#replaced?

they’ve got it.

previous

synopsis: you promised you’d always be there to watch him play. but when someone else cheers for him the way you used to—
louder, easier, like it belongs—
you realize some things don’t need to be said to feel like a loss.

(w.c 1629)

you keep all this bubbling up emotions to yourself not wanting to burden others with your heavy heart. the past days become a blur and yuki and fubuki had noticed but they know better than to pry the information out of you- they know how that goes so they rather let you tell them what's been bothering you yourself.

you three walk through the hallways of your school and yuki is chatting to you while fubuki looks on the wall, "UPCOMING MATCHES" it reads. she looks over her shoulder at the two of you before stopping in front of it and you and yuki notice. you are the first one to speak up "whatcha looking for on the board?.." your eyes and yuki's eyes follow her gaze before she replies "you didn't tell me your races are in two days-" she points to the poster and lets out a silent huff "that's my fault- i actually forgot to tell you, are you guys coming to watch me?" they both roll their eyes at you in unison like that question was so obvious that it was somewhat stupid. "we always do and this time is going to be no different." yuki adds tenderly, "yeah and our cheering is going to be the loudest- just you wait and see." you chuckle softly, feeling a surge of belonging and appreciation in your friend group. as you laugh you see the other posters then one- bright orange.

you think to yourself that kei didn't even bother in mentioning that he had a match so earlier on like he always does and ask you to watch him, you swallow you strawberry milk slowly while trying to process this and the incident before this. what came to this? you had promised him to always come to his games, matches, whenever he needed you, you will be there. empty words and no actions kill hope, and you did not want to do that to him-ever.

time skip to day of the keis match.

the gym was louder than you had remembered it or maybe it wasn’t. maybe it was just you and your emotions telling this.

the overlapping of voices, shoes squeaked sharply against the shiny, polished floor, the echo of the ball striking hands cutting clean though the air.

you look around and your senses tell you this is familiar-too familiar-like something you would have gotten used to now.

you tightened your grip on the strap of your bag as you stepped inside. a voice cuts through your thoughts “-hey you can’t just stop in the doorway,” yuki flicked the back of your head slightly causing you to wince, as she slips past you with ease before ruffling your hair “you’re blocking traffic you silly.” before she lets out a small chuckle. you mutter a quick “‘m sorry.” fubuki followed behind her greeting you with a hug and you hugging her back.

“you came earlier than usual.” she noted.

you hummed in acknowledgement “practice was cut short today because of the volley match.” that wasn’t a lie- but certainly wasn’t the main reason.

“hm mhm.” yuki glances back at you before meeting your gaze with a smile grin. “or maybe you just came quickly before you didn’t want to miss his match?” she adds before wiggling her eyebrows. you rolled your eyes amused even by her boldness and annoyed by how much she teases you over this boy-kei.

“it’s just a match.” you simply reply. yuki looks at you deadpanned and says “you say that all the time, don’t you think that excuse is getting old?” she teases.

fubuki chimes in “and yet you drag us here every time.” her tone gentle not teasing unlike yuki, that troublemaker.

you give a grunt in acknowledgment before all of the three of you move up the bleachers, settling into seats that overlooked the court perfectly. not the very front, not the very back-somewhere in between. the same spot you always sat in. you don’t even think about it as much because this was like a second nature to you about how many times you chose to watch him- chose to sit here, and certainly don’t even think about how easy it is to spot him from this angle.

your gaze drifted taking in the court and the players warming up, jerseys moving in flashes of black and yellow and a split of white because of their numbers- before subconsciously shifted towards the side and then, you found him.

kei stood in his position near the net, tall as ever. one hand loosely holding a volleyball as someone beside him starts chatting to him, his expression seemed calm, slightly bored, like nothing was on his mind and if there was he wasn’t wearing it on his face. it was familiar-comfortably so. the way the sun hits his now-dirty blonde hair and his eyes gleaming like honey and amber.

for a second you felt away ease but then you remember-

“there.” yuki blurts out following your line of sight. “number eleven,right?” 

you nodded. fubuki leans forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees. “he’s gotten better.” “he’s always been good.”you replied automatically knowing you saw how he progressed through volleyball over the years you watched him.

yuki lets out a snort “you’re so biased.”

you don’t deny it- you don’t have too.

your gaze stayed on him,watching the way he moved.

it felt normal..like that incident in his room and day before didn’t occur. or at least close to it.

before-

someone stepped into your peripheral.

a small shift—barely anything—but enough to pull your attention.

a girl. standing a little too close. close enough to speak without raising her voice.

close enough to not feel like just another person in the crowd.

your eyes lingered for a second.

then another.recognition came quietly.

you’d seen her before.that day.

the one you hadn’t let yourself think about too much.

your grip on your bag tightened slightly.

