opened. Mikan appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and expression sharp.

“There you two are,” she said flatly. “Dinner’s ready. Stop standing out here like you’re in some cheesy soap opera and get inside before it gets cold.”

Issei and Rito exchanged a look. For the first time that day, a small, genuine smile tugged at Rito’s lips—though faint, it was there.

“…Yeah,” Issei said, giving his cousin’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s go eat.”

The three enter Issei’s home, following the twelve year old younger sister.

“You two were late yesterday too. Do you even realize how much trouble you cause Aunt Miki when you stroll in late? Honestly, you’re both hopeless.”

Issei raised his hands defensively. “Hey, hey, don’t lump me in with Rito’s clumsiness.”

Rito frowned, “I-I’m not that bad…”

“You tripped over a broom this morning,” Mikan shot back flatly. “While it wasn’t even in the way but you still tripped.”

Issei couldn’t help but laugh, slinging an arm around Rito’s shoulders as the three made their way inside his house. “Don’t worry, bro. If I’m destined to get beaten for my perverted reputation, then you’re destined to trip over things. It’s the curse of our family line!”

“Don’t make up curses just because you’re bad with girls!” Mikan huffed, but the corners of her mouth twitched as though she were suppressing a smile.

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

Space

The stars stretched out as the lone spaceship ripped back into realspace, its hull rattling as though protesting the strain of the hyper jump. For a moment, the silence of space seemed almost merciful. The pilot slumped against the padded chair of her cockpit, her chest rising and falling in rapid breaths.

She had done it. Somehow, against all odds, she’d slipped from their grasp.

“Haah.” She exhaled, a nervous smile tugging at her lips. “Finally. I lost them.”

Her voice was soft, almost childlike, and the way it cracked betrayed just how tightly she had been holding her breath. She brushed back strands of soft pink hair that had slipped loose from the frantic chase, emerald eyes flicking nervously over the glowing panels. The ship hummed softly around her, its engines still warm with strain. But finally she was free.

A sharp beep echoed across the cockpit, and her gaze snapped to the radar. A red light blinked steadily on the display, mocking her relief with each pulse.

Her heart dropped. “Oh, come on!” She exclaimed, pounding her small fist against the console in childlike frustration. “I just shook you off!”

Her lips trembled as she slumped back into her chair, biting the inside of her cheek. ‘I can’t keep running. The ship’s nearly run out of power… and I don’t even know where I am anymore.’

Swallowing down her panic, she reached forward and tapped a sequence into the navigation console. A holographic map of the surrounding galaxy blossomed to life, dotted with countless stars and orbiting worlds. Her fingers hovered over the glowing spheres, scanning desperately for something—anything—that offered hope.

Her eyes widened when she saw it.

There, on the outer edge of the spiral galaxy, a blue and green world spun serenely in the void. It wasn’t as massive as her home, but there was something about it. The way its oceans glistened, the way its landmasses breathed with color. 

Her lips parted as she whispered the strange name that appeared on the screen.

“Ei-ar-th.” She rolled the sound around on her tongue, curiosity sparking in her voice. Then, with renewed determination, she sat up straight and jabbed the coordinate input. “Alright… that’s it. That’s where I’ll hide.”

The ship’s engines whirred as the course realigned. She gripped the controls tightly, fingers white with tension.

“Just a little longer,” She murmured, determination mixed with fear. “If I can make it there… I’ll be safe. Even for a while.”

The ship angled toward its new destination, a streak of silver against the stars as it cut through the void. The image of Earth grew larger on her display, the promise of shelter pulling her forward.

But in the shadow of her escape, the void stirred.

Not far behind, the silent black of space rippled as two smaller vessels tore out of hyperspace, their hulls gleaming. Inside each pod, the enforcers’ eyes burned with relentless purpose as their radar lit up. The red signal pulsed before them, leading them straight to their quarry.

“She won’t get far now,” One muttered, voice like steel.

The other only smirked, pushing the throttle.

The chase wasn’t over. It had only just shifted to a new hunting ground. And the planet called Earth was about to become where the chase continued.

