I think I like you

Makima sat outside the Tokyo Agency Chief's office, her smile as stoic as ever. People passing by either looked at her with fear or simply chose to ignore her presence. Once, following Haruto's advice to socialize more, she tried to strike up a conversation with someone, but the person simply walked away, fleeing from her.

Kishibe and Quanxi only spoke to her about work-related matters, but it didn't bother her. After all, she was trained for this purpose - to work. At least, that's what she used to think. However, in recent months, spending time with Haruto, the only person who genuinely talked to her outside of work, made her believe that perhaps, just perhaps, she could have something more in this world, another purpose beyond killing demons.

The Chief emerged from his office, a mature man in a suit. He gestured for Makima to enter, and she followed, taking a seat in front of his desk. The Chief lit a cigarette and asked, "Tell me, Makima, how have these past few months been?"

Makima, with her unwavering stoic smile, replied, "Let's say they've been interesting. I'm learning a lot."

The Chief nodded and inquired, "And you haven't revealed anything to your partner, Haruto, right?"

Makima shook her head. "No, I haven't told him anything."

The Chief leaned back in his chair. "That's good. Remember what could happen if he found out. He might get scared and execute you with his demon."

"I doubt that would happen," Makima said, her smile never faltering.

The Chief looked at her incredulously. It was the first time Makima had ever contradicted him in any way. "Why do you think that?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Makima's response was simple. "Because we're friends."

The Chief laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Devil Hunters don't have friends, only partners. Besides, it's better this way. It prevents you from being betrayed."

Makima, her smile still in place, countered, "Haruto says that friends are unconditional."

The Chief waved his hand dismissively. "Well, he's a child, just like you. But don't forget, Makima, Haruto Yoshida and Hayato Yoshida are people you can't afford to let know who you really are - the Control Demon. Their demons are extremely powerful. Even you couldn't handle them."

Makima nodded, her expression unchanged. "I know that. I've witnessed their power firsthand."

The Chief took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his face. "Good. As long as you understand the importance of keeping your true nature hidden, especially from the Yoshida brothers, we won't have any problems."

Makima remained silent, her thoughts drifting to Haruto. Despite the Chief's warnings, she couldn't help but feel a warmth in her chest when she thought of him. He treated her like a person, not just a weapon or a tool. He made her feel... human.

But she knew the Chief was right. She couldn't risk revealing her true identity to Haruto, no matter how much she wanted to. The consequences were too great, the potential for betrayal too high.

So she would continue to play her role, to smile her stoic smile and keep her secrets locked away. It was the only way to protect herself, and perhaps, in some small way, to protect Haruto as well.

The Chief stubbed out his cigarette, the acrid smell of smoke lingering in the air. "You're dismissed, Makima," he said, his tone curt and businesslike.

Makima stood, bowing slightly before turning to leave. As she walked out of the office, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted within her. Haruto's friendship had changed her, in ways she was only beginning to understand.

But for now, she would keep those feelings hidden, buried deep within her heart. She was the Control Demon, after all, and control was what she did best.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and Haruto was in his small but cozy apartment. He was lounging on the couch, idly flipping through a magazine, when he heard the sound of the door opening.

Makima entered with her usual feline grace, her stoic smile firmly in place. "My drama has started," she announced without preamble, heading straight for the couch.

Haruto sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. This had become a routine for them - every Sunday, Makima would come over to watch her favorite romance program on Haruto's television. He wasn't sure why she insisted on watching it here rather than at her own place, but he secretly enjoyed her company.

"Alright, alright," he said, reaching for the remote. "We wouldn't want to miss a single moment of your beloved drama, now would we?"

Makima settled onto the couch beside him, her eyes fixed on the screen as Haruto turned on the TV. The familiar theme song filled the room, and Makima leaned forward slightly, her attention fully captured by the unfolding story.

Haruto, on the other hand, found his gaze drifting towards Makima. He couldn't help but marvel at how different she seemed in these moments - her usual stoic demeanor replaced by a rapt fascination with the romantic trials and tribulations playing out on the screen.

"I don't understand," Makima said suddenly, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why doesn't she just tell him how she feels?"

Haruto chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not always that simple," he said, his voice gentle. "Sometimes people are afraid of rejection, or of ruining their friendship."

Makima tilted her head, considering his words. "But if they truly care for each other, shouldn't they be honest about their feelings?"

Haruto smiled, a hint of wistfulness in his eyes. "You're right," he said, his voice soft. "But fear can be a powerful thing, even when it comes to love."

