Kuoh Academy, Student Council Room
"Tenra Kamiyo, just how long do you plan to loiter here?"
School had ended ages ago, but Tenra was still sprawled comfortably in the council room. Sona Shitori finally lost her patience, her voice sharp and precise.
Tenra stretched, unbothered by her tone. "I told you already, Sona. I came here today to pick you all up."
He flashed her a lazy grin. "Last time, you said you'd think about moving in with us, but you never made a move. So I had to come personally and invite you."
Sona's expression didn't budge. "That was your decision. I only said I'd consider it."
Tenra shrugged. "Doesn't matter. If you don't move, I'll just keep following you around."
He glanced at the clock. "You're heading home soon, right? Perfect. I'll pay a visit. Hard to believe I've never been to your place, Sona."
A ripple of suppressed laughter ran through Tsubaki Shinra and the other girls. Sona realized, not for the first time, that arguing logic with Tenra was a lost cause.
Let him stay if he wants. See how long he can keep it up.
Sona and her peerage returned to their work, leaving Tenra to his own devices. He didn't mind, settling into a chair and watching the girls work with quiet amusement. There was something unexpectedly pleasant about the scene.
Time passed. Evening crept in, and the council finally finished their tasks. As the girls packed up to leave, Sona noticed Tenra was still there.
"Why haven't you left yet?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
Tenra grinned. "Sona, don't tell me you're underestimating my resolve!"
Sona's lips twitched. She walked out of the office without another word, Tenra trailing after her with a smug smile.
On the way back to their residence, Sona's mood was distinctly stormy. Tenra, meanwhile, chatted and joked with Momo Hanakai, Ruruko Nimura, and the rest, his antics coaxing laughter from the group.
Halfway home, Tenra suddenly stopped in front of a jewelry store.
"Sona, Tsubaki—wait for me a sec."
Before anyone could protest, he slipped inside.
Sona considered leaving him behind, but after a moment's hesitation, she stayed put. The girls waited, and Tenra soon emerged, arms laden with necklaces and bracelets—sparkling gifts any girl would love.
"First time visiting your place, Sona. Can't show up empty-handed."
"Wow, these are beautiful…"
"Are these all for us, Tenra-sama?"
"Of course. Pick whichever you like."
"These must be expensive, right?" Ruruko asked, wide-eyed.
Tenra waved her off. "Don't let my laid-back vibe fool you—I've got plenty stashed away. And the Phoenix Clan? Money's never a problem."
The girls exchanged glances, impressed despite themselves. In the Underworld, the Phoenix Clan's wealth was legendary—a single vial of Phoenix Tears was worth more than most could imagine.
With a chorus of thanks, the girls eagerly chose their favorites.
"Sona, this one's for you." Tenra handed her a carefully wrapped box.
Inside lay a silver bracelet, elegant and refined—chosen with Sona's cool temperament in mind.
"I don't need this." Sona's eyes lingered for a moment, but she made no move to accept.
Tenra feigned a wounded look. "Sona, we're engaged. You're really going to refuse me?"
"If you don't like it, just toss it. But at least do it where I can't see—spare my feelings."
He pressed the box into her hand, and Sona sighed, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes. She tucked the gift away.
"Don't make a habit of this."
"Noted," Tenra replied, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He'd long since mastered the council president's quirks.
No more delays—Tenra followed the girls to their home.
As Sitri Clan's heiress, Sona's residence in the human world was suitably grand: a sprawling, elegant villa. For convenience, her peerage lived with her.
"Tenra-sama, please have some tea."
In the main hall, Tsubaki served him a cup of fragrant red tea.
"Thank you, Tsubaki."
Tenra sipped, then added, "By the way, you should all pack up what you want to bring. Soon, you'll be moving in with us."
Tsubaki and the others glanced at Sona for confirmation.
"Go ahead and get ready," Sona said at last. She knew if she refused, Tenra would probably just camp out here indefinitely.
"Yes, Sona-sama."
Excitement flickered through the group. The prospect of living with Tenra, Rias, and their peerages was too tempting to resist. The girls hurried off to prepare.
"Make yourself comfortable," Sona said, before disappearing into her own room.
Tenra relaxed in the living room, sipping tea and waiting.
Soon, Bennia appeared, dragging a small suitcase.
"Already done packing, Bennia?" Tenra asked.
She blushed. "When I ran away from home, I didn't bring much. Not a lot to pack."
She fished a coat from her suitcase, holding it out shyly. "Iro-oniisan, I made a new coat. Can you sign it for me?"
She handed him a pen, eyes full of hope.
Tenra examined the coat—it was embroidered with the Susanoo design from his last Rating Game, clearly stitched by Bennia herself.
He signed his name and handed it back. "How's that?"
Bennia's face lit up. "Perfect! Thank you, Iro-oniisan! I'll treasure it forever!"
After Bennia, Tsubaki and the others finished packing and rejoined him. But Sona's room remained silent.
Tenra checked the time, concern flickering. He stood and headed toward Sona's door, intending to see what was keeping her…
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