Chapter 27: Plastic Sisterly Bond

After four long days of school life, Friday had finally arrived—a day students eagerly awaited. With the weekend just around the corner, there was only one more day to endure.

At Kuoh Academy, Fridays typically had a light schedule. Aside from a few morning lectures, there were just two afternoon elective classes. These electives, however, were essentially free periods since no teachers supervised them. Students in the "Go-Home Club" used this time to relax, often scrolling through their phones until the end of the day, while those in clubs started their activities early.

As a result, the Occult Research Club, located in the old school building, was a familiar hive of activity.

By the time Fukuki arrived, the others were already seated in the first-floor lounge. After all, Rias, Akeno, and Koneko lived in the old school building, using it as their personal dormitory. The lounge, supposedly designated for club activities, was more akin to their private living room. This exclusivity was why there were no other club members.

Another recent addition to their group was Asia Argento.

"Good afternoon, Asia. How was your first night staying at school?"

Entering the lounge, Fukuki greeted the blonde girl sitting next to Koneko on the sofa.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Fukuki, and thank you for asking. I had a wonderful night here," Asia replied with a soft smile that radiated warmth, her petite face full of sweetness.

"Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai were so kind. They even prepared a bed and blankets for me. Koneko also cleaned the room beforehand."

"That's good to hear..." Fukuki said, pausing as he suddenly noticed something off.

The seating arrangement today seemed... different.

Usually, the lounge had two sofas—one on the left and one on the right. Fukuki and Rias typically sat on the right one, while Akeno and Koneko used the left.

However, today things seemed a little different. Koneko Toujou was sitting on the right-hand couch with Asia, while Akeno Himejima remained on the left with Rias Gremory. Stranger still, despite sharing the same couch, Rias and Akeno were sitting far apart as if they were avoiding each other, leaving a large empty space in the middle.

What's going on?

Was this… a case of plastic sisterhood?

Standing there with a puzzled look, Fukuki noticed Akeno smiling warmly from the left couch. She gently patted the empty spot next to her.

"What's the matter, Fukuki? Didn't we agree last time that you'd sit here? Come on, have a seat."

"…Oh."

Fukuki attempted to silently communicate with the red-haired girl on the other end of the couch, but Rias quickly avoided his gaze, pretending not to care.

???

Something strange was definitely brewing.

With no other options, Fukuki resigned himself to the situation and sat down next to Akeno. This arrangement placed him between two school idols, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima, both of whom consistently dominated the popularity rankings at Kuoh Academy.

If word of this got out, their fan club would probably lose their minds, storm the teacher's office, and hijack the school bus to come after him.

Though, it's not like they could actually do anything…

As Fukuki settled into his thoughts, the girl beside him started to stir.

"Hey, Fukuki…"

Akeno turned slightly towards him, her voice soft and alluring. She leaned forward slightly, her hands resting on the sofa, creating a tension that caused her otherwise modest school uniform to press tightly against her figure, revealing a deep, inviting line that seemed to defy gravity.

"You know, Rias was being quite unreasonable earlier. Even though she said it didn't matter who you sat with, she rushed to claim this spot before you arrived, only to pretend to move aside when you came in. Isn't that unfair?"

"Akeno, you—"

The red-haired girl, who had been feigning calmness moments ago, immediately widened her eyes in shock.

"I-I didn't! I just felt like sitting here today! And then I remembered the promise I made to you earlier, so I moved over! That's all there is to it!"

"Oh my, is that so?"

Akeno covered her mouth, letting out a soft, teasing laugh.

"If that's the case, why not join Asia and Koneko on the other couch instead? As the club president, you should spend more time with new members, shouldn't you?"

"Akeno!"

Being called out again and again left Rias visibly flustered. She shot up from the couch, frowning at her friend in frustration.

"What's gotten into you today? If something's bothering you, just say it! Why are you harping on about this?"

"Say it directly? Hmm… I don't have many complaints, really. If I had to point one out, there's only one thing."

Still wearing her gentle, wifely smile, Akeno slowly raised a single finger.

"I'd like to sit alone with Fukuki next time."

"What? Just for that…"

Rias blurted out instinctively but immediately caught herself mid-sentence.

She froze, staring at her close friend in disbelief.

"Wait, Akeno, don't tell me you also—"

The rest didn't need to be said aloud. Everyone except Asia understood exactly what she meant.

Akeno's smile deepened, her tone now dripping with challenge.

"If I said 'yes,' what would you do about it?"

"…"

"…"

An awkward silence enveloped the room.

It wasn't until about ten seconds later that the red-haired girl, whose expression had shifted multiple times, finally spoke.

"I… I have nothing to say. That's your business. Why would I have anything to comment on?"

After saying this, she plopped back onto the sofa, crossed her legs, and rested her chin in her hand, turning away so that no one could clearly see her face.

In contrast, Akeno Himejima looked as if she had won a battle. Even the tone of her voice seemed to carry a triumphant melody.

She turned toward the nun sitting on the opposite sofa, whose face was filled with awe, and clapped her hands lightly.

"So, back to the main topic. I have a question to discuss today, and it's about you, Asia."

"Asia, would you like to become a member of the Gremory family?"