Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - V5 Chapter 26: “This Feels Like a Flag, Doesn’t It?”

Chapter 26: “This Feels Like a Flag, Doesn’t It?”

Yusuke Sado was nervous.

He’d shown up early that morning at The First Wife—a cozy little café run by Koume’s mom, Lilith.

The place had a classy, vintage vibe, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air.

It reminded him of all those times he’d sipped coffee while cramming for exams.

Lilith wore stylish pants and gave off that whole “super-capable career woman” vibe.

Honestly, if no one had told him she was a demon, he would’ve just assumed she was a really elegant human.

The coffee she made?

Absolutely amazing.

(…There’s someone over there glowing like a holy being, but they look terrifying, so let’s just pretend we didn’t see them.)

Yep.

Definitely a god or something.

Radiating way more light than necessary.

“Now then… Sorry for calling you out so early in the morning.”

“Not at all. Thank you for the delicious coffee.”

“My, what a polite boy. —Yusuke Sado-kun.”

She said his name in this sweet, honeyed tone—

And it sent a chill straight down his spine.

“I’ve heard… you’re into non-humans—demons, yokai, that sort of thing.”

“Y-Yes. I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. People who know about our side of the world often find themselves drawn to us. Happens to both men and women.”

“I… I didn’t know that.”

“I hope you don’t mind me getting a little personal, but… you’ve been through quite a bit, haven’t you? Turns out, there are more girls than you’d think who’d love to help heal someone like you.”

Yusuke swallowed hard.

Gulp.

“R-Really?”

“You know, succubi have a reputation for needing to do certain things to drain someone’s sanity—But the truth is, even a kiss is enough. Just like how some humans genuinely enjoy that kind of intimacy, there are succubi who feel the same. That’s all it is.”

“…I-I see.”

“So, some girls want to be there for someone who’s hurting. Others dream of falling in love with a human and building a warm, happy home. It’s not just me—other demons also keep an eye out for good people so they can introduce them to succubi who want something better. I heard a little about you from Natsuki-kun, and I thought you might be a good match for someone. And now that I’ve actually met you… I’m confident we’ll find someone who clicks.”

“I—I’ll do my best! Thank you so much!”

Yusuke bowed, practically glowing with hope.

Just then, his phone buzzed on the table.

“Ah, excuse me.”

“No problem. Could be something urgent—go ahead and check.”

“Thank you.”

Grateful for Lilith’s kindness, Yusuke glanced at his screen.

It was a message saying they were taking the 9 a.m. train to Kyoto.

His travel buddies? Senju and Koume.

Attached was a selfie from Natsuki himself.

In the background, Koume proudly showed off an entire armful of bento boxes she’d just bought at the station.

And Senju? He’d shown up with a full-on suitcase, looking way too excited for some sightseeing.

Meanwhile, Natsuki just gave the camera a wry smile—fully aware of how chaotic his crew looked.

“Um…”

“Yes?”

“I’m really sorry, but… would it be okay if I head home for today?”

“Oh? Something wrong?”

“A very close friend of mine… is heading into battle. And I want to be there with him.”

“Hmm…”

Lilith gave Yusuke a long, thoughtful look—then responded in a lightly teasing tone.

“In that case… can I cancel the whole introduction thing?”

“—That’s fine.”

“Oh?”

Yusuke answered without hesitation and stood up from his seat.

“When someone that important to me—no, when my best friend is about to fight… it just doesn’t feel right for me to be here getting introduced to girls. I’m sorry if that sounds rude. But for the friends I was lucky enough to meet… friends who feel like family—I’d do anything for them.”

With a deep bow, he added, “Thanks for the amazing coffee!”

Then, he turned and left the café.

“…Well now. That was unexpected. I figured he’d be the type to chase after his desires without a second thought. Hmmm…”

Lilith gently licked her glossy lips, a sultry glint sparkling in her eyes.

“That look in his eyes… It got me a little too excited for someone my age. Honestly, I liked it so much, I wouldn’t mind being his wife for, oh, a hundred years or so.”

Yep.

She was officially smitten with Yusuke.

■

Watching the whole thing unfold… was God.

“Hawawawawawawawawawa—!!”

They shivered with anticipation, sensing the winds of a chaotic rom-com brewing on the horizon.

～～Afterword～～

Oh? What’s this now…?