Chapter Twenty: Stupid in Love:

The doorbell rang again.

“Who is it now?” Mike asked.

“I’ll get it,” Hotaru said. She got up and walked over to the door.

“Who is it?” she asked, looking out the peep hole. A man in a black sweater and jeans stood outside. Hotaru grinned as she opened the door.

“Oh! Welcome Sota-san!” she said. Kazue jerked her head upwards. The new guest walked into the house. Kazue’s face turned bright red.

“Hello,” Sota said with a little wave. Kazue tried not to make eye contact. Hotaru had to choke back her giggling.

“Introduce yourself,” she said instead. “Your name and a fun fact about yourself.”

“What?” Sota asked. All eyes fell on him. Kazue tried to turn her head but couldn’t look away.

“Wow,” was all Sota could say. “Uh… My name is Sota and I like to garden.” Kazue just stared at him.

“Oh interesting,” Hotaru said. “Please have a drink. Enjoy yourself.” She smiled and winked before walking away.

“Okay then…” Sota mumbled. He turned to see Kazue to his left.

“Hello, Kazue-san,” he said. She didn’t speak as her face turned redder. Meanwhile, Hotaru smirked to herself as she walked to the kitchen. Mike followed behind.

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“Hotaru!” he said. The loli demon turned around.

“Hm?” she asked.

“What was that?” Mike asked. Hotaru batted her eyelashes at him.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she lied. The other demon frowned.

“Don’t lie,” he said. “What are you cooking up now?” Hotaru kind of smiled.

“Oh,” she said. “Just playing cupid. Again.” Mike groaned.

“Are you serious?” he asked. Hotaru gave him a little pout.

“Why is that a bad thing?” she asked. Mike rolled his eyes.

“Hotaru!” he complained. She giggled and walked up to him. He raised his eyebrow at her.

“What?” the American demon asked.

“Oh, Mikey,” she said. “Don’t you know?”

“Know what?” her roommate asked. She put her arm around his shoulders.

“It’s Halloween,” the loli demon said. “Anything can happen. Magic can be in the air. Even love can happen!” Mike rolled his eyes. Hotaru patted him on the back.

“Come on,” she said. “Live a little!” Hotaru walked back to the doorway.

“We are just getting into the party after all,” she said. The loli demon disappeared into the living room. Mike stood there, blinking.

“Huh?” was all he could ask. He could hear the music and chatter from the living room.