*47

Ding Ding~!
I look up from the book I'm reading, and what do I see…?

A stunning redhead I’ve had the pleasure of knowing all too well—Rias Gremory.

"Hiya, President. Told you I’d bring your order to school today," I say with a smile.

But I’m thinking...

> Wow, that black dress really brings out her whole vibe.



"Aw... thank you for the compliment!"
She just gives me that usual smug smile.

Rias stopped saying things out loud about two months ago, and by now, I’m used to this mysterious telepathic energy thing—a bizarre side effect of being, well... us.

I ask my King,
"So what brings you in? Just passing by?"

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind staying lazy and getting books delivered.

She lifts an eyebrow and says,
"I had to come. It’s our one-year anniversary, remember?"

> Oh, man. That’s right! We did meet a year ago during that whole supernatural chaos. Where did the time go?



I smile,
"You're right. That was a crazy time."

…Did Rias just look a little shy?

> Huh. Rare moment. Kinda cute.



"Since it’s our anniversary," I say warmly, "Today’s order’s on the house. Happy anniversary, Pres."

She takes her bag, then gives me a sly look and says…

"I think it’d be rude to receive something and not give something in return."

> Uh-oh. That look spells mischief.



With that signature smirk, she steps behind the counter and—
Boop!
A quick kiss on the cheek!

"There. Consider that my gift."

"A nice surprise. Short—but memorable!"

> Aaaand… my cursed mouth says that out loud. Again.



Rias laughs.
"I can do better. Just one more!"

Before I can stop her—Boop!—second kiss, a bit more playful.

Just as things start heating up—
Ding Ding~!
Yup. Bad luck always rings at the perfect moment.

"Hot dang, I knew it… My son is the man!"

> …And there’s my other curse: Dad.



Rias calmly turns,
"Hello, Father. Just wishing Mat a happy anniversary."

He holds up two thumbs as he heads to the back, grinning.

"Carry on, lovebirds. Good luck on your third year!"

> Oh no. He's never going to let this go. But hey… at least Mom didn’t see.



Rias flashes me a devilish grin and says,
"See you at school tomorrow, stud. I’ll let Akeno know I scored the point."

> Wait… This was a competition with Akeno?!




---

The Next Morning…

[ “P-Please p-pet me, Master! I-I’ll p-purr for you~nya!” ]

Smack!
I slap the alarm clock quiet and swear I hear police sirens somewhere in the distance.

I get ready for my second year of high school, already feeling like I’m living in an anime.


---

Downstairs, breakfast is chaotic-family classic.

Mom smiles, handing me my bento.
"Mat, are you ready for your second year at Kuoh Academy?"

"Yeah, Mom. Hoping for good days… and fewer disasters."

Dad’s practically glowing with pride. He still hasn't stopped smirking since yesterday.


---

I haven’t even left the gate when—surprise!

Koneko Toujou is standing there, backpack in hand, in her full uniform.

"Hi Matsuda… c-can we walk to school together?"

She looks so shy. Like, adorably shy.

"S-Sure. But your house is the other direction?"

She blushes,
"I wanted to show you my uniform… and ask if it looks okay."

> Ah. So that’s what that weird anime alarm was for. Thanks, universe.



"You look great. Very classy."

She beams.
"Let’s go then, senpai!"

Thwack~!
Cute overload. I take emotional damage.

> I’m definitely being judged for these thoughts. Future me—have that lawyer ready.




---

We walk in peaceful silence under a sunny sky.

I say,
"Koneko, don’t forget the opening assembly. And if anything strange happens—find me, alright?"

I throw on my best protective senpai voice.


---

Halfway there, Motohama and Issei catch up—loud and ridiculous as ever.

They’re already ranting about the "top ten cutest girls" of Kuoh.

> Please. Someone replace these guys.



Koneko silently scoots closer to escape their… energy.
I appreciate her survival instincts.

At school, Issei dashes off toward Sona, who gives him zero attention.

I hand Sona two books: one on marketing, the other The Art of War.
She hadn’t read it yet, surprisingly.

"You really do know my tastes," she says with a soft smile.

> Did her glasses just sparkle? Anime physics are real.



I give Tsubaki a light kiss on the cheek.
"Good luck with your third year!"

She turns pink but nods.
"You too, Mat."

Cue dramatic heartbreak from several first-year guys nearby.

"Keep dreaming, Saji!" I call out.

Oh—and there she is. The newly promoted Knight. Same grade as Koneko now. This’ll be interesting.


---

In Homeroom…

Typical anime seating shuffle.
No Kiba this year. Darn—I had jokes ready.

> Don’t worry, readers. He’ll show up again. So will Vali, Cao Cao… and some others. But no, I’m not becoming friends with them.



Issei and Motohama pop up again like annoying NPCs.

"Seriously, Matsuda?! Not just Tsubaki and Akeno—now Koneko too?! Save some for us!"

I smirk,
"Oh? So Momo and Yura are fair game then?"

Issei turns pale.

Motohama grabs him,
"You traitor! You said you weren’t chasing them!"

Watching Issei get tackled by a regular guy?

> Peak comedy. Perfect way to start the year.