Chapter 190: Body Pillow
Kouya withdrew his gaze and turned to head home. The streetlamps flickered faintly in the distance, casting golden light onto the quiet road. His footsteps echoed softly against the pavement, unhurried, carrying the kind of calm that only came after a long day.
Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure hurriedly slipping away, as if trying to avoid him. Her movements were quick but slightly flustered, the kind that only drew more attention because of how unnatural they seemed.
"Hm?" Kouya raised an eyebrow, halting his step.
Purple hair tips, a charming, slightly trembling back... that was definitely Vigne. He would've recognized her anywhere—her elegance always stood out even when she was trying to hide.
Normally, if Vigne wanted to avoid him, Kouya wouldn't have gone after her. He wasn't the type to force interactions. But tonight, he remembered what he'd read earlier—a few articles on how to get along with girls, simple things like "show interest," "be considerate," and "don't let misunderstandings fester." For once, he decided to try following that advice.
So, after a moment's hesitation, he followed her.
He caught up to her near the corner of the street. Her shoulders stiffened slightly when she heard his steps approaching.
"W-What are you doing here?" Vigne took a small step back, biting her lip lightly. The streetlight reflected in her eyes, making them shine like amethysts.
'When you bite your lip, it usually means something's wrong.'
'Could she be... mad?'
"I just saw you," Kouya said, scratching his cheek. Then he added, almost defensively, "Earlier at the supermarket entrance, I ran into Satania. She was fighting over the limited-edition pineapple buns, so I treated her to something to eat."
Vigne turned her head away, her long hair swaying with the motion. Her voice was soft, almost sulky. "Why are you telling me that you ate with Satania..."
But her steps slowed down.
Kouya shrugged. "I don't know. It just felt like something I should explain."
"You..." Vigne glared at him briefly, her cheeks puffing out slightly before she fell silent again.
"Finished work for today?" Kouya asked casually, watching her expression.
"Mm, just got off," Vigne nodded, her tone softening. "I was planning to pick up some groceries..."
"Then let's go together," Kouya said quickly, trying not to sound too eager. "I only helped Satania buy some pineapple buns earlier. The drinks at home are almost out anyway, so I might as well grab some."
...
"Welcome!" The cashier, Abiko, blinked when Kouya returned so soon—this time with another pretty girl by his side. Though she bowed politely, her eyes flashed with disdain.
'Hey, what's with that look?!'
'You think I'm some two-timing player or something?'
'Even if I were, it's none of your business!'
Kouya looked away and took the shopping cart from Vigne's hand. "Let me push it."
Vigne hesitated, then nodded, handing it over. The two walked side by side into the aisles lined with bright packaging and soft music.
After a few moments of quiet, Kouya suddenly said, "So... when are you coming to my place?"
"W-Why would I go to your place?!" Vigne almost jumped, clutching her purse tighter as her face turned red.
"Didn't you say you'd cook for me?" Kouya asked with a grin.
"You actually remembered that?" Vigne huffed. She glanced aside and muttered, "Sunday, maybe. The sports festival and my part-time job have been wearing me out. I just need some rest."
'If you're tired, maybe stop trying to do everything yourself! You could learn from that lazy angel—go home, eat snacks, play games, and nap all afternoon!'
By the time they finished shopping, the street outside had darkened. The clock on the wall showed nearly nine.
Vigne reached for the bags. "It's late. You should head home."
"I'll walk you back," Kouya said firmly, shaking his head.
"Eh?" Vigne blinked, surprised. "No need, really, I can go alone..."
"It's just a few steps," Kouya said, waving casually. "Come on."
"...Fine," she murmured, turning away to hide her faint smile.
The night was calm. The air cool and still.
The city, loud and busy by day, now seemed wrapped in a soft hush. Their footsteps were the only sounds for a while, mingling with the rustling leaves.
Their shadows stretched long under the yellow glow of the lamps. Sometimes they brushed together, sometimes apart.
Maybe because Kouya seemed a little different tonight—quieter, more deliberate—Vigne put a bit of distance between them, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke softly:
"I wonder how Kanna's doing at school. She should be used to it by now, right?"
'Don't worry about that little blue-eyed dragon. Not only did she adapt, she's thriving—Kobayashi said she's already got a bunch of elementary kids following her around like loyal fans.'
"And Machiko, the class rep, doesn't seem as scared of you anymore. She even cheered for you during the sports festival..."
'That's because she's way more terrified of Raphiel now—the boob-grabbing demon herself.'
"And Gabi-chan's probably staying up late again tonight..."
'Wrong. That's not staying up late—that's cultivating immortality.'
'Even with the halo on her head gathering dust, she still fights for the noble cause of humanity's cultivation. Such a heroic spirit!'
'So from now on, don't call her Innocent Gabriel—call her Tireless Cultivator Gabriel!'
Just then, laughter carried on the breeze. Light, happy, and faintly distant.
Kouya turned his head and saw a young couple leaving a row of claw machines. The girl hugged a huge plush in one arm, holding her boyfriend's arm with the other, their laughter blending with the music from the machines.
Vigne's gaze lingered on the Hello Kitty plush for a long moment.
'What, you like it?'
"Wanna try grabbing one too?" Kouya asked.
"N-No need..." Vigne shook her head quickly.
'Come on, just admit it—you clearly want that plush. It's soft, cat-shaped, with a pink bow and cute face—exactly your type. But you're too thrifty to spend money on it, and too proud to say it out loud.'
"Let's go. Won't take long," Kouya said, already walking toward the machine. "You could even use it as a body pillow."
Vigne's cheeks turned crimson. "I-I don't need a body pillow!"
"Really?" Kouya smirked. "I remember that night at the hotel—"
"It wasn't a hotel!" Vigne snapped, her entire face burning. "Say that again and I'll hit you!"
They stood in front of the machine, its bright lights reflecting in their eyes. Kouya fished some coins from his pocket and dropped them in.
First try... failed. The claw slid off the plush's head and clinked uselessly against the glass.
Every claw machine had its own rhythm, its own 'feel.' You had to understand it through failure first.
Sure, Kouya could've used his power to snatch the plush out instantly—but where was the fun in that?
Second try... failed again.
Vigne bit her lip, leaning slightly closer. "Forget it, those two probably just got lucky. Big plushies like that aren't easy to win..."
Before she finished, there was a clear ding. The Hello Kitty plush dropped straight into the chute.
Kouya turned toward her, smug. "What were you saying?"
Vigne: "..."
He reached in and pulled out the big, soft plush. "Here."
Vigne hesitated, her eyes flicking between him and the toy. Finally, she took it, holding it tightly against her chest. Her voice was soft, almost embarrassed. "Th-thank you..."
For the record, Hello Kitty might look like a cat—but she's actually a girl.
Kouya smiled faintly and waved his hand. "Want another one?"
"No need," Vigne said, shaking her head gently. "This one's perfect. And it's late—we should head back."
"Alright."
As they walked home, it was obvious that Vigne was in a great mood. Holding the soft plush in her arms, her pink lips curved into a small, beautiful smile, and even her steps seemed lighter