Makima was silent for a moment, her gaze distant. Then, she nodded, as if coming to a decision. "I think I understand," she said, her voice thoughtful. "Love is complicated."

Haruto laughed, the sound warm and affectionate. "That it is," he agreed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "But that's what makes it so interesting to watch, don't you think?"

Makima's smile widened, a rare genuine expression that made Haruto's heart skip a beat. "Indeed," she said, her attention returning to the screen. "Now hush, I don't want to miss what happens next."

Haruto grinned, settling back into the couch cushions. As the drama played out before them, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. These moments with Makima, as simple and mundane as they might seem, were precious to him. They were a reminder that even in the midst of their chaotic and often dangerous lives as Devil Hunters, there was still room for the simple joys of friendship and companionship.

And so, they sat together, two unlikely friends bonding over a shared love of cheesy romance dramas, the troubles of the world momentarily forgotten in the warmth of each other's presence.

Makima leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she watched the scene unfold on the screen. The protagonist, a young woman torn between her feelings for two men, was currently engaged in a heated conversation with her best friend, who had just confessed his love for her.

"She should choose him," Makima said suddenly, her voice firm with conviction.

Haruto glanced at her, surprised by the intensity of her statement. "The best friend?" he asked, his eyebrows raised. "Why do you think that?"

Makima shrugged, her gaze never leaving the screen. "He understands her better than anyone else," she said, her voice matter-of-fact. "He's been there for her through everything, and he loves her unconditionally. That's what real love is, isn't it?"

Haruto considered her words, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I suppose you're right," he said slowly, his eyes distant. "A love like that is rare and precious. But what about the other guy? He seems to genuinely care for her too."

Makima waved a hand dismissively, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "He's too focused on his own feelings," she said, her voice critical. "He doesn't really see her for who she is. Not like her best friend does."

Haruto couldn't help but chuckle at the vehemence of her opinion. "You seem very invested in this," he teased, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Should I be worried that you're going to start meddling in the love lives of everyone around you?"

Makima shot him a look, her stoic mask slipping for just a moment to reveal a hint of amusement. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, her voice dry. "I have better things to do with my time than play matchmaker."

Haruto grinned, leaning back against the couch cushions. "I don't know," he said, his voice playful. "I think you'd be pretty good at it. You have a way of seeing through people's defenses and getting to the heart of what they really want."

Makima was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she smiled, a small, secretive thing that made Haruto's heart race. "Perhaps," she said, her voice soft. "But for now, I think I'll stick to watching other people's love stories play out on the screen."

Haruto nodded, his own smile softening. "Fair enough," he said, his voice warm. "As long as you keep coming over to watch them with me, I'm happy."

Makima's smile widened, a rare moment of genuine warmth breaking through her stoic facade. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she said, her voice sincere.

Suddenly, a thunderous boom shook the very foundations of the building, causing Haruto to leap to his feet in alarm. He raced to the window, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him. In the street below, a colossal serpentine demon had materialized, its scales glistening with an otherworldly sheen as it thrashed and writhed, letting out an ear-splitting roar that sent shivers down Haruto's spine.

Haruto glanced back at Makima, an apologetic look on his face. "Duty calls," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "I have to take care of this."

Makima, her eyes never straying from the television screen, waved a hand dismissively. "Go on then," she said, her voice utterly disinterested. "I'm in the middle of my program anyway."

Haruto shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Of course you are," he muttered, already reaching for his gear. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

With a deep breath, Haruto stepped out onto the window ledge, the wind whipping at his hair as he gazed down at the chaos below. Then, with a fierce cry, he leapt from the window, his body plummeting through the air like a stone.

But Haruto was no ordinary Devil Hunter. As he fell, he reached deep within himself, tapping into the wellspring of power that lay dormant in his soul. With a flash of blinding light, chains erupted from his body, glowing with an otherworldly radiance as they snaked through the air towards the demon.

The serpent, sensing the approaching threat, let out a deafening hiss, its eyes glowing with malevolent fury. It lunged towards Haruto, its fangs bared in a vicious snarl, but the young Devil Hunter was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he sent his chains hurtling towards the demon, their links wrapping around its body like a vice.

The demon thrashed and writhed, its scales scraping against the pavement as it struggled to break free. But Haruto's chains were unbreakable, forged in the fires of the underworld itself. With a grim smile, Haruto began to chant, his voice rising in a harrowing crescendo as he called upon the power of his contracted demon.

"By the power of the Judge of Hell," he intoned, his eyes blazing with an unholy light, "I condemn thee to the depths of the inferno!"

