NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Mai’s Struggle Between Anger and Affection
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"Because you deliberately provoked me, I had no choice but to respond."
She was concerned about such a trivial matter.
What an adorable personality she has...
Badr couldn't help but smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "How about I let you slap me to vent your anger?"
"Really?"
Mai Sakurajima seemed eager to try.
"Come on, I love being tormented by pretty girls!" Badr's face was full of anticipation.
His response left Mai dumbfounded.
"...Are you a pervert?"
She couldn't help but blush, letting out a small huff as she decided to let it go.
Badr just smiled silently in response.
After a moment, Mai finally realized what was happening.
"Did you say that on purpose?"
Her beautiful eyes blinked, a dangerous glint appearing in them.
"Oh? Is that what you think?" Badr didn't answer, just raised an eyebrow with a smile.
This small change in expression left Mai feeling helpless, as he seemed to have the upper hand.
"Do you still want to hear my explanation?"
"Of course! I won't miss a single word."
"I'm disgusted by you and don't feel like talking anymore." Mai huffed, turning away as quickly as flipping a page.
"Come on, Devils are the best listeners."
Badr snapped his fingers with a light smile, settling into a 'listener' mode.
Mai glanced at him with annoyance but chose to reveal her inner thoughts.
"In the third year of middle school, because of a photoshoot for a photobook, I had a terrible experience with my mother..."
When she mentioned her mother, her words noticeably paused before she continued:
"Also, my manager. She signed a contract without my consent, breaking the agreement that 'no swimsuits were allowed' by claiming 'it would sell well.'"
Thinking back to those times, Mai's face clearly showed her dissatisfaction.
"To her, I was just a tool to make money!"
Her words were filled with bitterness.
Badr tilted his head, beginning to understand the situation.
So that's why she had a falling out with her family...
And used quitting the entertainment industry as a form of revenge...
"But didn't you enjoy acting? Giving up your passion over this seems a bit too much."
Badr calmly expressed his view.
Mai instantly felt dissatisfied, clearly not hearing what she wanted.
"So you don't understand at all!"
"You're right. My parents died early, so I can't understand, and I'm sorry for that."
He spoke so calmly that it caught Mai off guard.
"You've already figured it out, haven't you? But you won't admit you acted impulsively without considering a better solution."
"You're so annoying." Mai glared at Badr angrily.
Badr remained calm, "Didn't I say you could hit me? I've been waiting."
Whap!
Without another word, Mai slapped him.
Badr casually turned his head, and her slap missed.
"Don't dodge!!"
"I never said I wouldn't dodge." Badr chuckled.
Mai's face was stern. Taking advantage of Badr's lack of attention, she stomped on his foot.
Badr: "..."
He let his guard down.
"Mai?"
"What!" Mai's face was expressionless, pressing down harder and twisting her foot.
"Alright, Mai, I was wrong."
"Why apologize? Did you do something wrong?" Mai's tone was icy.
"My mistake was finding angry Mai cute and deliberately provoking you."
Badr smiled softly as he said this.
Mai's expression froze momentarily, then she quickly retorted, "That makes you even more detestable!"
Despite her words, her foot's pressure lightened.
"Badr."
She suddenly called his name.
"I'm here, my queen." Badr lazily responded, his eyes half-closed.
"Be with me tomorrow as well."
"Huh?"
Badr instinctively considered his plans for the next day.
But just that brief hesitation made her press down harder on his foot.
"Ouch, ouch... Why are you angry for no reason?" Badr laughed and cried.
"Seeing you hesitate at my invitation made me furious."
Mai said casually.
"Isn't it because you're nervous about inviting a boy for the first time and worried about rejection?"
As Badr spoke, he lowered his head slightly, trying to meet Mai's gaze.
Mai's face turned slightly red as if he had hit the mark. Badr caught that brief moment of surprise and shyness, though she quickly regained her composure.
This made Badr admire her;
She was indeed a professional actress with top-notch control over her expressions!
Amazing!
Mai wouldn't admit it, pretending to be calm.
"It's just an invitation. It's simple with you, Badr. Just a casual call, and you'll come running like a happy puppy."
"Uh... That sounds a bit like you're describing a dog." Badr rubbed his chin as if talking to himself.
"You said it yourself." Mai's face showed a pleased smile.
"Mai, your personality is evil."
"Right back at you."
Her invitation revealed that she had made up her mind about something.
Badr guessed as much and softly said, "Then let's explain everything to your family tomorrow. She still remembers you, right?"
Although Mai didn't reply, Badr knew from her expression that he was correct;
Her mother was one of the people who influenced Mai.
Once the knot in her heart was untied, the influence of the ability would no longer spread. Then, by expanding her influence through the entertainment industry, she could break the 'atmosphere,' and everything would return to normal.
It seemed that things could be resolved tomorrow.
Badr pursed his lips, thinking he had worked hard to secure this contract...
...
Given that Mai had decided to confront her mother tomorrow, there was no need to waste more time investigating.
"I'll take you home."
"I can go back alone."
"I'm just ensuring your safety; let's go."
Badr started walking first, saying, "Once you sign a contract with me, you can summon me directly through the summoning circle."
"How did you teleport here before?"
"Of course, with the help of other senior Devils."
"I see..."
Mai pondered, curious, "Do other Devils also sign contracts with various humans like you?"
"Of course, is there a problem?"
"Nothing."
Mai smiled.
She was glad she had summoned Badr. The interaction might not have been as pleasant if it had been another Devil.
Mai's expression became more lively. She smiled, seemingly in a good mood.
"Do you feel much better after making up your mind?" Badr glanced at her, seeing her rare, visible happiness.
"My mood has always been good."
Mai wouldn't directly admit it.
"Since you're in a good mood, can I ask you a question?" Badr asked with a light smile.
"As long as it's not too sensitive."
"Then it's over. You might get angry after I ask."
"Then why dare to ask?"
The girl gave him a warning look.
Badr sighed with a smile, "But I'm inquisitive. It seems I'll have to investigate secretly."
Mai hesitated slightly at his words, "Is it about me?"
"Of course."