Warning: fluff incoming.
After school...
"K...Kou-kun."
"Yes, Tsubaki-san."
"!!!"
Tsubaki's eyes widened, the blush on her ears deepening as warmth bloomed in her chest. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies at the sound of her name spoken so gently. The joy she felt was overwhelming as they walked side by side, their hands intertwined. So this is love.
"Have you gone on a date before?" Kousuke asked with a casual tone.
"N-No, this is my first…" she replied quickly, her tone laced with nervousness. It was also the first time she had gone to such lengths to make a good impression on someone. She'd even pestered her friend for advice on what to wear—but she couldn't possibly admit that. It was too embarrassing.
"H-How do I look?"
Tsubaki was wearing a cream-colored blouse with delicate lace around the collar, tucked neatly into a pale lavender skirt that swayed with each step. A soft pink cardigan draped over her shoulders gave her a gentle, warm look. Her long black hair was tied in a low side ponytail with a white ribbon, and a pair of pearl earrings peeked out from beneath her bangs. Even her shoes—small, matching flats—quietly emphasized her elegance.
"Beautiful," he answered without hesitation.
Her grip on his hand tightened at the compliment, joy swelling inside her as she fought the urge to squeal. She could tell he meant it—without even meeting his eyes, she could feel his gaze lingering a bit too long on her legs.
But she was no different. Her eyes kept drifting to his exposed collarbones. At first glance, Kousuke might not have looked like he put in much effort—just a clean V-neck under his usual hoodie and jeans. But the way his jacket hung just right over his frame, paired with spotless sneakers and the faint, inviting scent of cologne, made it clear he hadn't come unprepared.
"Y-You look good as well."
"Of course, I can't be looking lame walking beside a beauty like you, can I?"
Tsubaki lightly smacked his shoulder. "Stop teasing me so much." Despite saying that, she couldn't stop herself from smiling. She liked the way he sounded so confident—it made her feel much more comfortable around him.
"Then, my lady," he said, bowing dramatically before pulling her hand close and planting a kiss on it while meeting her eyes, "let me show you the most memorable date you could ever ask for—as it is my duty as your boyfriend~"
"Fufufu, lead me away then," Tsubaki said, giggling at his silliness. Her laughter made Kousuke even more confident. She didn't notice how there was no longer any sign of nervousness on her face. All she could think about was enjoying her very first date to the fullest. For once, she'd completely forgotten she was a devil—and simply let herself be a girl in love.
...
Meanwhile, not far away...
"...That's a date, isn't it?"
"It's a date, alright."
Two suspicious figures crouched behind a parked car, trying—and failing—to be inconspicuous. The redhead especially stuck out like a sore thumb. Rias wasn't sure how she'd gotten roped into this. One minute she was watching Issei joke around with his friends, and the next, Sona had burst into the clubroom, grabbed her by the arm, and torn open a teleportation scroll.
Since she didn't sense any threat from her rival, Rias didn't resist.
"So... is now the time to explain why you dragged me here? To stalk your Queen?"
"That's not it! I-I'm just a little worried that Tsubaki might be getting fooled by that new student, that's all!"
"...Didn't you also invite him to join the Student Council?"
"That was a mistake! That's where everything started!"
Sona then began explaining everything—how something as small and insignificant as a club invitation had spiraled into an unstoppable avalanche, leading to her Queen becoming Kousuke's girlfriend. Rias was stunned. She hadn't known something like that was happening right under her nose.
'So that explains why Issei was grumbling when he came into the clubroom earlier...' He must've found out about this already.
"Okay, I get it. It was shocking that your Queen found someone...but why must I go along with your shenanigans just because you're jealous?" Rias said nonchalantly, she wasn't particularly interested in this whole ordeal. At most it's a gossip. After all she got the confirmation from Issei that Kousuke will be joining her club. Though not just hers—the Student Council as well.
But she wasn't the type to fuss over minor details like that. At the very least, this way neither of them could reincarnate him as a devil without raising suspicion. Rias was simply curious—she wanted to uncover his secret, and that was all.
"I-I'm not jealous at all! I have a legitimated reason! What if he brings her to a love hotel?!"
"...So? We're devils, have you forgotten?"
"Why do you have to be so logical right now?! Reverse back to the stupid Rias in season 1!"
"Excuse me?!"
"Ah! They're heading somewhere else—come on!"
"I get it, stop pulling me!"
...
"Is it good?"
"Yes! I didn't know a place like this even existed!"
Tsubaki beamed after taking a bite of her ice cream, letting out a squeal as the sweetness danced across her tongue. She'd always had a soft spot for desserts, so when Kousuke brought her to a quiet, sunlit café and ordered a full ice cream set, her heart almost exploded. There was a good chance her pupils had turned into hearts the moment the treats were placed on the table.
Across from her, Kousuke watched her with a gentle smile, clearly enjoying the sight. Her cheeks turned bright red in response. She suddenly realized how she must look—stuffing her face like a hungry pig.
"D-Don't stare so much... Here, try some!"
Flustered, she offered him a spoonful—unaware it was the same spoon she had just used. Kousuke noticed, of course, but leaned in without hesitation. Just as her eyes widened in realization, it was already too late—the spoon was in his mouth.
"Mmm, it's really good~"
He pulled away slowly, a slick trail of saliva clinging to the spoon. When their eyes met, he smirked and licked his lips seductively.
Tsubaki stared at him, stunned and flustered beyond belief. Her already flushed cheeks deepened further as she looked away, burying her face in her ice cream to hide her embarrassment.
Her mind kept replaying the same scene over and over again, making it difficult for her to even look at him. 'Why did he do that?! Even for a tease, that was... a little too much!' she thought, heart racing.
Kousuke's bold move had proven to be far too stimulating for the innocent devil.