Chapter 6: Gabi-chan’s Tail8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWfPwf9UOU
Walking out of the supermarket, the city lights had already come on, and the night sky was dotted with stars like scattered diamonds. The glow from neon signs painted the streets in shifting hues of pink and blue, and the gentle hum of life filled the air. It was the kind of evening that felt alive yet oddly peaceful.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcKJMRPXNX
The evening breeze brushed gently, stirring a wind chime hanging somewhere under an eave, bringing along a crisp, pleasant ringing sound that seemed to dance with the drifting scent of blooming flowers. The sound faded, replaced by the distant laughter of pedestrians and the low purr of passing cars.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZoLYUSOSi
“Thank you so much for earlier, Kouya-kun!” Gabi-chan took the groceries from his hands and bowed again, her golden hair catching the light as she moved. Her manners were flawless—graceful, polite, almost dazzling. Truly worthy of being the top graduate of Angel School.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuMjtPw3rU
“Mm.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyXZQO1o9j
Kouya’s answer was short. He didn’t like this kind of exaggerated politeness. It felt artificial to him. He gave a faint nod and turned on his heel, walking toward his rented apartment with slow, measured steps.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEUo9TX78s
He lived nearby, in a small apartment about twenty minutes from the school. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was quiet, and that was all he wanted. Most of the residents were either students like him or tired office workers who came home too late to bother anyone.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FAG1hvk1p
As he left the crowded street behind, Kouya turned into a small alley lined with cherry trees. Petals drifted in the breeze like fragments of light, falling softly against his shoulders. It was almost serene—until he heard it.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDQeuuuLFR
Footsteps. Light, hesitant, and close.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JhKPM6Tqp
The noise of cars and people faded further, but the faint sound behind him became more distinct. Under the soft streetlights, two shadows stretched across the pavement—one following closely behind the other.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pEcWKeZud
“What’s this stupid angel following me for?” Kouya thought, his brow twitching. “Did she… discover my identity?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF2Q9AvUcx
Then he scoffed inwardly. “No, impossible. Unless the God King himself came down to earth, there’s no way she could.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j6nr920FC
He shook his head and sighed. As long as she didn’t interfere with his peaceful daily life, it wasn’t worth his attention.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1pf6KysXs
Before long, he arrived at his apartment building—a modest three-story complex with creaky stairs and a faint smell of detergent. He lived in the second-to-last room on the second floor. Not big—just thirty square meters—but enough for a quiet life.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA3DiTHoXR
Yet, the footsteps behind him didn’t fade. They followed him all the way up the stairs, right to his door.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXPSRemTY5
That was it.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPIxsewONd
Kouya turned sharply, irritation flashing across his face.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnaOK0TngD
“Hey. Why are you following me?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRmQZE3egP
Gabi-chan blinked rapidly, her cheeks flushing pink. “N-no, you’ve got it wrong, Kouya-kun.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qeolY9oAo
‘Wrong, my ass! You’ve been tailing me since the supermarket!’ he screamed internally. ‘What are you, a stalker? You think I’m blind?’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuH9rYuzX3
“Um, Kouya-kun, really, you’re misunderstanding.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdSPpWP32I
“I believe my own eyes—”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4ItiGjMBY
Before he could finish, Gabi-chan reached into her wallet, took out a key, and with a soft click, unlocked the door… right next to his.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuS3PAqBbq
Kouya stared blankly. “……”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tF9kRSnT8
‘No way… this dumb angel is my neighbor?!’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SFdHcp6aF
‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Damn it, of all people!’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLra2eX5Kh
Gabi-chan smiled warmly, pushing her door open but not stepping in yet. “I just moved in this morning. I haven’t had the chance to greet my neighbors yet. What a coincidence that you live here too, Kouya-kun.” She bowed slightly, her golden hair swaying. “Well then, Kouya-kun, I look forward to getting along with you.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUSSD0xGxl
Kouya’s expression didn’t change. He muttered something under his breath and went inside, shutting his door firmly. Just the thought of an angel living next door made him restless.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawt59N0v5G
