Standing in front of the entrance to the bar, Issei Hyoudou exhaled through his nose, shifting his school bag over his shoulder.
What the hell am I even doing here?
It had barely been a day since he'd joined Rias Gremory's peerage. He was still adjusting to the fact that he was now a Devil, let alone a servant to the crimson-haired beauty. He had expected training, maybe some kind of mission to prove himself. What he hadn't expected was for his first task as a Devil to be… getting a job.
His King—no, the President, as he was used to calling her—had insisted that this would be a good experience for him. She claimed that working would straighten out his perverted nature and help instill some discipline. Like hell it will, Issei grumbled internally, but orders were orders.
Still, as he stood before the bar's entrance, he couldn't shake his confusion. A bar. Right next to the school.
How the hell did the city officials allow this?
Bars were supposed to be places for adults, filled with alcohol, cigarette smoke, and sultry bartenders. Definitely not something that should be within walking distance of a high school. And yet, here it was, standing tall and open for business as if it belonged here.
The exterior was surprisingly well-kept—sleek black panels with silver trimming, a large tinted window revealing only a dim interior. Above the door, a simple neon sign read: The Midnight Raven.
Issei adjusted his uniform and took a deep breath.
Alright, let's get this over with.
Pushing open the swinging doors, he stepped inside.
The first thing Issei noticed was the air—warm, rich with the scent of aged wood, faint traces of liquor, and a lingering wisp of cigarette smoke. The lighting was dim but atmospheric, golden fixtures casting a cozy glow against dark mahogany furniture. Everything looked polished, from the smooth, reflective bar counter to the leather seats arranged neatly around small, circular tables.
Damn. This place is classy.
For a bar that supposedly appeared overnight, it looked like it had been standing for years.
And then his eyes landed on the man sitting behind the counter.
A Good Looking Bastard.
That was the only way Issei could describe him.
Long platinum hair, annoyingly perfect blue eyes, and an effortlessly sharp look. His face carried a rugged charm, emphasized by a finely trimmed beard that made him seem just old enough to be both suave and dangerous.
Wearing a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up lazily to reveal his forearms, he leaned back against the bar with an air of boredom, a smoking cigarette in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other.
Then, as if sensing Issei's presence, he exhaled a slow stream of smoke and drawled,
"Maa, we're still not open for another hour. Come by later."
Issei narrowed his eyes, already feeling a strange irritation crawl up his spine.
Smug bastard.
But he wasn't here as a customer.
Steeling himself, he approached the counter.
"Excuse me, are you the boss of this place?"
The man turned his head slightly, regarding Issei with a glance that felt far too scrutinizing for comfort.
"The name's Viktor," he answered smoothly, taking another slow drag of his cigarette. "And yeah, that'd be me."
Issei gulped slightly but held his ground. "The President told me you were looking for workers, so I came to ask for a job."
Viktor raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning slightly amused. "The President? You know the President of Japan, kiddo?"
Issei blinked before realization struck him like a truck.
Shit.
He was so used to referring to Rias as "President" that he hadn't considered that an outsider wouldn't get it.
"I meant Rias Gremory," he corrected quickly. "She's the president of our school's Occult Research Club."
Viktor's smirk didn't waver, but something flickered behind those sharp blue eyes.
"Interesting," he mused before setting his cup down. "Well, since you're here, let's see if you're worth hiring."
Issei wasn't sure how to take that, but he didn't protest.
Viktor exhaled another slow stream of smoke before leaning forward slightly. "The job's simple. You'll start off as a waiter—setting up tables, keeping them clean, and serving drinks. No bartending yet, not until you prove you're not an idiot."
Issei felt a nerve twitch at that.
"Sound simple enough?" Viktor asked, locking eyes with him.
The moment their gazes met, Issei felt something strange.
A chill.
Not out of fear, but an odd intimidation.
There was weight behind Viktor's gaze—like staring at someone who had seen things, done things. Issei was a Devil now, and even he could tell this guy was no normal human.
Unable to hold it for long, Issei averted his eyes and nodded. "Yeah. I got it."
Viktor let out a small chuckle. "Good. Then go in the back and find a suit that fits you. Your first job is to clean the tables."
Issei exhaled, relieved that the weird tension was over.
Getting a job wasn't so hard after all.
