Knock, knock!
"Ara~ I wonder who that could be?" Akeno's silky voice drifted from behind the door.
"Akeno-san, it's me."
"Issei? You may come in."
The moment he received her permission, Issei pushed the door open—only to freeze in his tracks. The sight before him was enough to make any man's heart skip a beat.
Akeno had clearly just finished her bath. She was draped in nothing but a single, thin towel that did a poor job of concealing her breathtaking curves. Water droplets still glistened on her pale skin like morning dew.
Gulp...
"Ufufu~." Akeno let out a soft, melodic giggle, looking thoroughly satisfied with Issei's reaction. 'Just as I thought. This is the best way to get Issei's attention.' With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she closed the distance and wrapped her arms around Issei's, pressing it firmly into the deep, warm valley of her cleavage.
Thump-thump! Thump-thump! Thump-thump!
Issei's heart was hammering so loudly against his ribs that he was certain Akeno could feel every vibration.
"Gulp... Akeno-san, why didn't you tell me you were fresh out of the shower?"
"Ara~ ara~ was that really necessary? You like this kind of thing, don't you, Issei?" Akeno smiled gently, her expression radiating the warmth of a doting older sister.
"...I do like it, but we should really take things one step at a time." Issei fought a desperate battle to keep his eyes from wandering downward, struggling to suppress the "beast" that was beginning to rampage within his heart.
Akeno blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly before they curved into a wide, radiant smile. Instead of letting go, she pulled his arm even tighter, causing her soft chest to press against him until it began to lose its shape. Even so, the sight was mesmerising—something to be admired, worshipped, and held.
Unfortunately, Issei didn't quite have the courage to reach out. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but he felt their emotional bond needed a bit more solidifying first.
"Akeno-san, are you free this Sunday?"
"Eh?" Akeno blinked again, momentarily stunned. She took a breath to steady herself. "I don't have any plans then. So yes, I'm free."
"Great. Then... how about we go out together?"
"A date?"
"Ugh, yeah. You could call it that."
Akeno tried to suppress the rising joy in her chest, her voice tinged with a hint of hesitation. "With Rias, Asia, Koneko, and Xenovia?" Her gaze flickered with a touch of sadness as she asked.
Reading the hidden insecurity in her eyes, Issei smiled and shook his head.
"No. Just the two of us. You and me."
"Eh?" This time, Akeno was genuinely shocked. Her jaw dropped as she looked at him with wide, disbelieving eyes. "Are you serious? I'm not dreaming, am I? You're really asking me out on a date... for just the two of us?" Her voice was hurried, almost panicked with excitement.
Issei understood exactly why she was reacting this way. He gave her a firm, gentle nod.
Akeno composed herself, though her eyes still searched his. "What about Rias and Asia?"
"Rias gave me her blessing. She cares about you a lot, you know."
Akeno's lips trembled slightly before forming a beautiful, genuine smile.
"Thank you, Rias," Akeno whispered under her breath before looking back at Issei. "And Asia?"
Issei paused for a moment, thinking of the blond-haired girl. "Asia has a big heart. Even if she can be a little stingy when it comes to my affection sometimes, I know she'll agree to give you this chance."
His expression turned serious. "I'll talk to her tomorrow. For now, I need your answer."
Akeno's heart fluttered wildly. She took a deep breath, holding it for a second, before nodding with absolute conviction.
Issei nodded back, satisfied.
"Then, this Sunday, let's meet at—"
"Mm! I'm looking forward to our date, Issei-kun!" Akeno beamed, throwing her arms around him in a happy embrace—completely oblivious (or perhaps indifferent) to the fact that her towel had long since slipped to the floor.
Thump-thump! Thump-thump! Thump-thump!
Issei's heart went into overdrive. It took every ounce of his willpower to keep the raging beast inside his body from taking control.
Through sheer grit, Issei managed to restrain himself, though in the end, he had to seek Asia's help to "calm down" his younger brother, who had become quite... energetic.
Technically, he could have asked Akeno, but he ended up fleeing the room just before she realized the effect she had on him.
Once he found Asia, Issei asked the girl to soothe his "younger brother" using her small, reddish mouth. Being the obedient girl she was, Asia complied without a second thought. Her skills had clearly improved since the last time; Kiryuu must have been teaching her well.
Time flew by, and soon it was Sunday—the day of Issei's date with Akeno.
Unlike any other day, Issei had put maximum effort into his appearance as he headed toward their meeting spot. Even though they lived in the same house and could have left together, Akeno had insisted that he go ahead first.
Women were truly complicated creatures; Issei realized he still had a lot to learn about them.
"Issei-kun, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
At the sound of Akeno's shy voice, Issei turned around slowly. His eyes widened, and he stood there, speechless, at the sight of her.
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter patreon.com/AgamYupi02