His apartment was simple but cozy. A small kitchen, a folding table, a bed by the window. He cooked dinner, ate quietly, cleaned up meticulously, and spent the evening at his computer, reading up on this strange, modern world. At exactly ten-thirty, he turned off the lights and lay down.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEKBpkQx57
For someone like him—someone who could go without sleep for days—choosing to rest early was more a matter of principle than need. The Demon King who wished to live in peace needed a routine, after all.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TjTH9eTBa
And so, he drifted off.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLtwhJGXNt
…8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMiH4BdtD6
The night passed without incident.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1kbwJav0E
At seven sharp, his eyes opened right before the alarm went off. He got up, washed his face, ate the leftover dinner, and slung his bag over his shoulder. The air outside was crisp and clean. The faint fragrance of spring flowers mixed with the chill morning breeze, brushing against his face and waking him completely.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18OM2k9oNz
The warm sunlight spilled down between buildings, soft and golden. It was almost… comfortable.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOk7TQnF1c
He glanced at the door beside his. Still closed. He wondered vaguely if the angel was awake, then shrugged it off. No reason to care.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0QtGiKWoh
Walk together with her? Not a chance.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8srEZpskF
The Demon King preferred solitude over holy company.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4jlgn1kg5
…8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrVZPucdQ9
Kouya disliked buses—the exhaust fumes made his head ache. Since school wasn’t far, walking was better. The rhythmic sound of his own footsteps against the pavement was oddly soothing.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR6fdT78Eq
But halfway down a narrow street, a familiar, panicked voice broke the calm.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xHH3xL52V
“D-don’t come any closer!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjbg847HKr
A low growl followed, echoing through the alley.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iQaFijIM0
“I am the great demon Satania! The one destined to rule Hell itself! If you value your life, flee before my terrifying power!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXefiEmVAC
The growl got louder.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggchQ30MaN
“You still dare defy me? Then I’ll unleash my ultimate—ahhhh! No, don’t—!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uJxJ0mpUZ
Then came a desperate cry.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6OkmQzaUj
“No! That’s my most precious thing!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjJ5SvrNZG
Kouya stopped cold.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D4weRMTVx
‘What the hell is going on now?’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI2LaXFfZN
Was a demon beast attacking a girl in broad daylight?8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBxznt3MQw
Heart heavy with suspicion, he turned the corner—and came face to face with the “beast.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs24Y4LGlK
It was charging toward him, eyes round and wide, staring straight into his.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJyeJqPvah
“……”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SEQ7MYu5c
They locked eyes. The world went silent.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoNxTmXHtR
Kouya groaned softly and rubbed his temple. He felt a headache forming.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAjZl8KL6U
“Woof! Woof!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkUYKIKSyv
The so-called monster barked triumphantly, tail wagging as it strutted away on short legs like a victorious general.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Ght4I5Fo
“Ugh, it stole my bread again! Why does this keep happening…?” wailed the girl’s voice, thick with tears.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodZ4ni0oNx
Kouya glanced at her—red hair, small horns, ridiculous expression. The self-proclaimed “Great Demon Lord Satania” sat on the ground, sniffling.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiQpAVwPaJ
Well, at least the “enemy” was clear—a stray dog. White fur, sharp eyes, and a chunk of pineapple bread in its mouth. A pitifully normal thief.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJEzhBk1TP
‘You’ve embarrassed all demons everywhere. Losing your breakfast to a dog? I should exile you from Hell myself.’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU7aGDGeKy
He approached, looking down at her with faint annoyance.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwJ8y7yHDB
“Get up.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8NClpcnSw
She looked up, blinking tears away. “Y-you’re helping me?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggafKOUkGr
“No.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GmP6VCxlQ
“Eh?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GizkLC940
“You’re blocking the way.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fTvyF52cO
Her lips trembled as she stood, muttering under her breath. “Kouya-kun, you’re so mean…”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FqBNReGrs
