Chapter 7 - Close Encounters

The rain tapped gently against Aoi’s window as she curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket. The room smelled faintly of buttered popcorn and warm tea, a cozy contrast to the gray, drizzly evening outside. The Demon Lord sat across from her, his robes carefully draped over the edge of the armchair, the glowing gem on his forehead pulsing softly.

“I still can’t believe you didn’t spill anything last time,” she muttered, poking him lightly in the arm with her finger. “You’re… surprisingly careful for someone who’s clumsy with magic.”

He tilted his head, observing her closely. Though he didn’t speak, the way his eyes softened as they met hers made her heart skip a little. The gem glimmered faintly in response, casting warm, golden specks across the walls.

“I, uh… don’t tell anyone, okay?” she added quickly, rubbing the back of her neck. “This is our… our little secret. Totally normal roommate… situation…”

He reached toward the table, picking up a small notebook. With a flick of his fingers, the quill floated above the page, scribbling a neat note:

You’re kind.

Aoi blinked, her cheeks heating instantly. “I- what?” She quickly grabbed the note, pretending to be interested in the popcorn. Her heart was thundering in her chest, though. He never said anything like this directly to her before.

He tilted his head again, watching her intently, as if gauging her reaction. The gem wobbled ever so slightly, and a small burst of golden spark danced along its surface. Aoi’s hands trembled slightly as she clutched the note, looking down at it. I-I’m not… I’m not thinking about this! It’s… nothing!

The movie played quietly in the background, a romantic comedy she had picked because she thought it would be safe. She shifted on the sofa, curling her legs under her. The Demon Lord sat closer than usual, quietly observing, his presence warm and calm. Each time she laughed at a scene, he leaned forward slightly, almost imperceptibly, as if wanting to be near her without intruding.

Aoi stole a glance at him. The way his eyes followed her, patient, careful… it made her stomach flutter. She quickly looked away, shaking her head. Stop it, Aoi. You’re not… not feeling anything. This is just… roommate stuff. Totally normal.

Halfway through the movie, a particularly dramatic scene caused her to shiver. The Demon Lord instinctively draped one of the extra blankets over her shoulders. She froze. The warmth from the fabric and the subtle closeness of his hand brushing hers sent an unexpected jolt through her.

“W-wait! I-it’s fine!” she stammered, tugging the blanket slightly. His eyes softened, and he made a small gesture, pressing the blanket gently against her. She couldn’t meet his gaze, her ears burning red.

By the time the movie ended, they sat in quiet companionship. The rain outside had slowed, leaving a gentle patter against the windows. Aoi reached for her cup of tea, and for a moment, their hands brushed. Neither pulled away immediately. Her heart raced; she felt a strange warmth spread through her chest.

The Demon Lord made no move to speak, yet the gesture was clear. He wanted to be near her, to care for her, and to silently tell her he appreciated her presence. Aoi’s denial wavered slightly, though she quickly thought to herself, Stop it… stop… I’m not… not feeling anything!

Eventually, she leaned back against the sofa, letting out a small sigh. She glanced sideways at him. The gem on his forehead pulsed steadily, as if in quiet reassurance. Aoi’s lips curved into a small, unspoken smile.

For the first time, she realized she genuinely enjoyed his company. Not out of duty, not out of obligation, but because being near him was… comforting. Safe. And, though she’d never admit it aloud, something else had started stirring, a soft, nervous flutter whenever he looked at her with those unwavering eyes.

Stupid… ridiculous… impossible… she thought, burying her face in the blanket. I’m… totally fine. Totally fine…

The Demon Lord, silent and observant, merely reached out a little, as if checking she was okay, the tip of his fingers almost touching hers. Aoi froze, her heart hammering, before quickly moving her hand slightly away.

Yet neither moved further, and the silence between them felt warm rather than awkward. The quiet companionship stretched on, the golden glow from his gem casting comforting light across the room.