“…you good?” yuki’s voice cut in, softer this time.

you blinked, tearing your gaze away. “yeah.”

“you sure?” she tilted her head, studying you.

“yeah,” you repeated, a little firmer. “i’m fine.”

fubuki didn’t say anything.

but you could feel her glance.

you looked back toward the court.

kei was still there.

of course he was. talking. listening.

existing in a space that didn’t feel as familiar anymore.

the whistle blew sharply, cutting through the noise.

players began moving into position.

the match was about to start.

“finally,” yuki stretched her arms slightly. “i was getting bored.”

“you were just talking the whole time,” you muttered letting a small huff of laughter. “exactly.”

fubuki let out a small breath beside you, eyes already on the court.

the game began.

the sound of the first serve echoed through the gym, followed by a burst of noise from the stands.

you leaned forward slightly. out of habit. out of instinct.

out of something you didn’t question.

your eyes followed the ball—quick passes, sharp movements, the rhythm of the game building steadily. you open your mouthe to call out to him-

and then,

her voice gets to him first

“tsukki!”

the voice rang out, clear and bright.

too familiar.

your body reacted before your mind did. you stilled. just for a second. your gaze shifted.

not to him.

but to her.

that same girl.

standing a few rows down.

leaning forward slightly, hands cupped around her mouth.

“nice receive!”

your fingers curled slightly against your bag.

you’d said that before.

same tone.

same timing.

same—

your thoughts cut off as movement on the court caught your attention again.

kei.

he adjusted his position, glancing briefly toward the stands.

not searching.

not really.

just a glance.

but it landed in the same direction. in her direction.

and then he looked away. like it was nothing.

like it meant nothing. your chest felt… tight.

not sharp.

not overwhelming.

just—

uncomfortable.

like something sitting where it shouldn’t be.

“hey, aren’t you gonna say something?” yuki nudged you lightly, eyes still on the game. “you’re always yelling during his matches.”

you opened your mouth.

paused.

for a second, you weren’t sure what you were going to say.

the words felt there.

familiar.

practiced.

but—

“they’ve got it,” you said instead, quieter than you intended. his friend group cheers him on and makes you feel like your cheer is just some other background noise.

yuki glanced at you briefly. “since when do you stay quiet?”

you shrugged, eyes fixed on the court.

“just watching.”

fubuki’s gaze shifted.

not to the game.

but to you.

you could feel it.

you didn’t look back.

another point was scored.

cheers rose again.

that same voice among them.

clear.

easy.

belonging.

your hands came together in a small clap.

once.

twice.

measured.

controlled.

not the way it used to be.

not the way it should’ve been.

your eyes stayed on the court.

on him.

but for the first time—

it felt like you were watching from somewhere further away.

like there was space now.

space that hadn’t been there before.

and no matter how much you told yourself it didn’t matter—

you noticed it.

every second of it.

when did i stop being the person who did that for you?..

a.n: it’s me again, i’m posting quite fast because i’m on break 😅, but i’ve made a playlist of what kei would probably listen to that’s in the first picture, and yes i too made the poster, it’s kinda ugly the more i stare at it😭.

Summary : After your death, Diavolo found a replacement for your empty seat in the program. But the new student, Yuki, was so just like you and now, she thrives to know who you are and why they kept mentioning your name.

—

“I’ve been bothered about this since yesterday but.. Who’s MC? Are they the human Lord Diavolo mentioned that I’ll replace in the program?”

—

Who’s [MC]?

Chapter 2 : None of Your Business

—

Yuki’s question left the dining room eerily silent. You blinked a few times and tilted your head, waiting for the brother’s reaction. Now that she has mentioned it, the brothers don’t talk much about you nor bring you up.