The ground beneath the serpent began to crack and splinter, the very fabric of reality tearing apart as a yawning chasm opened up beneath its writhing form. The demon let out a final, despairing wail as it was dragged down into the abyss, Haruto's chains pulling it inexorably towards its doom.

As the portal snapped shut behind the vanquished demon, the people of the city began to emerge from their hiding places, their faces alight with awe and gratitude. They surrounded Haruto, their voices rising in a chorus of thanks and praise for the young Devil Hunter who had saved them all.

Haruto accepted their gratitude with humble grace, his smile warm and sincere as he reassured them that he was simply doing his duty. But even as he spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell within him. In the months since he had become a Devil Hunter, he had made it his mission to always put the people first, to be a beacon of hope in a world so often shrouded in darkness.

As he made his way back to his apartment, Haruto couldn't help but reflect on how much his life had changed. He had always been driven by a desire to help others, to make a difference in the world, but it wasn't until he had become a Devil Hunter that he had truly found his calling.

When he climbed back through his window, he found Makima exactly as he had left her, her gaze fixed on the television screen. She glanced up at him, her expression unreadable.

"Welcome back," she said, her voice flat. "I trust everything went well?"

Haruto grinned, flopping down onto the couch beside her. "Oh, you know," he said, his voice playful. "Just another day in the life of a Devil Hunter."

But even as he spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease prickling at the back of his mind. He knew that the demon he had faced today was just the beginning, that there were far greater threats lurking in the shadows, waiting to be unleashed upon the world.

Makima was thoroughly engrossed in her show when the jarring ring of the landline phone shattered the comfortable silence. Haruto, who had been relaxing beside her, begrudgingly got up to answer the call. "Hello?" he said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

On the other end of the line, Kishibe's gruff voice barked, "Haruto, get your ass to my office. Now."

Haruto glanced over at Makima, an apologetic expression on his face. "Duty calls," he said, already reaching for his jacket.

Makima barely acknowledged him, her eyes glued to the screen. "Go on then," she said, her voice devoid of any interest. "I'll manage on my own."

Haruto paused, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "You sure?" he asked, his voice softening. "I don't like leaving you alone."

Makima finally tore her gaze away from the television, fixing Haruto with an impassive stare. "Haruto, I'm a Devil Hunter," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I think I can survive a few hours without you."

Haruto let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Right, my bad," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "I'll bring back some dinner, okay?"

Makima simply nodded, her focus already back on the screen. Haruto lingered for a moment, an unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes, before turning and heading out the door.

As the show progressed, Makima watched intently as the protagonist finally confessed her feelings to her best friend, just as he was about to depart for a distant place. The two shared a passionate kiss, their emotions raw and exposed.

Makima's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes. It seemed utterly illogical, she thought, for the protagonist to have waited until the very last second to confess her love. If she had just been honest from the start, she could have avoided all this unnecessary drama and heartache.

But then again, Makima mused, humans were often irrational when it came to matters of the heart.

Meanwhile, Haruto had arrived at Kishibe's office, his heart racing with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As he stepped into the room, he found Kishibe sitting behind his desk, a grave expression etched on his face.

"Haruto," Kishibe said, his voice serious. "You're aware of the elite Devil Hunters, aren't you?"

Haruto nodded, his eyes widening slightly. "Yeah," he said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and bitterness. "They're the cream of the crop, jet-setting around the world to tackle the most dangerous threats."

Kishibe nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "And it's where your brother Hayato works," he said, his voice carrying a weight of significance.

At the mention of his brother's name, Haruto's jaw clenched, a flicker of resentment passing over his features. Hayato had always been the golden child, the one who could do no wrong in the eyes of their family and the Devil Hunter community. Haruto had spent his entire life living in his brother's shadow, desperately trying to prove that he was just as skilled, just as worthy of recognition.

Kishibe leaned forward, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray on his desk. "We've just received a fax from Switzerland," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "They want you to join their ranks, Haruto."

Haruto's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. Joining the elite Devil Hunters had always been his ultimate ambition, his chance to finally step out of his brother's shadow and prove to everyone that he was just as capable, just as deserving of respect.

But then, unbidden, an image of Makima flashed through his mind. Leaving her behind, not seeing her every day... the thought sent a sharp pang through his chest.

"Can I... can I have some time to think it over?" Haruto asked, his voice hesitant.

Kishibe raised an eyebrow, surprise evident on his face. "Of course," he said, his voice gruff. "But remember, Haruto, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The elite only accept the best of the best. Here, you're treated like a mere intern because of your age, but there... you'd wield more influence than even me."