“Hm? You know my name now? Yesterday you didn’t.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR4zrC3JQ8
“Ahaha…” She turned her face away, staring at the blank wall as if it were fascinating. “I-I didn’t go asking around or anything!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS5EuimyuJ
Kouya sighed inwardly. ‘If I stay here any longer, I’ll lose brain cells.’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAqP2JRg6a
…8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEwuJeRtGv
The morning classes passed slowly. The sunlight was warm, but Kouya couldn’t relax. Not with Gabi-chan—the perfect, rule-following angel—around.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3GrFfeuGj
In fact, she’d become something of a class mascot. Everyone adored her.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpoUewWQnW
She smiled like she radiated light. She helped everyone. She even took orders from that red-haired idiot.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnhYhFeZZw
“Gabi-chan, I want juice.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFGvYMXV2k
“Of course. Here you go.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC3NqjoJ9D
“Gabi-chan, can I borrow your notes?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweYZukbkmk
“Sure! I copied Satania’s handwriting for fun.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAscNKVG62
“Gabi-chan, my shoulders hurt.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLlNrjeKQx
“Then let me massage them!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDb2Kek0FA
Kouya buried his face in his hand. ‘What a saintly idiot. They’re treating her like a servant, and she’s loving it!’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12Sp8GbPLJ
Then, during class, she passed him a note.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6MYVwWuN9
“Kouya-kun, are you free tomorrow?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK849kgZMJ
He frowned, scribbling back: “Why?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYhfHBtdOm
“I want to thank you for helping me. If you don’t mind, please come have lunch at my place tomorrow.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJj8dixqda
His reply was immediate: “No.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DJnuM6A4X
But Gabi-chan didn’t back down. “Kouya-kun helped me, and I can’t rest until I repay you.” She’d even drawn a little doodle of a teary angel beside it.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuAm88j6B8
He wanted to say no again—but she lived next door. There was no escaping her persistence.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGzq0eVlhP
Skipping lunch to hide from her? Ridiculous.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LOiIsxt2l
That would look like defeat.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIviPXw5u9J
“…Fine. Just this once.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7IWUhCRnv
…8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc6udz5xDA
By lunchtime, Kouya escaped to the rooftop again. He bought some bread and water and planned to eat in silence.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdXJe956NI
Of course, Satania was there too, clutching two rice balls and pretending she wasn’t looking at him.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWZ9kNBvT9
He sighed. “You always eat alone?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMVA3oAb45
“W-what? Of course not!” She flailed, cheeks flushed. “I just prefer to dine in solitude like a true demon! Not because I’m jealous or anything!”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKjuFBP7yV
‘Yeah, right,’ Kouya thought. ‘You’re just lonely.’8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CQfmkwBD1
Still, he didn’t press. Solitude suited him fine too.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhutAzZUhUt
…8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXxEukwT4g
Days blurred together. Before long, the first week of the new semester was over.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmRu4nC2aO
After school, Kouya’s phone buzzed. Caller ID: Cousin.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFHt2FqcPf
He hesitated, then answered.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal2u8G6pz5
A warm, slightly husky voice came through. “Hey, hey, Kouya? That you?”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dPaROAcch
“It’s me.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4msVSZM31U
“I’m your cousin Kobayashi,” she said with a small laugh. “I was supposed to pick you up for the opening ceremony, but something came up. I only just got some free time—sorry about that…”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9wTebuuUm
“Anyway, Kouya, come to my place for dinner tonight.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubp19mKdIX
He instinctively said, “No need.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOpInsXdVs
He didn’t like going to unfamiliar places, even family’s.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SW5LH3Xci
“You’re not still mad at me, are you?” she asked softly.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUKQlZsZP4
“…No.”8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkvJsFu6XD
“Then come over tonight! Or I’ll come find you!” she declared, her tone playful yet commanding8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fNZwnEw1M
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEEOAUCj3F
1234 copyright protection4ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUVEMurIje 尼

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