At least, that's what he thought.
As he made his way toward the back room, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just stepped into something far more complicated than he expected.
The Red Dragon Emperor, working at my bar as a waiter… Viktor barely contained the laugh threatening to escape. Oh, this is just gold.
He leaned against the bar, smirking to himself. This will be a story to tell for ages.
It wasn't every day that a Devil, especially one as important as Rias Gremory, sent the Red Dragon Emperor out to get a job. And to work as a waiter, no less. The irony wasn't lost on Viktor.
Viktor watched Hyoudou as he handed the boy a cloth and cleaning solution. The kid took his job seriously—too seriously. Instead of just wiping down the surface of the table like any normal person would, he scrubbed the whole damn thing from top to bottom.
I only meant the top, but hey, at least he's thorough.
It wasn't long before Hyoudou finished his work, and the bar door opened with the jingle of a bell. A new group of customers entered, instantly recognizable. Rias Gremory—her crimson hair practically glowing in the dim lighting—was accompanied by three other faces.
Akeno Himejima, of course, was as stunning as ever, her mischievous smile already teasing the air. But this time, there were two new faces. The first was a blond boy, radiating an almost princely aura. He had an easygoing smile on his face, but Viktor could tell—there was something deeper behind it. A darkness that he kept well-hidden.
And then there was the white-haired girl. Expressionless, quiet, her presence barely noticeable compared to the others. But Viktor saw past the mask. That wasn't the face of someone who was naturally cold—it was the face of someone who had buried their emotions to protect themselves.
Huh. A group of misfits. Viktor mused. Fitting.
Ah, what a lovely bunch, Viktor thought with a smirk. Traumatized kids, all of them.
As Hyoudou took their orders, Viktor's amusement continued to build. The kid forgot what the blonde one had ordered and had to go back to check, causing Viktor to stifle a chuckle.
"Umm… Himejima-san ordered you, sir," Hyoudou stammered, clearly flustered.
Viktor didn't bother to hide his smirk. "Coming right up," he said, the words dripping with playful sarcasm as he began preparing the drinks.
He made two cups of tea, a chocolate smoothie for the white-haired girl, and a simple bottle of water for the blonde kid, who Viktor assumed was the one with the strange aura.
Once Hyoudou delivered the drinks and returned, Viktor leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with a playful challenge.
"So, how are you going to serve me to Akeno?" Viktor asked, a teasing tone in his voice.
Hyoudou blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I… I'm not so sure, sir," he mumbled, scratching at his head in confusion.
Viktor smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Carry me there."
The boy's eyes widened, a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "What?"
"I said, carry me there." Viktor's grin widened. "On your back, of course. Piggyback."
Hyoudou stared at him, speechless for a moment. Then, exasperated, he finally turned his back to Viktor. Unbelievable was written all over his face.
The rest of Rias's peerage watched the scene unfold with amusement. Akeno's eyes glinted with mischief as she leaned back in her seat, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
The blonde kid smirked slightly, his quiet laughter a stark contrast to the carefree nature of the situation.
And then, there was the white-haired girl. Her lips curled into something resembling a smile, but it was fleeting—almost imperceptible, but Viktor caught it.
Hyoudou finally sighed and bent down, bracing himself for the absurdity of it all. With a grunt, he hoisted Viktor onto his back, and the bar erupted in laughter at the sight.
This is priceless, Viktor thought, his voice barely containing his amusement as Hyoudou trudged across the room. A job interview for the Red Dragon Emperor—carrying his new boss on his back like a child.
When they reached the table, Hyoudou plopped Viktor down in one of the chairs with a heavy exhale.
Viktor grinned. "I'll give you a bonus for the premium service," he said, taking a seat. He leaned back and looked around the table. "Now, sit with us. Grab yourself a drink."
Hyoudou hesitated, glancing between Viktor and the others. Rias, Akeno, and the rest of her peerage were still watching, but there was no mistaking the playful edge to their expressions.
Akeno's eyes sparkled with amusement as she reached for her cup of tea, swirling the drink in her hands. "You're quite the entertainer, Viktor," she remarked, her voice dripping with teasing.
Viktor chuckled. "I do my best to keep things interesting."
