Chapter 15
"Grouping up as partners feels weirdly like a wedding ceremony."
From an outside perspective—or looking back after the fact—someone might think that.
But from the perspective of the people involved, this version of Denji was undeniably charismatic.
From Hayakawa Aki's point of view.
Yes, Denji was a human contracted to an unregistered, mysterious devil—and he'd basically backdoored his way into Public Safety.
But if Makima-sama approved him, his strength and stability must be solid.
A talent like that had no business being paired with an unstable, obviously problematic fiend.
This job wasn't a game. Every mission carried real risk—life-or-death stakes—to fight devils and protect peace.
And Aki, sensitive to emotion, clearly heard the Blood Fiend's tension and the faint, pleading undertone in her voice.
That wasn't normal.
An abnormal devil meant trouble. Danger.
Yet Denji's answer sounded like he was willingly shouldering all of it—too confident, too certain.
Aki was genuinely confused.
They'd only worked together one day. What kind of bond could possibly form that fast?
What kind of feelings would make this guy named Denji take such a risk?
Either a lunatic… or an idiot.
Aki provisionally slapped those labels on Denji.
The thoughts sounded purely negative and questioning—but who wouldn't want a teammate willing to step up like that?
Makima—seeing and knowing far more—felt the same strange dissonance.
The intermittent "signal disruptions" meant she couldn't be 100% sure what Denji and Power had said during the gaps… but from all available intel, those breaks weren't long enough for anything major. A few sentences at most.
She'd paired them because Denji kept surprising her—his strength was undeniable, and she didn't mind him carrying a potential liability that could also build a bond.
Even now, she couldn't fully read him.
That was why she'd asked for opinions—she knew if Denji had something to say, he'd voice it anyway. Better to preempt.
His answer wasn't unexpected.
What puzzled her was the emotion behind it.
Was it really just simple lust?
The type who couldn't walk straight past a woman?
But then… why did he "pull and tease" with her, yet show "protection" and "responsibility" toward Power?
Why her and not Power?
A thousand thoughts swirled—yet Makima continued smoothly with the prepared script:
"Very well. It's decided."
"But to ensure you learn proper patrol and operational protocols, tomorrow you'll go out with Hayakawa."
"As for today…"
Makima clasped her hands behind her back and turned playfully toward the window, facing the setting sun.
The dying light gilded her profile—adding another perfect filter. Lowered lashes drew every gaze, inviting people to search for melancholy in the goddess of beauty's eyes—an instinctive urge to cherish and protect~
Too bad Denji came equipped with full Makima immunity. This flirtatious display was wasted on a blind man.
When she stayed silent too long, Denji glanced over—bored—then looked at Aki, who was just standing there stone-faced and zoning out.
Whether Makima felt any embarrassment was unclear. She tucked a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear, then continued:
"Denji, you'll live next door to Hayakawa. There should still be an empty room there.
Rent fully covered by the budget. Any other questions?"
The tone and phrasing clearly meant: if no objections, you're dismissed.
But this time Denji actually had one.
"What about Power?"
"She's a dangerous fiend. Once we reassess her risk and condition, we'll arrange appropriate housing."
"Still hasn't been arranged?"
"Reassessment hasn't started yet."
Denji felt it clearly—especially at the word "reassessment." Power's body trembled hard.
He looked down—expression hidden.
Then looked up again, scanning the room casually, one hand in his pocket as if searching for something.
Suddenly he pulled out a tomato.
"Is this a tomato or a 西紅柿?"
"…Just a regular tomato."
A tiny pause—barely perceptible, but there.
Denji's earlier hesitant demeanor vanished instantly.
"Here's the thing. As partners, Power and I need to spend time together to build chemistry.
The situation's urgent—just like you said earlier, 'act with haste when necessary.' I don't think Power needs any more assessments.
Her staying with me is the most appropriate arrangement."
Forget Makima—even Aki found it absurd.
He glanced at the girl hiding behind Denji.
Cute. Definitely a beautiful girl.
But she was the Blood Fiend!
A devil wearing a human shell—no matter how "friendly," still a devil.
This guy… was he just thinking with his lower half?!
He must be starving!
Aki quietly retracted his earlier flicker of respect for Denji.
Makima's expression barely shifted—only the faint, fake smile at her lips disappeared, replaced by blankness. A faint, barely-contained aura of terrifying pressure began to leak from her eyes…
Just that… right?
"Hayakawa, step outside and wait."
Before Aki could respond, she added:
"That's an order.
Wait.
And forget 'this part' of the memory."
Aki's eyes instantly went vacant. He answered "Yes," turned mechanically, and walked out to stand guard.
"Mm… u-uuu…"
Power—having witnessed it all—recalled old memories and was now terrified enough to practically glue herself to Denji's back. Fearful sobs slipped out with every shaky breath…
"You take Meowy and wait outside for me too."
Power cautiously lifted her head to look at Denji. He smiled brightly and said:
"Don't worry. Trust me."
She was terrified. Her mind was chaos. Her grip was iron-tight—wet, burning.
Denji didn't yank his hand free. Instead he covered it with his other palm—stroking gently, warmly—then slowly withdrew his fingers through the gaps.
He gave the trembling Power a brief hug, then placed both hands on her shoulders—thumbs resting on her collarbones, gently turning her with opposing push-pull pressure.
Finally he pressed lightly on her back—extremely tender.
"Go on."
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