•Black Sheep• || The Devil is a Part Timer || Urushihara / Lucifer

༺Chapter 16༻

"Uh, y-yeah! Of course! What happened that brought you here?" The red-head steps back and lets her trembling friend in, shutting and locking the door behind her.

"...Well, it's kind of embarrassing. Can you promise not to tell anyone?" Aiko gently sits down on the sofa.

"Yeah, I promise,"

"My apartment building blew a fuse. So there is no power, at least until tomorrow morning. And, well, I sort of have this...crippling fear of darkness..."

"...You're afraid the dark?"

"I know it's stupid, but it's like a childhood trauma for me. I had to go days without light or warmth, and without my mother. And that was just when I was little. As I got older, days turned into weeks...It was just something I never was able to grow out of."

"Hey, I understand, don't worry. I'll get you a blanket and you can sleep here on the couch," the Hero walks over to a small closet and pulls out an extra blanket.

"Thank you so much Emi, I am in your debt,"

"Nah, like I said, don't worry about it, really," She gives Aiko a warm smile as she hands her the blanket, "I'll even leave the bathroom light on so a little light comes in for you,"

Aiko's heart swells with gratitude as she lays down on the couch with a content smile.

§          §          §

The next morning Emi was scheduled to work for half a shift, so Aiko had to leave when she did. And to be honest, she really wasn't looking forward to walk home.

But luckily for her, Chiho had sent her a text asking if she wanted to visit Maou's with her.

8%.

She forgot to turn off her phone during the night, so she lost 5% of battery due to that, and 1% to respond to Chi.

So instead of walking to her own home, Aiko walked to Chiho's so they could go together.

She was already waiting outside.

"Hi Ms. Aiko!...Uhh, are you wearing pajamas?" The strawberry blonde questions as she examines the way too large white shirt her older friend is wearing.

"Heh, yeah, it's a long story. But I guess it's okay as long as I am covered, right?"

"Hmm," The high schooler rubs her chin as if she was in deep thought, "Oh! I got it! Wait right there!" She quickly sprints back into her house, and not ten seconds later comes back out with a light blue strip of ribbon that matches the accent color on the bottom of her sleeves and collar.

"What's that for?" The curious bluenette asks.

"For this!" She wraps it around Aiko's waist and ties a loose bow behind her, "Now its a pretty dress!"

"You never cease to amaze me Chi, you know that?" Aiko giggles as the two then begin to walk in the direction of the boys' place.

"Good afternoon!-" Chiho exclaims delightfully before noticing the multiple stacks of boxes in the small room.

"Uh..."

"Great, Chi, we've been waiting for you! Oh, Aiko, you're here too? Awesome!" The two girls heard from behind one of the piles of boxes.

"Guess they need some help huh?" Aiko nudges Chiho with her elbow as they enter the room.

"So, uh, Mr. Maou. What exactly is going on?"

"Our landlady sent all this junk from Hawaii. She said to sell it in the summer bazaar at the shopping arcade."