Chapter 44: Date - 3
As Raizel and Akeno entered the café, the soft chime of the doorbell announced their arrival, and heads turned to admire the striking couple.
Raizel, with his sharp features and an air of quiet confidence, complemented Akeno's vibrant presence, her long hair cascading like a waterfall.
They settled into a cozy table by the window, sunlight streaming in and illuminating their faces.
After glancing at the menu, they decided on refreshing iced lattes and a selection of pastries: flaky croissants filled with almond cream and delicate macarons in various colors.
As they waited for their order, their conversation flowed effortlessly.
Akeno leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And I can't believe you've never been here before!"
"You're missing out on the best pastries in town. Just wait until you try the macarons; they're to die for!"
Her laughter filled the air, drawing the attention of nearby patrons who whispered among themselves, while Raizel just smiled looking at her antics.
"Look at them; they're like a scene from a romance movie," one woman murmured to her friend, who nodded in agreement.
"Do you think they're really together, or is it just for show?" another voice chimed in, curiosity evident in their tone.
As their drinks and snacks arrived, Raizel reached for his iced latte, but just as he did, a waitress brushed past him, her hand accidentally grazing his.
The cup tipped slightly, and a splash of coffee spilled onto his crisp white shirt.
"Oh no!" Akeno exclaimed, quickly grabbing a napkin. "Here, let me help you!"
Raizel chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Well, that's one way to make a first impression."
Akeno dabbed at the stain, her touch gentle and reassuring. "You're lucky I'm here to save you from fashion disasters," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.
"Or maybe I'm the one saving you from a boring afternoon," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "I mean, who wouldn't want to spend time with a klutz like me?"
Their banter continued, light and playful, as the whispers around them turned into smiles. The couple's chemistry was undeniable, and it was clear to everyone that they were more than just friends.
"Honestly, they're adorable," a young man at the next table said, nudging his companion. "I hope they stay together."
"Right? They look so happy," she replied, glancing back at Raizel and Akeno, who were now sharing a pastry, their fingers brushing against each other.
Raizel raised his glass in a mock toast. "To new experiences and accidental spills!"
They clinked their glasses together, laughter echoing in the café, and for a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their little bubble of joy.
As Raizel and Akeno continued their lighthearted conversation, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, the playful tone unmistakable.
[Oh, look at you~, Noblesse! Having quite the fun~, in the world of DxD, aren't we?]
The system teased, its presence swirling around his thoughts like a mischievous spirit.
Raizel couldn't help but smirk, though he kept his expression neutral as he replied internally, 'I'm just enjoying a nice afternoon with Akeno. It's not like I'm doing anything out of the ordinary.'
[Oh, please! You're practically glowing! Look at how she's smiling at you. You're not fooling anyone. This is a classic 'boy meets girl' scenario, and you're the star of the show!]
The system continued, its tone dripping with sarcasm.
Meanwhile, Akeno was oblivious to Raizel's internal dialogue, her laughter ringing like music. "So, what's your favorite part about being in this world?" she asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.
Raizel, still caught between his conversation with Akeno and the playful jabs from his system, replied, "Honestly? I think it's the Humans. Everyone has their own unique quirks and stories. It's fascinating."
[Oh, how noble of you! But we both know you're just here for the snacks and the pretty girls,]
The system chimed in, and Raizel rolled his eyes internally.
Akeno asked playfully. "You mean, you like humans more than me?"
Raizel quickly shook his head, a hint of panic in his eyes. "No, no! I mean, you are pretty, but it's not just that! I enjoy spending time with you because you're fun and interesting!"
Akeno's laughter filled the air again, drawing the attention of nearby patrons.
A couple of college students at a nearby table exchanged glances, one of them whispering, "They're definitely into each other. Look at how he's blushing!"
"Right? It's like they're in their own little world," the other replied, a smile creeping onto her face. "I hope they don't mind us eavesdropping!"
Raizel, still caught in the back-and-forth with his system, tried to focus on Akeno. "So, what about you? What do you enjoy most about this world?"
Akeno's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I love the excitement! There's always something happening, and the friendships we build are so meaningful. Plus, the food is amazing!" She gestured to the pastries on their table, her eyes twinkling.
[See? She's totally into you, and you're just sitting there like a deer in headlights.]
The system teased again, and Raizel couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he said, trying to keep his tone light. "I mean, who wouldn't want to share snacks with someone as amazing as you?"
Akeno's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down at her drink, a shy smile creeping onto her face. "You really know how to make a girl feel special, don't you?"
The whispers around them continued, with one older gentleman commenting, "Young love is such a beautiful thing. They remind me of my youth."
"Right? It's refreshing to see," another woman added, her eyes softening as she watched the couple interact.
As Raizel and Akeno continued their playful banter, the café buzzed with a warm atmosphere, the patrons captivated by the charming duo.
Raizel couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, even with the system's playful jabs echoing in his mind.
[Just enjoy the moment, Noblesse. You might not get many like this.] The system finally said, its tone softening slightly.
Raizel smiled, realizing that perhaps the system was right. In that moment, surrounded by laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, he was exactly where he wanted to be.