You saw how Beelsebub’s hands tightened on the burger he’s eating. Lucifer’s hands stopped mid way, Mammon clutched his utensils, Leviathan froze, Asmodeus bit his nails he’s too proud of before, Belphegor gripped the fork he’s holding and Satan stared directly at Yuki. 

The room’s arua was so intense, you could see Yuki become paler. She hitted a nerve right there.

“Where did you hear that name?” Satan asked. “I’m pretty sure none of us brothers mentioned that name to you..”

“Hey Lilith, where did she heard my name?” you asked while chiming silently, standing lazily beside Mammon. 

“Why are you asking me? I’m with you almost every time” Lilith replied. You ‘tsked’ but said nothing.

“Well..” the intense glare from Belphegor and Satan was enough for Yuki to be scared down to her soul. They’re demons. They could kill her anytime they want. But since she’s in custody under Diavolo then it’ll be fine. “L-Luke mentioned that name earlier.. I tried to ask Simeon who’s the owner of that name but all he said is that they're important to all of you.. And that it’s not his job to explain to me who’s [MC]..”

Yuki’s voice was shaking and small. You rolled your eyes, “Seriously..?”

“Simeon really likes giving my brothers a hard time, eh?” Lilith sighed. “I’m gonna talk to that angel later..”

“Hey, let me come with you!” you answered excitedly, forgetting the moment that’s unfolding in front of you. “It’s disappointing that Luke couldn’t see me though..”

“He’s still a child [MC].. His power is still weak but he’ll manifest it.. Though in kinda long time”

“Hmph.. I hope I’m not reborned when that time comes”

“You can't be reborned [MC]..” Lilith said in a matter of fact tone. “First, your soul is attached here in Devildom.. With my brothers still holding onto you”

“Yeah right” you rolled your eyes.

“Exactly,” the light said. “They couldn’t let go nor accept the fact that you’re dead, that's why you’re still here in Devildom.  Second, even if they accept the fate, move on  and end up in the gates of heaven, I doubt that you’ll be reborn much more welcomed in Celestia.”

“And why is that?”

“Father doesn’t know that I was reborned as a human, remember? And you’re my descendant. Which means that if Father learned about your existence, he’ll be mad and I’m more than sure that your soul and existence will be wiped.”

“That’s dark..” you commented. “But true though. Screw blood lineage.”

“Ain’t my fault”

“Yes it is!” you argued playfully. “You’re reborned! Had children and now look at me! I share your blood!”

“I didn’t ask Lucifer to save me!” Lilith argued back. “And out of all, of course I didn’t want an ungrateful sheep to be my descendant! Hmph!”

“You have the audacity to use that ‘hmph’ thing. Doesn’t sound good on you”

“Gosh.. you’re kind when you’re still alive but look at you, you little ghost sheep!” you could practically hear Lilith trying her best not to laugh. 

“Why you–”

“Knowing who that person is is none of your business” you and Lilith snapped out of your playful arguing when Lucifer decided to chime in. At first, no one answered before Asmodeus said that it was no one she should know of but Yuki insisted; even if a single thing about the human, it’ll be enough.

“[MC] is out of your league nor you have any business to do with them” Lucifer wiped his mouth with a napkin before standing. Everyone’s gaze watched his every move. Lucifer stares straightly at Yuki’s golden eyes as if warning her. “You’re here as an exchange student, Yuki. The only thing you need to do here is to study and survive, not interfere in someone else’s business”

“But no one would answer me!” Yuki shouted. You blinked a bit before smirking.

“Just how curious is she about me?” you commented, amused how Yuki wasn’t scared for her own dear life. Now that you think of it, there’s a time you shouted at Lucifer yeah? Oh, there’s also when you and Beel let Luke inside the house when he and Simeon had some misunderstandings and when Luke had a hold of Grimoire. There’s also that time where you freed Belphie from the attic and had to face his wrath, getting you almost killed in the process. 

“To the point she raises her voice at Lucifer..,” you chuckled. The light floated around Yuki as if protecting her. “She’s reckless isn’t she?”

“Says the one who’s far from reckless?” Lilith remarked. True though, dying for a person who you’re not family nor special with..

You groaned before walking next to Yuki and rested your hands on her shoulders. 