Akeno swirled her smoothie, watching Viktor with her signature mischievous glint. "You're quite the entertainer, Viktor."
Viktor smirked. "I do my best."
Akeno took a slow sip of her drink before setting it down. "It's not every day you meet a bartender with such a… colorful personality."
Viktor leaned back, exhaling a small puff of smoke from his cigarette. "And it's not every day I meet a bunch of high schoolers who hang out in a bar."
Rias chuckled. "Fair point. Though, to be honest, I'm surprised a place like this was allowed to open so close to our school."
Viktor smirked, feigning innocence. "What can I say? I have a way with people."
Akeno rested her chin on her hand, her eyes scanning Viktor with curiosity. "That's not all you have a way with, I'd imagine."
Viktor met her gaze, his smirk never faltering. "Careful, Akeno. Flirting with the bartender might get you better drinks, but it won't get you free ones."
Akeno's lips curved into a playful smile. "Oh? And what else would it get me?"
Viktor pretended to consider it for a moment. "Good company. Maybe a story or two. But I'm afraid I'm off-limits when it comes to anything else."
Akeno raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Rias sighed. "Akeno, don't scare off the staff."
Akeno pouted. "I'm just having a little fun."
Viktor chuckled. "I can handle myself."
Akeno's lips curled into a more playful smile. "You really do have a way with people, don't you, Viktor?"
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling a cloud of smoke from his cigarette. "It's one of my many talents."
Rias, who had been quietly observing the interaction, finally spoke up. "You're an interesting man, Viktor. I'm surprised someone like you runs a bar like this."
Viktor shrugged, unbothered. "People like me need something to do. Might as well make a business out of it. Besides," he added with a grin, "I get to meet interesting people. Like you."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Oh? And what do you think of us, Viktor?"
He studied her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "A group of troubled souls," he said casually, "but also a bunch of kids trying to find their place in a world that doesn't quite make sense. You, especially, Akeno. You're someone who enjoys toying with the darkness inside you, aren't you?"
Akeno's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before it returned, even more mischievous than before. "You're not wrong, Viktor."
The conversation continued, a back-and-forth of subtle challenges and flirtations. It felt like Viktor was the eye of the storm, effortlessly keeping control of the situation with a calm demeanor. His words were smooth and layered, always just a step ahead of Akeno's playful barbs.
As the night went on, the peerage's laughter filled the air, and Issei could only watch, unsure of how exactly he fit into this strange world of beautiful, powerful beings and twisted games.
Eventually, as the the night fell down, Rias and her peerage prepared to leave.
After the door jingled behind them, Viktor took a deep breath, looking around his bar—now empty for the night. He had cut Issei's shift short, telling him to go and rest up, whilst giving him 2000 Yen, an absurd amount for so little work.
"Well," he murmured to himself, "that was an interesting evening."
With a satisfied grin, he went to close up for the night, already wondering what the next day would bring.
Just as Viktor was about to close early for the night, the door swung open.
A woman strode in, her movements confident, her presence disruptive.
The Midnight Raven… The name alone makes me like this place~
She announced her arrival with an amused drawl, taking in the dimly lit bar like she already owned it.
Viktor froze mid-motion, fingers still hovering over the light switch. Slowly, almost robotically, he turned toward the intruder. His first thought was irritation—someone had come in right when he was about to call it a night. But then, as his eyes landed on her, that irritation twisted into something far worse.
What… the hell is this?
It wasn't because she was beautiful. It wasn't because she was some captivating femme fatale that stopped him in his tracks.
No. It was because she was a Fallen Angel.
And she was pathetically weak.
So weak, in fact, that he hadn't even sensed her approaching. So fragile that an ordinary human wielding a Twice Critical could probably kill her. The sheer thought of it made his stomach churn.
Viktor's mind raced.
A disgrace to their kind. An abomination.
He could end her right now.
A Holy Spear through the chest—quick and clean. Or perhaps something simpler, a flicker of willpower to snap her neck like a twig.
His fingers twitched at the idea of it.
But—he was a host. And a host always put the customer's enjoyment above all else.
So instead of obliterating her, he offered a smile.
"And the staff are good looking too, how nice~"
She slid into a seat at the bar, completely unaware of how close she had come to death.
Viktor let out a slow breath before approaching. His smirk was polite, professional, hiding everything behind it. "Welcome to The Midnight Raven. How can I be of service?"
