NOVPUB
Chapter 235 - 137 Title (shown at the end)
Before we get into it...
The full title of this Chapter? Well... you'll understand it when you get there.
Meanwhile, don't forget to check out the poll and vote on what really happened that night. Trust me—you'll want to weigh in.
Now then... let's begin.
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So... it really turned out like this...
So this is Gion's tsundere version of "No lewd thoughts allowed"?
Darren's lips twitched, then he couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile.
Looking down at the girl curled motionlessly in his arms, he suddenly felt a headache coming on.
Her long hair spilled across her shoulders like black ink, its luster stark against the snow-white Marine coat draped over her.
In those obsidian eyes of hers, a faint flush of red rimmed the sockets—betraying a mixture of frustration and grievance.
Yet her stubborn, prideful nature wouldn't allow the slightest show of weakness. Coupled with that graceful, ethereal face, it gave off a charm all her own.
Perhaps due to preconceived notions from before crossing over, he had always imagined Gion with the mature aura and beauty of her original "Onee-san" portrayal in the plot.
But the truth was, during this period of time, Gion was still just a girl in her early teens.
At that age, especially with her noble background, a bit of headstrong pride and tsundere temperament was completely natural.
"Feeling a bit better now?"
Darren looked down at Gion, who was snuggled in his embrace like a quiet kitten, all traces of her usual defiance gone. He smiled teasingly.
"...What does it have to do with you..."
Gion turned her head away, unable to meet Darren's gaze.
Her voice was so soft it was barely louder than a whisper.
Darren chuckled, feeling the delicate weight pressing against his chest. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, then gently said:
"You should get some rest early, alright?"
"Your body has already reached its limit."
"...It's none of your business..."
Gion muttered through clenched lips.
Darren shrugged with a grin.
"That won't do. If you end up with some lingering injury because you challenged me... Admiral Sengoku, Vice-Admiral Tsuru, and Zephyr-sensei might never let me off the hook."
Before she could argue, Darren gave her no chance.
With a small gasp from Gion, he slipped one arm under her knees and the other around her waist, effortlessly scooping her up into a bridal carry.
The soft fragrance and warm suppleness of her body pressed into him, and even someone as battle-hardened as Darren felt his thoughts waver slightly.
Years of physical training had left Gion with a slender waist, narrow enough to grasp in one hand. Paired with her exaggerated bust, the contrast delivered a strong visual impact.
Her thighs were smooth and springy, long legs taut and graceful, swaying gently in the air.
From Darren's angle, her high-heeled feet revealed each toe clearly, like glimmering translucent jade.
"D-Darren... what are you trying to do!?"
Gion suddenly cried out, panic flaring in her eyes.
This utterly embarrassing posture shattered her cold exterior. Her cheeks blazed as she pressed against his shoulder in flustered resistance.
"Don't squirm. Or I really might take advantage of you."
That one line silenced her instantly.
"...Hold on tight."
With Gion in his arms, Darren tapped his foot against the ground and leapt into the air.
As they soared at high speed, Gion had no choice but to wrap her arms around Darren's neck to stay balanced.
Feeling this bastard holding her tighter and tighter, her face flushed deeper.
'Thank goodness it's already night... he probably can't see.'
She muttered silently to herself.
In less than five minutes, Darren had arrived at her residence inside the family quarters.
He curled his finger slightly—click!—the lock shot off the door and clattered to the side.
"D-Don't go in!"
Gion's expression turned frantic.
"That won't do."
Darren grinned at her nervous expression, only growing more curious about what lay inside.
Ignoring her protests, he pushed the door open and entered.
Unlike Darren's own home, which Toki had decorated with subtle, plain elegance, Gion's room was warm and... well, downright cute.
Fluffy bunny plushies were scattered all over. The dominant color scheme was a soft, tender pink.
"Well now, this is unexpected. So Miss Ice Queen actually has such a girlish side."
Darren's gaze turned mischievous as he looked around. He couldn't help but tease her, putting on an exaggerated tone:
"Miss Gion, you wouldn't want the secrets of your bedroom to be leaked, would you?"
Gion's face turned crimson—so red it looked like it might start dripping.
"P-Put me down this instant..."
"Alright, alright."
Darren had to admit, seeing the usually cold and distant Gion with such an embarrassed expression was quite the charming contrast.
He gently placed her onto the bed.
After a moment's pause, he suddenly knelt down and reached for her ankle.
"What are you doing!?"
Gion's heart lurched. Was this scoundrel actually planning to take advantage of her?
"I said I wasn't taking advantage."
Darren replied irritably, gently untying the strap of her high heel and helping her remove the shoe.
Looking at his clear, focused gaze—and the way he handled her foot without a trace of indecency—
Gion's clenched fists slowly relaxed.
She didn't say anything, only bit her lip harder.
"All done."
Darren gave a small smile as he stood up.
"Well, today's sparring was enjoyable."
"I should get going."
Gion raised her eyes to look at him—but the moment their gazes met, she looked away again.
Then, as if realizing that made her look too weak, she bit her lip and forced herself to look at him directly.
"Today... this kind of thing... was just because I was exhausted! Don't think you can do whatever you want next time!"
"Otherwise... I won't forgive you!"
Darren raised his hands.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it."
"You hate guys like me—scumbags, degenerates, perverts..."
"I understand."
He walked over and tucked the blanket around her.
"Get some good rest."
With that, Darren turned and walked quickly out of the room.
Several seconds passed before Gion's head slowly peeked out from under the covers.
She gazed out the window, watching the scoundrel's silhouette fade into the night.
After a long pause, she murmured softly:
"...Surprisingly gentle. And kind."
Her thoughts drifted back to that moment of being carried in his arms... to the sense of safety in his broad chest. She didn't know what she was thinking anymore—only that every place he'd touched felt faintly tingly, as though charged with electricity.
Her cheeks, which had just returned to normal, once again flushed pink.
"Snap out of it!"
Suddenly she smacked both cheeks hard, gritting her teeth.
"That guy is the worst kind of degenerate! A scumbag! A pervert!"
———
Outside Gion's residence, Darren leaned against the wall, quietly lighting a cigarette under the moonlight.
Smoke curled around his face, his expression shifting with a tangled mess of emotions.
Only after finishing the whole cigarette did he finally slap himself hard across the face and curse:
"Damn it!"
"I actually acted like a gentleman!?"
His face was full of regret.
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To be continued...