“Damn Lucifer gotta chill” you commented and whistled, looking at Lucifer who seemed to not like Yuki’s sudden raise of tone. “Damn McPride face”

“I’m sorry for raising my voice but..” Yuki mumbled, shaking. “I-I want to know more about this place. If I were to stay here for six months, don’t you at least think that I deserve some knowledge about it?”

Mammon and Leviathan watched intently on Yuki, eyes and ears wide open. 

“Everyone was comparing me to that [MC] and I just wanna know.. Who they are or how they regained their momentum here in hell.. Because everyone seems to look up on them and I’m just curious.. Curious on what they look like.. How they behave.. Where they are..” Yuki looked at Mammon before Lucifer. “I want to know why they had to be replaced by me..”

“Curiosity kills the cat,” Belphegor commented, turning everyone’s attention to him. His glare rested on Yuki. “You’re the cat and the more you become curious about them, the more you’ll be involved with us and I don’t want that. So stay your curiosity at bay if you don’t want to die”

You know Yuki shivered based on how you see her tremble. Lucifer said nothing and left the dining hall, after was him Satan and Asmodeus who only gave Yuki a cold gaze.

Mammon, Leviathan and Beelzub returned to eating; Belphegor and Yuki were still looking at each other.

“Why is everyone such a bastard?” You shake your head. “Can’t they treat Yuki nicely?”

“Why? Did they treat you nicely at first?” Lilith deadpanned.

“Well at least Mammon and Levi are nice to me!” you retorted. 

“Lie to yourself” Lilith deadpanned again. “Leviathan approached you because of Mammon. Mammon also approached you because of his credit card. If it weren’t for that reason, no one would approach you.”

“You seriously don’t overlook situations don’t you?”

“I was observing”

Yuki let go of Belphegor’s gaze. She said nothing and went to her room.

“Poor girl..” Lilith compassed. “As much as I want to help her, I can’t connect with her, much more call for her.. She doesn’t have at least ounce of my blood in her”

You sighed before floating towards the front door. 

“Tsk.. C’mon Lilith!” you invited. “Thought you still gonna have some ‘talk’ with Simeon?”

“Oh yeah right..”

The two of you left HOL, didn’t mind Yuki nor the brothers and headed straight towards Purgatory hall. It’s not like you two don’t sympathize nor care for Yuki but it’s just as what Lucifer said..

It’s none of your business, nor Lilith’s.

Your time helping others is up, and you can’t do anything as a ghost anymore. As much as you don’t like it, you cannot do anything but watch.

—

can you lose something that wasn’t yours to begin with?

previous

synopsis: at sixteen everything should feel the same or even more familiar,right?..between the lines of different schedules and quiet distance that grew unintentionally. you tell yourself it doesn’t matter, until one afternoon. you are then forced to wonder.

(w.c 1560)

(this has both you and kei’s pov.)

you had to admit you both had changed a lot not just physically but emotionally too- especially kei after the incident with his brother when he was ten years old. he became emotionally closed off and his love for volleyball has been rocky. as for you, you started to get into sports now- you’re the captain of the athletics team of your high school while kei still plays in volleyball.

when high school started you still had fubuki and yuki- they were your constants, best friends. as for kei the friends he had made that day on the first day of school was still carried with him, but his best friend is someone named yamaguchi tadashi. you’ve spoke to him a few times his nice, gentle and overall a good friend.

when high school started at fourteen, you still walked home together sometimes.

at fifteen, that became less frequent.

by sixteen, you weren’t sure when it stopped completely. the lines blurred slightly as for the fact that you were in different classes and extra activities causing you guys to spend less time together, does it hurt?..you try to convince yourself it doesn’t hurt as much but the more you lie to yourself the less convincing you get.

you spot him talking to his friends a mixed friend group with girls and boys, normally you guys would walk together- this is the spot you usually met up at so you can travel together.

you silently just stand there wondering if you should go up there as you were taking a step forward a girl, says very loudly “tsukki are we walking home together?” she lets out a small huff and he looks at her and nods and he walks with her. you hear the nickname- the name you gave him when you use to be lazy to not pronounce his whole surname,that just became a habit of saying- something that belonged to you.

you stand completely still not knowing what just happened?..who was that?..why is happening he asked you to walk with him today?..you feel your heart pain from not only the distance between you guys but also he had let you down- you were looking forward to when your schedules do align with each other only to be met with this.your grip on your bag tightens trying to keep your composure in check.

