Chapter 199: Akeno**
"But you're angelic enough for me," I countered, my eyes meeting hers with unwavering sincerity.
Akeno's blush deepened, and for once, she didn't have a comeback ready. She looked away, seemingly caught off guard by the intensity of the moment. Her fingers absentmindedly twirled a lock of her long, dark hair as she considered my words.
We continued walking, and the atmosphere between us shifted slightly, from lighthearted fun to something more meaningful. Akeno stayed close, her arm occasionally brushing against mine.
After a while, I noticed a change in her expression. Her usual teasing smile returned, but there was something different about it—something more deliberate.
"Come with me," Akeno said, her voice a little lower, more serious. She took my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine as she led me down the street.
I didn't ask where we were going, trusting her to lead. She guided me through the bustling afternoon crowd, her steps confident and purposeful. After a few minutes of walking, we were no longer in the busy part of town. The area was quieter, more private.
Before I knew it, we were standing in front of a love hotel. The neon sign glowed softly in the fading daylight, casting a warm glow over the entrance.
"Akeno..." I started.
"I've been thinking about this for a while, Alex-kun," she said, her voice was soft. "We don't need to pretend, do we?"
"No, we don't. But Rias really going to get after this, you know that right." I said.
Akeno smiled, that mischievous gleam returning to her eyes. "Isn't that why you're here, big boy?" she teased. "You'll take care of her, won't you?"