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

The smell of miso soup and grilled fish filled the Hyoudou home as Miki moved about the kitchen. She welcomed Rito and Mikan warmly, fussing over how thin they looked, as if she hadn’t fed them just yesterday.

The four of them gathered around the table, and for a while, the room filled with the comforting sounds of clinking bowls and chatter.

“So,” Mikan said between bites, “Rito… have you made any progress with Haruna yet?”

The moment her name left Mikan’s lips, Rito choked on his rice, face turning red. “I-I told you not to bring that up at dinner!”

Mikan sighed. “You’ve been crushing on her forever. If you don’t confess, you’ll regret it.”

Issei pointed his chopsticks at Rito. “Listen to your sister. Don’t waste time! Sure, I wanna be a Harem King, but if you’ve got one girl you like, you go for it. I’ll even back you up.”

Rito groaned, covering his face with his hands. “With you as my wingman? That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”

Miki laughed from the kitchen. “Boys will be boys… but Issei, don’t drag Rito into your perverted schemes, alright?”

“Mooom! I’m not that bad!” Issei whined, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him.

—-----------------------------

Issei’s room

After dinner and the usual back-and-forth between him, Rito, and Mikan, Issei flopped down onto his bed like a sack of bricks. His body ached in protest, every bruise from the Kendo Club throbbing in unison.

“Ughhh…” He groaned, rolling onto his back. His stomach, though full, was still digesting Miki’s cooking, warm and heavy in the best possible way. His mind drifted lazily, wandering between the usual fantasies of soft curves and blushing maid uniforms and the more serious thought of his cousin’s miserable attempt at confessing to Haruna.

‘Man… Rito’s got it rough. The poor guy freezes up every time he gets close to her. Still, he just needs courage.’ Issei then stared up at the ceiling. A grin twitched at his lips. “Man, a bath sounds good right now.”

Rolling off the bed, he shuffled across the hall and slid open the bathroom door. Steam from the hot tap was already curling upward, fogging the mirror. The faint scent of soap and heated water filled the room, instantly relaxing him.

Stripping down, he tossed his clothes into the laundry basket and stretched his arms overhead with a sigh. His bruised torso ached at the motion, but the promise of hot water more than made up for it. He bent over, running a cloth along his skin first—his mom’s rule drilled into him since childhood: “Always wash yourself before you soak.”

Satisfied, he slipped into the tub.

The instant the warmth enveloped him, Issei let out a long, relieved groan, his head tilting back against the porcelain. “Ahhh… this is paradise. Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.”

The water lapped gently against his shoulders, steam curling around his face. His eyelids drooped, the edges of his vision hazy. The ache in his muscles melted away bit by bit, and for a moment, he felt like he could just drift into sleep.

But peace, as usual, was not something Issei Hyoudou was meant to have in any world.

A sudden flash of light filled the room, bright and blinding.

“Eh!?” Issei shot upright, water sloshing violently over the rim of the tub. His heart leapt into his throat. “Wha—what the hell!?”

And then—

Thud! Splash!

Something pink—someone pink—crashed down from above, the force of it rocking the tub violently.

“Gahh!” Issei yelped as his back slammed against the tub’s edge, his skull hitting against the tiled wall with a dull thunk. Stars danced across his vision, his breath caught in his throat.

Something soft, warm, and… distinctly feminine pressed against his bare chest. His eyes widened as panic, confusion, and disbelief all hit him at once.

‘What the hell just landed on me!?’

Before his brain could catch up, instinct betrayed him. His hands, flailing to steady himself, landed on—

“Haaah!?” A sound was released and the sensation of something round, smooth and soft. 

His mouth barely formed the word before everything spun. His head throbbed, his vision blurred, and the last sensation burned into his mind was the impossible softness in his palms.

Then, unmercifully, darkness swallowed him whole before he realized what he did.

The bathroom went quiet save for the faint ripple of water. And sitting there, blinking in confusion, was a pink-haired girl with emerald eyes and a smile that seemed completely unfazed by the chaos she had just caused.

Done, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. Hopefully it turned out all right and every person is in character. This commission was brought to you by Galaxy Shard Star, so make sure to thank him.