“..but you promised..today we will walk together today.” you whisper to yourself before looking back at your phone to see if it was real and not just some ploy-

it was real. he sent the message.

he didn’t even look around for you, not even a glance at the reply you eagerly wrote out while rushing out of practice.

you told yourself it doesn’t matter again. people change. things change. you knew that.

we’re you seriously jealous he has other friends- seriously grow up. you understood this.you tell yourself, trying to downplay that gnawing feeling in your chest but this doesn’t just feel like jealousy, it feels like something slipping.

a silent breeze passed by softly, brushing against your skin, but it did nothing to settle the feeling that had begun to settle in your chest. you forced your feet to move again.

step by step.

but the path felt a little longer than usual.

and for the first time walking home didn’t feel as light as it use to.

you walk the familiar paths where you and kei would walk, the leaves crunched beneath your shoes with each step, the sound louder than usual in the silence surrounding you.

you reached for your earphones, slipping them in as music filled your ears—loud enough to drown out your thoughts, or at least try to.

your feet carried you toward the small convenience store near your neighborhood.

you pushed the door open, the soft chime above it ringing as you entered.

you grabbed a basket, your gaze fixed downward as you walked through the aisles, picking up snacks you’d been craving without really thinking.

the music in your ears bled faintly into the air around you.

you paid at the counter, barely making eye contact, before stepping back outside. noticing the sun slowly dipping creating a orange hue and yellow tinge on the horizon.

you adjusted your grip on the plastic bag and continued walking.

when you passed kei’s house, since you guys lived in the same area.

you didn’t look.

you didn’t slow down.

you didn’t wait.

why am i this bothered?

your chest felt tight.

your thoughts louder now, harder to ignore.

do i even have the right to feel this way?

KEIS POV:

he saw you.

not immediately.

not when he first stepped out with the others, their voices overlapping, easy and loud in a way he had gotten used to.

but eventually he did.

you were standing where you always stood.

that same spot.

the one that had never needed to be said out loud, the spot that was yours.

his steps slowed—just slightly.

barely noticeable to anyone who wasn’t watching him. but enough for him to feel it.

he knew that look.

the way you stood there, like you were deciding whether to come over or not.

you never used to hesitate, you would walk right up to him..so why is today different?

his thoughts were momentarily cut off my a girl’s voice ringing in his ears.

“tsukki, are we walking home together?”

he heard it before he really processed it.

the voice next to him, he hadn’t even heard the nickname she had called him since it was yours and it didn’t have any meaning.

he looked to his side to see his friend he made in the second year of school through mutual friends.

familiar.

expectant.

he glanced at her. then— back at you.

just for a second. you were still there. lingering, hesitant.

he should’ve said something.

he knew that.

he could’ve.

it wouldn’t have been hard.

wait.

give me a second.

let me just— something simple.

something normal.

but the moment stretched.

too long.

long enough for it to feel… awkward.

long enough for the others to notice.

long enough for him to hesitate. feeling slightly vulnerable.

so he nodded.

“yeah.”

the word came out easily.

too easily.

and then he walked.

he felt it immediately.

not regret.

not exactly.

just—

awareness.

the kind that sat quietly in his chest, heavier with every step he took away.

he didn’t look back right away.

he told himself he didn’t need to.

that you’d catch up.

that you always did.

but you didn’t.

the conversation around him continued.

someone said something.

someone laughed.

he responded automatically.

but his attention wasn’t there.

not fully.

after a few steps—

he glanced back.subtly.

just enough.

you were still standing there.

something in his chest tightened.

small.

sharp.

unexpected.

he looked away.

quickly.

like he hadn’t meant to check.

she’ll come.

the thought came naturally.

familiar.

but something about it didn’t sit right.

his pace slowed again.

just slightly.

he barely noticed it himself—

but the girl next to him did.

“tsukki?”

he blinked.

“what?”

“you’re walking slower.”

