"Hey, do you have a date for the school dance?" Izumo asked me this morning, giving me a sly look.

"Huh?" I replied, taken aback. "A date? You've got to be kidding. I don't date."

"Oh, come on, you have to bring someone!" Paku encouraged with a small smile. "Even Shiemi has a date."

"Really?" I asked, a bit curious. "Who?"

"One of Rin's friends—Bon," Paku replied, grinning. "I'm so jealous. He's, well… let's just say he's pretty attractive."

Shiemi looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, Lia. Bon asked me not to tell anyone in the Order."

"Understandable," I said, thinking about Mephisto and the unnecessary attention he'd likely stir up if he found out.

"So, you should bring someone too!" Izumo insisted, nudging me.

I sighed, just as the bell rang. Suddenly, a guy from our class stood up and called out, "Any girls still need a date for the dance? I've got a friend who's looking for one!"

A popular girl smirked and called out loudly, "Lia doesn't have a date!"

"I—I really don't think…" I stammered, feeling the heat of everyone's gaze.

"You should go with my friend!" the guy continued, looking way too pleased with himself.

I could feel them setting me up, but there wasn't much I could do. I didn't have anyone who would step in for me, and my friends weren't likely to speak up.

"Just give me your number, and I'll pass it along to him," the guy persisted, holding out his phone.

Before I could even respond, Rin appeared, his face a mask of irritation, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"Hey!" Rin barked, fists clenched. "Leave her alone!"

"What? It's not like she has a date. She should be thanking us for setting her up!" the girl shot back, rolling her eyes.

She's lucky I don't hit girls, Rin thought, barely holding back his frustration. But he knew there was only one thing he could say to put an end to this. I just hope Lia doesn't get mad at me.

"I'm her date, so back off," Rin declared, his voice tense.

My face turned bright red. The girl and guy exchanged shocked looks but finally backed off, returning to their seats.

"Y-you didn't have to lie for me, you know," I whispered to Rin once they'd gone. "I can take care of myself."

Great. I embarrassed her, Rin thought, his stomach twisting with guilt. I knew it. I'd better try to make it right.

"I… wasn't lying," Rin admitted, his cheeks tinged pink. "But I get it if you don't want to go with me. I mean… considering…"

"Rin," I interrupted gently. "The answer is yes. And what do you mean, 'considering'? You know the curse doesn't bother me, and it won't start now. I'm not going to let it change the way I live."

"Why is it… that you're so much stronger than I am?" Rin asked, looking at me in wonder"

"I can't tell you… You'd probably cry," I teased, giving him a soft smile.

Rin just watched me, silently wishing he could understand the mysteries hidden behind my dark eyes.