The woman leaned against the counter, tilting her head slightly. "I'll have a Crown Royal. Bottle."
Straight to the hard stuff.
Viktor nodded once and turned to prepare the drink, but he could feel her eyes burning into his back. There was nothing subtle about the way she watched him—her gaze was hungry, predatory, laced with a barely hidden desire that had nothing to do with the whiskey.
He ignored it.
With practiced ease, he poured a shot, setting both the glass and the bottle in front of her.
Her fingers wrapped around the glass, and she downed it in one smooth motion before pouring herself another. "You won't care to keep a lonely gal company?"
Viktor considered her for a moment before shrugging. "Guess I could use a drink myself."
Sliding into the seat across from her, he flicked open his cigarette case, plucking one between his lips before lighting it. The first inhale filled his lungs with nicotine, and as he exhaled, he finally spoke. "Viktor. Owner, bartender, host."
She smirked lazily, setting down her now-empty glass. "Raynare."
Viktor took a sip of his own drink, watching as she poured another for herself.
The silence stretched between them, filled only by the quiet sounds of whiskey sloshing in a glass, the distant hum of the bar's fading ambiance.
Raynare drank three more shots before finally speaking again.
"So here's the plan," she said, leaning forward slightly. "I tell you about my problems while I get shitfaced drunk, you listen like a good little boy, probably fuck me silly later into the night, and the morning after, you wake up alone in bed remembering the night we had for the rest of your life."
Viktor exhaled a slow stream of smoke, tapping his cigarette against the ashtray before finally replying.
"I'll think about it."
Raynare chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. "Oh? Not an instant yes? I must be losing my touch."
Viktor smirked, taking a slow sip of his whiskey. "You came in here assuming I'd jump at the chance. You should make your offers more enticing."
Raynare leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm as she studied him. "Mmm… But you're interested."
Viktor gave her a slow, knowing look. "I didn't say that."
"But you didn't say no, either," she countered, eyes gleaming.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're awfully bold for a first-time customer."
Raynare laughed softly. "I could say the same about you, bartender." She downed another shot, tilting her head. "You know, most men would be tripping over themselves trying to impress me right now."
"I'm not most men."
She smirked, tapping her nails against the side of her glass. "Yeah, I figured that out already."
Viktor leaned back, watching her closely. "So, what brings you here? You don't strike me as the type to just wander into a random bar alone."
Raynare exhaled through her nose, tilting her glass slightly. "You ever have one of those days where everything feels like a joke? Like the universe is just messing with you?"
Viktor arched an eyebrow. "Can't say I have."
She chuckled dryly. "Then you're lucky."
Silence stretched between them for a moment. Viktor didn't push, simply taking another drag from his cigarette. He had already pieced together the important part—she was hiding something.
Raynare downed another shot, then tapped her glass against the table. "So, bartender, got a girl?"
"No."
She grinned. "You gay?"
"None of your business."
Raynare smirked. "Secretive~ I like that."
She poured herself another drink, then lazily gestured toward him. "You're a weird one, you know? Most guys would be either trying to get me drunk or trying to impress me by now. But you're just sitting there, staring at me like I'm some kind of puzzle."
Viktor took a slow sip of his whiskey. "Maybe you are a puzzle."
Raynare's smirk widened. "Oh? Care to solve me?"
Viktor exhaled smoke, watching her through half-lidded eyes. "I don't waste time on cheap puzzles."
Raynare let out a loud laugh at that, shaking her head. "Damn, you're good."
Viktor flicked the ash off his cigarette. "I try."
Raynare took another sip, her gaze lingering on him. "You're different, Viktor."
He smirked. "So I've been told."
She propped her chin on her hand, eyes half-lidded. "You don't ask many questions."
Viktor met her gaze. "Only the ones that matter."
Raynare stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head with a soft chuckle. "I like you, bartender."
Viktor took another sip of his drink, his smirk never fading. "I'll think about that, too."
Raynare leaned back, exhaling through her nose before downing another shot in one smooth motion. The alcohol was starting to take effect—her body relaxed, her posture slouched slightly, and that sharp edge in her gaze softened.
She lazily spun the empty shot glass between her fingers before letting it clatter onto the counter. "You ever wonder why people drink, bartender?"