“…am i?”

she gave him a look, half amused. “yeah.”

he hummed quietly, adjusting his pace again.

back to normal.

he didn’t look back a second time.

he didn’t need to.

if you were going to follow—

you would’ve by now. even when you were younger you told yourself and kei that you wouldn’t follow someone it makes you feel more of a burden and he understood.

the realization settled in slowly.

too slowly.

like something sinking beneath the surface.

you weren’t behind him.

you weren’t catching up.

you weren’t there.

and for some reason—

that felt… wrong.

his hand shifted slightly at his side.

fingers curling, then relaxing again.

he wasn’t sure what he was expecting.

or why it mattered.

you had your own things.

your own schedule.

your own life.

so did he.this was normal. you guys haven’t walked together in a long time so why would this time feel different? because he asked? because he told you to met up with him? because he stalked to see if your practice is ending earlier today?

but as the conversation around him continued

as the street stretched further ahead—

as your presence stayed noticeably absent.

kei found himself thinking about something he hadn’t considered before.

since when did she stop walking with me?

he didn’t have an answer.

and for the first time—

he noticed the silence beside him.

the one that used to be filled without effort.

without thought.

now—

it wasn’t.

kei exhaled quietly.

almost inaudible.

he didn’t turn around.

he didn’t stop.

he didn’t say anything.

but the thought stayed with him.

long after the moment passed.

long after the walk ended.

something had changed.

he could feel it now.

clearly.

and this time—

he wasn’t sure when it started.

or how to fix it. he starts to remember the day you visited before school started- the atmosphere, the slight tension. the change- the shift or whatever it called.

but for some reason—

he knew one thing.

you hadn’t followed him. and that

felt like it meant more than it should’ve.

Summary : After your death, Diavolo found a replacement for your empty seat in the program. But the new student, Yuki, was so just like you and now, she thrives to know who you are and why they kept mentioning the human she replaced.

(I have read too much replaced AU:’) I’m back from a vacay btw uwu)

WHO’S [MC]? 

Chapter 1 : Curiosity

How long has it been? Three, four, five months? You can’t count how much time has passed with you, trapped in Devildom’s realm as a poor soul.

“You’re too cool for a human who just died,” Lilith remarked in the air. You turned to your right only to see a ball of light. 

“You’re too cool for a ghost who doesn’t even have a physical soul at least”

“HEY!” Lilith shouted, defensive. “Be kind to your ancestor, you sheep!”

You laughed before floating on top of the meeting table in the meeting office.

“Why are we here anyway?” Asked Lilith. “There will be a meeting, yeah?”

“Yep.. I heard from Lord Diavolo that a new student will come down here as my replacement in this program”

“Seriously though just why wou–”

“Shusshh.. They’re here” you said, not wanting her to say anything. The door burst open revealing nine people, the seven rulers of hell, the demon prince and his loyal butler. They went on their own seats.

You watched them carefully, assessing their features. It’s been three days since you saw them and like always, the seven demon brother’s look more tired than before, Diavolo has dark circles under his eyes and Barbatos loses the only hint of light on his eyes.

“They look horrible,” you commented. “Can’t they move on?”

“You’re important to them [MC]. Especially my brothers. You played a big part in their lives. Of course they can’t move on just like that..”

“Fair point.”

Your attention turned to Diavolo who cleared his throat.

“So, It’s been a while since [MC]’s..” Diavolo stopped midway before looking down. “Death”

You saw how the others tensed up and you can’t help but sigh. Now that the wounds of your death were just fresh in everyone’s mind, it looks like the new student will not be oh-so-welcome.

“I feel sorry for the new student..” you muttered and turned to Lilith. “If the brothers are grieving right now then the new student won’t be very much welcomed. Right now, Belphegor, maybe not just him but the rest of his brothers, hates humans.. After what happened to me”

“How are you so sure?”

“A human caused your death” you looked at Belphegor who’s more lively than usual. “Humans also caused my death. I’m not numb to not know the affection they feels towards me”

“Then what are we supposed to do?” the ball of light asked. “Do you think the new student will be in danger?”

“No..” you answered. “Diavolo would make sure this human will be protected. He won’t want to mess this up”

“Today is the day.. [MC]’s replacement will come..” Diavolo looked at Barbatos and the latter nodded. He gave a paper to Mammon containing all information about the new student.

