Chapter 25: Philandering and Wolfish Ambition

"Huh, I really didn't expect you to perform so well in the physical test."

In the office, Hiratsuka Shizuka was surprised by Rei Ao's results. He had broken all the records in the physical tests, even surprising the P.E. teacher, who noted that Rei Ao didn't even seem winded throughout.

"So, what do you think? Want to join the special sports class?" Hiratsuka asked, putting down the results sheet.

She knew it wasn't her place to force anyone into a decision, so she left it up to Rei Ao. After all, his academic performance wasn't bad, just not outstanding.

"No interest."

Rei Ao immediately rejected the idea. Joining a special class? He found that boring. If it weren't for the girls, he wouldn't even attend class in the first place.

"Tch, I figured you'd say that."

Hiratsuka had already anticipated his response. Waving her hand, she said, "Fine, I'll handle it with the P.E. teacher."

"Thanks, Hiratsuka-sensei."

...

During lunch break, Miura Yumiko nervously walked up to the rooftop, her heart heavy with anticipation. Hesitantly, she pushed the door open, only to find Rei Ao already waiting for her.

He slowly turned around, a smile playing on his lips. "You're here. Well then, let me show you my true self."

*Crack!*

A gust of cold wind blew past.

"!!!"

Yumiko's eyes widened as she saw a pair of magnificent wings made of crystalline blue ice slowly unfurling from Rei Ao's back.

"This is my true self."

...

After a long moment of silence, Yumiko finally steadied herself and asked, "What is that…?"

"As you can see, it's a form of supernatural power."

Rei Ao extended his hand, forming a delicate ice rose that spun in the air before offering it to her.

"…"

Yumiko accepted the ice rose, the cold sensation reminding her that everything was real. Only now did she realize how little she knew about Rei Ao.

"I showed you this for selfish reasons," Rei Ao said suddenly. "I don't want you to judge me by ordinary standards because I don't want to miss out on you."

Yumiko's heart trembled. She pressed her dry lips together.

"Then… can you tell me about those other people you mentioned?"

"Of course."

[Ding! You have been designated by group leader Rei Ao to receive access to the Subgroup System of the Dimensional Trade Chat Group!]

"What… is this?"

A sudden notification and influx of information in her mind left Yumiko in shock once again.

"Different worlds… trading…" she muttered, looking at Rei Ao with a complex expression.

"So, you've also got this identity," she remarked, piecing things together.

Rei Ao smiled faintly. "Now you've got a basic understanding of me."

"So, now that you've seen my true self… do you still like me?"

"…"

Yumiko had seen the records of body transactions. She understood that when Rei Ao said he had been with other women, he meant it literally. Instead of answering, she posed her own questions.

"What about you? You've done all that with them—will you take responsibility?"

"You say you like many people. Are they included? And… do you like me?"

"It looks like I'll need to give you a serious answer," Rei Ao said, adopting a more serious tone.

"If they want me to, I'll take responsibility."

"And if they don't want me, I'll make sure they can't leave me, because I have a strong sense of possessiveness."

"I'm attracted to many people, including girls from school. For example, like Yui Yuigahama, who we saw today."

"Yui?!"

Yumiko had been carefully listening, but when Yui's name came up, she couldn't hold back. How had Yui become involved, too?

"You didn't mishear. I tend to fall for someone at first sight."

Rei Ao was very self-aware. He didn't use words like "love" or "affection"—he simply said "attracted."

What was he attracted to? It was their looks, their bodies.

To put it bluntly, he was just interested in their physical appearances.

"And yes, that includes you, Miura Yumiko."

He brought the topic back to her.

"To be honest, until today, I hadn't really noticed you. But today, you moved me."

Yumiko twitched her lips. "That's not being moved—it's just being a flirt!"

For the first time, she teased him.

Rei Ao shrugged. "Call it what you will."

"But my heart tells me I want you, and I always follow my heart."

"S-stop being so direct!"

Yumiko felt nervous under his intense gaze. Her eyes darted away as she mumbled, "C-could you… only like me?"

"…"

Rei Ao's burning gaze cooled down. He replied quietly, "I'm sorry. I can't."

"…"

Even though Yumiko had mentally prepared herself for this, hearing his blunt refusal still darkened her expression.

She knew that, even if she didn't mind that Rei Ao had been with other girls, she couldn't tie him down. He was someone far beyond her control.

They were never meant to be in the same world—never meant to cross paths.

Rei Ao could have easily lied to her, tricking her into a relationship where she was just another conquest. But he didn't. Instead, he laid bare his power, his desires, his true self. He left the decision entirely up to her.

Miura Yumiko had no right to complain. All that was left was for her to make a choice: to reject or accept.

~~~

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