DxD: I'm Surrounded by Big Sister Devils!

With club activities canceled today, Keikain Fukuki unexpectedly found himself as a temporary member of the "Go-Home Club."

Arriving home before 3 p.m. for the first time since transferring to Kuoh Academy felt odd.

How did the saying go? Ditch a cushy six-figure salary at the family business to grind unstable freelance work until 7 or 8 p.m. every night.

"Heading home, heading home~"

Humming a little tune that every grocery store plays before closing, Fukuki left the classroom after saying goodbye to Asia.

But as he walked out of the academic building, crossed the central avenue, and arrived at the school gate, an unexpected figure suddenly entered his line of sight.

It was 3 p.m. sharp, the time when club activities had just begun, and students from the "Go-Home Club" were leaving en masse. The area near the gate was bustling, with some wealthier families even sending drivers to pick up their children. This created one of the day's peak crowds, second only to the morning rush.

Yet amid the sea of people, a striking figure stood out like a red dot on a white canvas, or a single splash of vibrant ink in a monochrome manga—a crimson-haired girl leaning lightly against the stone pillar by the gate.

She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes distant as she watched students pass by one after another. Despite being so close, an invisible wall of unapproachable grace seemed to surround her, discouraging anyone who might gather the courage to strike up a conversation.

Rias?

Fukuki's curiosity was piqued, and he raised an eyebrow.

Just two minutes ago, Akeno had sent a message claiming that Rias wasn't feeling well, leading to the cancellation of club activities. While Asia's earlier remark clarified it wasn't a physical illness but rather some sort of personal concern, her presence here at this moment felt anything but coincidental.

As if sensing the familiar gaze directed her way, the red-haired girl, who had been lost in thought, stirred slightly.

Her lashes fluttered as she blinked, her eyes following the direction of the stare until they locked onto the boy in the crowd.

In that instant, her expression—so cool and distant moments ago—melted like ice under a spring sun. A soft, gentle smile bloomed on her face, like the first thaw of winter.

She raised a hand and waved toward him.

?

But he still walked over.

"Why are you here at the school gate alone? A moment ago, Akeno messaged me saying you weren't feeling well. Are you okay?"

"Hmm… It's actually nothing serious. My body is fine; it's just that my heart feels a bit…" Rias lightly pressed her lips together before changing the subject.

"More importantly, do you have any plans today, or are you in a rush to get home?"

"Nope, not in a hurry. Why?"

There was no urgency to head back. The club activity cancellation had already given him two extra hours, leaving plenty of time to spare.

As if waiting for this answer, a delighted smile spread across Rias's face.

"In that case, come take a walk with me."

Without waiting for his response, she reached out and held his hand.

Huh?

The question mark above Fukuki's head grew larger.

Well, the request to take a walk itself wasn't an issue. The real problem lay in the fact that Rias, one of Kuoh Academy's most popular and unattainable senpai, was openly holding hands with him at the school gate during dismissal. Wasn't this way too much of a public spectacle?

Even if they were "single dogs" as the internet says, they were still living, breathing humans! To flash such a glaring romantic spotlight in public…

Sure enough, the lively atmosphere at the school gate fell silent the moment their fingers intertwined. All eyes focused on them like lasers.

"Ara, perhaps this is a bit much…" Rias tilted her head playfully, sticking out her tongue in a charming apology upon noticing the change in the surrounding mood.

Then, like the lead in a high-school rom-com who's decided to rebel, she threw out a dramatic line:

"Time to run~!"

With that, she dashed forward through the crowd, dragging a bewildered Fukuki behind her.

And as they broke free from the throng of students, the sound of despairing howls erupted behind them, loud and mournful, like a winter wail.

But this didn't concern Fukuki at all.

Soon, after fleeing the school gate, the cries faded with the increasing distance. By the time they stopped, they found themselves on a quiet student street near the school.

"Huff… Huff… Haha, did you see their faces, Fukuki? The reactions were priceless…"

Panting slightly, Rias leaned over with her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath, laughter spilling out in melodious bursts.

"Of course I noticed." Fukuki gently patted her back, helping her calm down.

"But seriously, couldn't we have just walked? Did we really need that kind of grand entrance?"

"Well, let's just say I wasn't thinking straight for a moment. My bad, my bad!"

Having caught her breath, Rias stood upright again and reached for his hand once more.

"Alright, let's keep going."

"Okay."

Since it was still early and the dismissal rush hadn't yet reached the student street, the place was relatively deserted.

After walking a short distance, Fukuki took the initiative to speak.

"I asked Asia earlier. She said you've seemed preoccupied these past couple of days."

"Hmm, I guess so." Rias pursed her lips, looking hesitant.

"There's something I want to ask you, about what you promised me before… I mean, about me and Akeno and the others. Does it still hold true?"

"What promise?"

"You said that if we were ever in danger, you'd come to our rescue no matter what…"

"Of course it still holds. Why? Is someone after you?" Fukuki's face showed a hint of concern.

In his view, someone targeting Rias wouldn't be enough to trouble her to this extent. If such a person did appear, they could simply deal with it like they had with the Fallen Angels—bring everyone together and crush the threat.

"Sort of, but not in that way…" Rias hesitated.

"If I told you I need your help right now, would you be willing?"

"Of course, as long as it's something I can do," the boy responded plainly and sincerely.

"Well... since you say that..."

For some reason, as their conversation continued, Rias's tone became increasingly hesitant, and her steps slowed until she stopped completely.

"This is it. We're here."

"Huh?"

Following her gaze, Fukuki looked up.

Before he realized it, they had arrived at the entrance of a love hotel.