Viktor took a slow drag of his cigarette. "Plenty of reasons. Some drink to forget. Others drink to celebrate. Some just like the taste."
Raynare hummed, eyes half-lidded. "And which one are you?"
Viktor smirked, tapping the ashtray. "None of the above."
She let out a breathy laugh. "Liar."
Viktor simply tilted his glass toward her before taking another sip. "And what about you? Why are you drinking?"
Raynare poured herself another shot—her hands were steady, but he could see the faintest tremor in her fingers. "Because I deserve it," she muttered.
Viktor arched an eyebrow. "Deserve what?"
Raynare exhaled sharply, rolling her eyes. "A damn break." She lifted her shot glass but didn't drink immediately, instead staring into the amber liquid. "You ever get tired of the world, Viktor? Like, just... done with everything?"
Viktor watched her carefully. "Can't say I have."
She chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Must be nice, being so sure of yourself." She tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "I bet you're the type that always has a plan, huh?"
Viktor smirked. "Something like that."
Raynare snorted before knocking back another shot. "Wish I had one."
Her movements were looser now, less calculated. She rested her elbow on the bar, propping her head up with her palm as she stared at him. "You're a strange one, Viktor."
"You've mentioned that."
"And I'm gonna keep saying it." She gestured at him with the empty shot glass. "You don't ask many questions, but you see everything. Like a cat watching a mouse."
Viktor chuckled. "And which one do you think you are?"
Raynare smirked. "Neither. I'm a raven."
Viktor exhaled smoke through his nose. "Ravens are scavengers."
Raynare's smirk faltered, just for a second. "That so?"
Viktor watched her as she poured another drink, noting how her hand lingered on the bottle just a little longer than before.
"Drinking that fast, you'll pass out before you get to the 'fuck me silly' part of your plan," he remarked casually.
Raynare blinked before letting out a genuine laugh, tossing her head back. "You remembered that? Damn."
Viktor smirked. "Hard to forget when someone lays out their whole game plan in the first five minutes."
She leaned forward slightly, her breath laced with whiskey. "So, tell me, bartender... if I was sober, would you have taken me up on it?"
Viktor met her gaze, expression unreadable. "Hard to say."
She pouted exaggeratedly. "Oh, come on. A beautiful woman throws herself at you, and you're playing hard to get?"
Viktor tapped his cigarette against the ashtray. "I'm just not in the habit of taking advantage of drunk girls."
Raynare studied him for a long moment before clicking her tongue. "What a gentleman."
Viktor shrugged. "I try."
Raynare chuckled softly, swirling the whiskey in her glass. "You really are different."
She downed the shot in one swift motion, then let out a long sigh, her body slumping against the bar. "This stuff's strong..."
Viktor smirked. "It's only strong if you drink half the bottle in twenty minutes."
Raynare lazily waved a hand at him. "Shhh, don't ruin my moment."
She rested her cheek against her palm, her fingers idly tapping the counter. "I don't like this place," she mumbled. "It's... quiet."
Viktor arched an eyebrow. "And you don't like quiet?"
Raynare let out a bitter chuckle. "Quiet gives you too much time to think."
She reached for the bottle again, but Viktor smoothly slid it out of her reach.
"Alright, that's enough," he said.
Raynare blinked at him in surprise before narrowing her eyes playfully. "What, cutting me off already?"
"You can barely sit up straight."
She huffed, but didn't argue. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, lazily stretching her arms. "Guess I did go a little overboard."
Viktor exhaled smoke. "You got a place to stay?"
Raynare smirked. "You offering?"
Viktor leaned back, crossing his arms. "Just making sure you don't end up passed out in the gutter."
Raynare grinned. "How chivalrous."
She waved a hand dismissively. "I'll be fine, don't worry your pretty little head about it."
Viktor watched her for a moment before nodding. "Suit yourself."
Raynare smirked again, though her eyelids were drooping. "Y'know, bartender... I think I like you."
Viktor smirked. "I'll think about that too."
She let out a sleepy chuckle before leaning back against the counter, her body going still.
Viktor sighed, taking another drag of his cigarette.
A drunk Fallen Angel sitting at his bar, completely unaware of who she was talking to.
What an interesting night.