Haruto nodded, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions. "I get that," he said, his voice distant. "And I'm truly honored. But... I need a little time to wrap my head around it."

Kishibe leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Take all the time you need," he said, his voice neutral. "But don't take too long. Chances like this are rare."

Haruto nodded, his heart heavy as he turned to leave. As he walked out of the office, his mind was a tempest of warring emotions. On one hand, this was everything he had ever dreamed of, the opportunity to finally prove himself on the grandest stage possible, to show his brother that he was every bit as skilled and worthy of respect.

But on the other hand... the thought of leaving Makima behind, of not being there to watch her ridiculous romance dramas and tease her about her stoic demeanor... it felt like a physical ache in his chest.

Haruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. He had a lot to consider, and not much time to do it in. But one thing was certain - no matter what he decided, he knew that Makima would always hold a special place in his heart.

Even if he had to leave her behind to chase his dreams and finally step out of his brother's shadow.

As Haruto walked through the bustling streets, his mind still reeling from Kishibe's offer, a small, blonde-haired boy suddenly stepped into his path. The child looked up at him with wide, hopeful eyes, his hand outstretched. "Mister, can you spare some change for food?" he asked, his voice thin and pleading.

Haruto's heart clenched at the sight of the boy's gaunt face and tattered clothes. Without hesitation, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a generous handful of bills, pressing them into the boy's palm. "Here you go, kid," he said, his voice warm. "Go treat yourself to a feast."

The boy's eyes lit up like stars, a grin spreading across his face. "Wow, thanks!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "With this, I can pay this month's rent!"

Haruto chuckled, assuming the boy was joking. But as he looked closer, he realized with a start that the child was entirely serious. His heart ached at the thought of such a young boy having to worry about things like rent and survival.

Reaching out, Haruto ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "What's your name, kid?" he asked, his voice gentle.

The boy hesitated for a moment, a flicker of wariness passing over his features. "I don't usually give out my name," he said, his voice cautious. "You never know when there might be a creep around. But since you're so nice, I'll tell you. I'm Denji."

Haruto smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, it's great to meet you, Denji," he said, his voice warm. "I'll see you around, okay?"

As Haruto turned to leave, Denji's voice piped up once more. "Hey, aren't you that Devil Hunter from the news?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of awe and curiosity.

Haruto paused, glancing back over his shoulder with a cryptic smile. "Maybe," he said, his voice playful. "Why do you ask?"

Denji's eyes widened, a hopeful glimmer in their depths. "Do you think I could be a Devil Hunter like you someday?" he asked, his voice eager. "It seems like you guys make a lot of money."

Haruto couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head at the boy's unfiltered honesty. "I'm sure you could, kid," he said, his voice encouraging. "Just keep your nose clean and your heart strong, okay?"

With that, Haruto turned and walked away, his mind already drifting back to the difficult decision that lay ahead of him. Behind him, 7-year-old Denji watched the young man disappear into the crowd, his mind filled with dreams of a better future.

Maybe, he thought to himself, with the money Haruto had given him, he could bring home some bread for himself and his friend Pochita. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.

As Haruto made his way back to his apartment, his heart felt a little lighter, the weight of his impending choice temporarily lifted by his encounter with the young boy. It was moments like these, he realized, that made his job as a Devil Hunter truly worthwhile - the chance to make a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of those who needed it most.

And as he climbed the stairs to his apartment, the smell of Makima's favorite takeout wafting from the bag in his hand, Haruto couldn't help but smile. No matter what the future held, he knew that he would always have these small, perfect moments to hold onto - moments of kindness, of connection, of love.

And in the end, maybe that was all that really mattered.

As Haruto stepped into the apartment, the aroma of takeout food filling the air, Makima turned to him with a pensive expression. "Haruto, I have a question," she said, her voice unusually hesitant.

Haruto set the food down on the table, his attention still somewhat divided. "What's up?" he asked, his voice casual.

Makima fidgeted slightly, an uncharacteristic nervousness in her demeanor. "Remember when you explained to me what love is?" she asked, her voice soft.

Haruto nodded, his focus still on unpacking the food. "Yeah, what about it?" he asked, his voice distracted.

Makima took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on Haruto's face. "How do we know that we're not in love with each other?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

Haruto froze, his face turning a deep shade of crimson. He stared at Makima, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

Makima, seemingly oblivious to Haruto's discomfort, continued on. "In the show, the best friends fell in love with each other," she said, her voice thoughtful. "And you and I, we're best friends, right?"

Haruto swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "Y-yeah," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "We are."

Makima nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I always enjoy being with you," she said, her voice soft. "So how do I know that we're not in love?"