Mammon only looked at it for a brief three seconds flat before passing it to Levi. The Grand Admiral didn’t bother to look at it and immediately passed down the paper to Satan. The fourth born read the information before passing to Asmodeus. The Avatar of Lust scanned the woman's delicate face on the picture for a while before passing it to his younger brother, Beelzebub. The Glutton looked at it and put the paper on the table. He didn’t bother giving it to Belphie. He knows his twin would rip apart the paper if he did.

You looked at the woman’s picture on the paper. You can’t deny that she’s a beautiful girl. Silver hair and golden eyes with a cute smile.

“She’s pretty,” you commented in which Lilith agreed. 

“Shall we start teleporting her?” Barbatos asked his master and Diavolo nodded. Barbatos opened a portal and after a few seconds, a loud thud was heard in the room. A woman wearing a college uniform was dropped on the ground, eyes closed and fear written all over her face.

After settling on the ground for a few seconds, the new student slowly opened her eyes. You looked at her from the above with curiosity.

She looked around and saw the nine people inside the room. The chamber was dark, eight men seated on throne-like seats like kings and a butler standing beside her.

“Welcome to Devildom, Yuki” Diavolo announced that caught Yuki’s attention. “I am Diavolo, the Prince of Hell as well as the president of RAD’s council. I welcome you as a new exchange student.”

Diavolo gestured Lucifer, “That’s Lucifer, the Avatar of Pride, my right-hand man and the vice president of the council”

Instead of the fake smile Lucifer gave you on your very first day, Lucifer only gave Yuki a stern look and a nod. Looks like the loyal pridy man is not afraid to disappoint nor offend Diavolo right now.

Lucifer looked at Mammon, “He’s Mammon, my younger brother. He’ll be in charge of taking care of you throughout your time here in Devildom.”

The second oldest’s head snapped at Lucifer, “HUH?! We didn’t talked about this?!”

Lucifer glared at his brother and the latter held his gaze for his brother for a few seconds before looking at Yuki. He gritted his teeth before looking away.

The rest of the brothers are uninterested, only greeting her with nothing but coldness. Though Belphegor didn’t introduce himself, Beelzebub did. 

“D-Devildom? Avatars? E-Exchange student?” Yuki muttered in a shaky voice. It’s too much for her. Demons exist? And she’s in hell? Is she dead?

“He–Uhh.. So hi? Well.. When can I go home?” Yuki asked Diavolo though not meeting his eyes.

“You’ll be studying here for a year.. Or more like half a month since you’re a replacement for the previous human student we had” Diavolo trailed. “No worries.. After six months you could go home. Though you just need to write a letter of your experience here in Devildom.” 

“Six months?!” Yuki exclaimed, her eyes wide. “I’ll stay here for six months?! With demons?!”

“Please don’t panic Ms. Yuki” Barbatos chimed in, making Yuki look at him. “If you’re worried about your safety then we reassure you that you’ll be out of harm and we’ll protect you throughout your stay”

“I’ll study here for six months, write a letter about what I experienced in Devildom then I’m free?”

Barbatos nodded. “Harmless and alive.”

“That sounds like a threat” you commented while watching Yuki’s pale face.

Lilith didn’t respond but you know she agrees on your statement. 

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

It’s been a few days since Yuki’s transfer to Devildom. Everything is fine except that she’s ignored by the brothers. She lived with them though stays in the room they made for her. Your room was kept untouched and they don’t plan on letting her use the very place where you spent most of your time in Devildom. 

Yuki was not surprised at the cold shoulder the brothers gave her. They’re demons so what does she expect? She also doesn’t have any reasons to talk with them. 

Barbatos kept his word. She remained unharmed and alive wherever she went, with the second born around her.

“She’s their replacement, right?”

“I hope she's as good as them..”

“It still feels different without them around.. I miss the little human who walks around and slaps Satan’s head..”

Yuki’s ears twitched. Human? Beside her and Solomon? Is it the same human Diavolo mentioned? The human she replaced in the program?

That human can slap Satan’s head? 

Yuki almost didn't believe it. Satan is as intimidating as Lucifer and he’s the Avatar of Wrath in the least. So that human could slap Satan’s head without dying?

“Hah.. I still remember when Satan, Belphegor and them pranked Lucifer in the hallways..”

The chattering demons chuckled at the reminiscence of the said event.

‘They said what now? That human pranked Lucifer with Satan and Belphegor?’ Yuki thought. So that human is respectable?’

