DxD: Transfer Student

Chapter 19: Holding Hands

"Since we were mistaken, it means we still haven't found the origin of your ability. Let's continue searching."

Badr spoke calmly, but Mai Sakurajima remained silent.

After taking a few steps, Badr noticed that Mai hadn't responded. He paused, turning back to look at her.

Even though she wasn't speaking, her lowered head suggested she was feeling down.

"Mai?"

"...Let's call it a day. I'm heading back."

Her tone had returned to its usual calmness, devoid of the previous anxiety and hesitation.

Mai gently pushed Badr's hand away as she spoke and silently walked forward.

Watching her leave alone, Badr sighed inwardly. How could he leave her alone in a time like this?

He quickly caught up with Mai Sakurajima, easily reaching her.

Badr reached out, embracing the girl from behind, and whispered:

"Don't give up so soon. If this world didn't have your smile, it would be much duller..."

Mai's body trembled at that moment...

...

Although Mai appeared calm, Badr could feel her helplessness and despair.

If even Badr gave up, she would genuinely disappear from this world.

"It's useless, just leave me alone..."

The girl, held in Badr's arms, spoke slowly, her voice tinged with a hint of sobbing.

Her biological mother had forgotten her due to the influence, which was a massive blow to her.

Maintaining her composure without crying was already a sign of her immense strength.

"Maybe there's someone else who remembers you."

"It sounds like everyone except you has already forgotten me."

Mai forced a dry smile, but it looked pretty strained.

Admittedly, the current situation made it hard to think otherwise.

Even Mai herself thought so, which is why she said such things.

Badr was silent. He knew he could see Mai Sakurajima because he had become a demon.

He considered seeking help from Rias and the others, who were also demons, thinking they might have a solution.

But if it came to that, his desired contract might fall through.

Still, he wouldn't care about the contract if it reached that point. After all, he couldn't just stand by and watch Mai Sakurajima disappear.

Compared to that, the contract seemed trivial.

"Let's go confirm first," Badr said, unsure how to comfort Mai Sakurajima.

"What's the point of confirming? If everyone but you has forgotten me, what can I do..."

Mai seemed disheartened.

"It might seem pointless, but this way, I can stay with you," Badr smiled and said softly.

"...??"

"To be precise, I need this reason to stay by your side. Is that not allowed?"

Badr spoke calmly into the girl's ear.

"...It's allowed..."

"And wasn't this a date you invited me to?" Badr added, giving another reason.

"You're the one who thought it was a date, and aren't you doing this for a contract, Mr. Demon?"