Haruto took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "It's just something you know," he said, his voice shaky. "When you're in love, you feel it in your gut. It's like nothing else in the world matters."

Makima stepped closer, her eyes searching Haruto's face. "I don't want you to just disappear one day," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Haruto swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Makima reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "So I'm going to test it," she said, her voice determined.

And then, before Haruto could react, Makima leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Haruto stiffened, his eyes wide with shock. But as Makima's lips moved against his, soft and insistent, he felt himself melting into the kiss, his eyes fluttering closed as he lost himself in the sensation.

They stayed like that for a few seconds, the world around them fading away until it was just the two of them, lost in each other's embrace. But then, just as suddenly as it had begun, Makima pulled away, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"I knew it," she said, her voice teasing. "I don't have feelings for you after all."

Haruto stared at her, his brain struggling to process what had just happened. "W-what?" he stammered, his voice hoarse.

Makima grinned, a playful light dancing in her eyes. "Just kidding," she said, her voice sing-song. "I felt butterflies. Or was that just indigestion?"

Haruto's face flushed an even deeper shade of red, his heart hammering in his chest. "Don't play with me like that!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of embarrassment and indignation.

Makima just laughed, the sound bright and carefree. She reached out, poking Haruto's cheek with a slender finger. "You should see your face," she teased, her voice filled with mirth. "You look like a tomato."

Haruto batted her hand away, his face still burning. "Yeah, well, you'd look like a tomato too if your best friend just kissed you out of nowhere," he grumbled, his voice petulant.

But even as he spoke, Haruto couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through his chest. Because even though Makima's actions had caught him off guard, even though he wasn't entirely sure what they meant, one thing was clear - she cared about him, deeply and genuinely.

And in that moment, standing there in his tiny apartment with the smell of takeout food filling the air and the taste of Makima's lips still lingering on his own, Haruto realized that maybe, just maybe, he cared about her too.

More than he had ever realized.

Makima, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, leaned in close to Haruto. "You know," she said, her voice playful, "I found your porn stash. And it got me feeling a little... restless. Wanna try having sex?"

Haruto's eyes went wide, his face turning a brilliant shade of red. "W-WHAT?" he spluttered, nearly tripping over his own words.

Makima took his hand, her touch soft but insistent. "It looked fun," she said, her voice almost pleading. "Let's try it, okay? We're a couple now, aren't we?"

Haruto's brain seemed to short-circuit, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "C-couple?" he managed to choke out, his voice strangled.

Makima nodded, her expression earnest. "It's the normal thing to do after kissing, right?" she said, her voice matter-of-fact.

Haruto, his face now resembling a ripe tomato, promptly passed out, his body crumpling to the floor in a heap of embarrassment.

Makima looked down at him, her head tilted to the side. "Huh," she said, her voice thoughtful. "I didn't think he'd react like that to a joke."

From his position on the floor, Haruto groaned. "One of these days, you're going to put me in a coma," he muttered, his voice muffled by the carpet.

Makima laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "Haruto," she said, her voice suddenly serious.

Haruto lifted his head, his expression wary. "What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

Makima's smile softened, her eyes glimmering with a newfound warmth. "I think I like you," she said, her voice soft.

Haruto blinked, his brain struggling to process her words. "You think?" he asked, his voice incredulous.

Makima rolled her eyes, a fond exasperation in her expression. "Come on, don't be so dramatic," she chided, her voice teasing.

Haruto pushed himself up into a sitting position, his expression guarded. "Well, I guess you'll have to be my girlfriend then," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

But to his surprise, Makima's smile only widened, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Then I will be," she said, her voice firm with conviction. "I've always wanted a boyfriend, and who better than you?"

Haruto stared at her, his mouth hanging open in shock. "Wait, are you serious?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Makima nodded, her expression unwavering. "Of course I am," she said, her voice soft but sure. "I wouldn't joke about something like this."

Haruto's heart felt like it might burst out of his chest, a warmth spreading through his veins like liquid sunshine. He reached out, taking Makima's hand in his own, marveling at how perfectly they seemed to fit together.

"Then I guess we're really doing this," he said, his voice filled with a quiet wonder. "You and me, together."

Makima smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss against Haruto's cheek. "You and me," she echoed, her voice a gentle promise. "Always."

And as they sat there on the floor of Haruto's tiny apartment, the smell of forgotten takeout food wafting through the air, Haruto couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man in the world. Because no matter what challenges lay ahead, no matter what obstacles they might face, he knew that with Makima by his side, anything was possible.

Even love.