Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

The class continued after the noon break without much change, though Tohka and Origami had certainly stirred up a lot of commotion during lunch.

Shido couldn't help but let out a deep sigh, feeling utterly drained from constantly getting caught between Tohka and Origami's never ending fight for his attention. Those two were like a dog and a cat, one was warm, excitable, and full of boundless energy, while the other was quiet yet very affectionate in her own way. And yet, the moment they were put in the same space, it was as if an invisible spark ignited between them, leading to a fight.

While Shido couldn't deny that being fought over by two beautiful girls felt good, it was also incredibly exhausting.

No matter what he did, he always seemed to end up in the middle of their arguments, trying to smooth things over before they turned into an attraction to other people. With how things were going, Shido began to wonder whether it was a good idea to put them on the same bed and do them together so that their mouths would only let out moans.

Thinking of that, Shido nodded to himself, deciding that he would try it if those two got into another argument. He had already resolved their hatred for each other and although they still quarrel from time to time, there is no more resentment in their action. Origami and Tohka were just like two children fighting over a toy (Shido).

His gaze shifted to the direction of the two, and saw that Origami was wearing her usual deadpan expression while listening seriously to the class, however, Shido didn't know that Origami was thinking of other things inside her mind. On his left, Shido was completely speechless when he saw that Tohka rested her face on the table while she put a book in front of her as a shield that could block the teacher's view of her face.

Tohka had a very comfortable look, her face relaxed as she slept soundly without a care for the lesson. A small trail of drool escaped the corner of her mouth, making her look unintentionally funny. Yet, Shido had no doubt that she was definitely dreaming about food again, probably a mountain of Kinako bread, given how much she loved eating it.

Even though they had just finished lunch, Tohka's appetite was insatiable. Shido couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile. She was as carefree as ever, but in a way, that was a good thing. Considering everything she had been through, seeing her enjoy life so openly was something he was grateful for.

If this had been in the past, back when she was still being hunted by the AST, Tohka's expression would have been completely different. Instead of a blissful, carefree look, her face would have been clouded with sadness, distrust, and even hatred. 

Back then, she had no place to home and no one she could trust. She had been treated as nothing more than a dangerous entity, a being to be eliminated rather than a person with emotions and desires. She had wandered alone, knowing only hostility from humans and the rejection of the world.

But all of that changed when Shido reached out to her, pulling her from that abyss and offering her the warmth and acceptance she had longed for. He had given her a name, and home, a place where she belonged, not just as a Spirit, but as Tohka Yatogami.

And now, here she was, dozing off in class like any ordinary girl, her biggest worry now was not fighting AST but probably what she would eat. Seeing her like this, so carefree and happy at the same time, made Shido's chest tighten not from pain, but from an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude.

He was truly glad that the look of hatred and sadness that once clouded her face had been replaced by a vibrant and carefree smile. The heavy burden she used to carry, the loneliness, the pain, and the constant fear of being hunted was now just a distant memory.

Now, instead of wandering aimlessly with sorrow in her eyes, she could laugh, pout, and even argue with Origami which made her look more like she was enjoying her life. She had found a place where she could be herself, where she was cherished and a person that she cared for and loved.

Shido couldn't help but smile. If giving her a normal life meant occasionally getting caught up in her antics and endless appetite, then he would gladly take on that responsibility. Not to forget that another one of his responsibilities is to satisfy her desire as a woman and give her the love she deserves.

He was truly glad that the Tohka in this world didn't end up like the "Beast" (Alternate version of Tohka) on Parallel World. 'Don't worry Tohka, I won't die.' Shido promised silently in his head while gazing softly at Tohka's adorable face.

Yet, no matter how much he tried to push the thought away, the image of "Beast" still lingered in his mind. That version of Tohka had fallen so far into the abyss of despair that even her radiant purple hair had turned stark white. What kind of suffering had she endured to become like that? The mere thought made Shido grit his teeth in frustration and helplessness.

'If there's a chance in the future... I will reach out to you. No matter what. I will save you.' he vowed to himself, as resolve burned in his eyes.