Yuki walked further in the hallways and ran into Simeon and Luke. The angels she atleast befriended. 

“Yuki!” Simeon called. “Nice to run into you. How have you been?”

“Oh I’m fine..” Yuki shrugged. “The brother’s still giving me the cold shoulder.”

“Demons are no good, Yuki!” Luke chimed in. “Don’t trust them nor befriend them!”

Yuki chuckled, “Yes. I’ll keep that in mind”

“Luke, how many times did I tell you not to bad mouth demons?” Simeon warned Luke and the latter frowned. 

“I’m just warning her!” the little angel defended. “I don’t want her to be involved with the brothers like [MC] did!”

The mention of foreign name got Yuki’s attention.

“[MC]...?”

Luke gasped and put his own hands on his mouth. Simeon was stopped dead on his tracks. After a few seconds, Simeon blinked before sighing, “[MC]'s an important person to us..”

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

It was dinner time. You could hear the brother’s utensils clicking on the plate. There was nothing but the sound of the spoons and fork. You’re beside Mammon and looking across at him, Yuki, who’s sitting on your usual seat on the table.

You could see the uncomfortableness in Yuki’s face.

“Can’t you at least console her?” you asked Lilith while gesturing at Yuki. 

“I’m not connected to her [MC].. I cannot communicate with her”

You could only watch as they had a gloomy dinner. If you’re alive, you’ll be sure by now that the nine of you will be so noisy right now.

Yuki stopped eating and put her utensils down. Lucifer looked at her with raised brows. “Is the food not to your liking, Yuki?”

Yuki shakes her head. “Hey, if you don’t mind.. Could I ask a question?”

The brothers gave each other a look. You were also taken aback too. This is the first time Yuki had talked to the brothers since her transfer here in Devildom.

“Sure, ask away” Satan answered and Yuki nodded.

“So…” Yuki looked at her food before at Satan. Her hands fidgeted. Even if she’s nervous, she wants to feed her curiosity. So she’ll take this chance. Even a single hint about that human, she’ll be okay.

“I’ve been bothered about this since yesterday but.. Who’s MC? Are they the human Lord Diavolo mentioned that I’ll replace in the program?”

Summary : After your death, Diavolo found a replacement for your empty seat in the program. But the new student, Yuki, was so just like you and now, she thrives to know who you are and why they kept mentioning the human she replaced.

Who’s [MC]?

Chapter 3 : An Angel’s Remark

—

“What a pleasant surprise” the dark brown haired angel applauded, pleased to see you and the ball of light. You smiled and ran to him.

“Hi Simeon!” you chanted and floated around him. It’s a way for you to say that you’re happy.

“Hello to you too, dear [MC]” the archangel smiled, small blushes stained on his cheeks. “So, what did I owe you a visit, Lilith?”

“I’ll get straight to the point, archangel,” the light remarked before closing herself to Simeon. The man broke into a cold sweat, “Why did you tell Yuki about [MC]? Much more not answer her questions”

“O-oh that..” Simeon looked away. “Well.. I’m not wrong though.. I’m in no spot to tell her about [MC] especially if they’re still fond of her..”

“No. no” Lilith said. “You said to Yuki that [MC] is an important person to all of you. That added fuel to the fire in her will to know more about [MC]. And do you know what happened earlier at dinner?”

“Huh?”

“Yuki asked the brother who I am..” you trailed making Simeon blink a few times. “And where I was.”

“Really?” His tone was amused and you could see a sparkle in his eyes. “Then? Then? What happened next?” 

“She got into some argument with the brothers,” you said, returning to step on the floor. You sat on the couch, crossing legs. “And next, she’ll likely get killed”

Simeon stared at you before smiling. “Don’t you get déjà vu?”

“For what?” you tilted your head. “If this is about her reckless behavior, then we both damn know it’s different from mine.”

Simeon nodded, sitting at the edge of his bed. “I understand but..” 

Simeon directly looked into your eyes, “But don’t you think Yuki could do something for the brothers?

“How so? They’re giving her the cold shoulder, Simeon..”

“But they could eventually open up, don’t they?” Simeon said. “Yuki and you have similarities with each other. I’m sure I’m not the only one who noticed it..”

“We’re similar in what way, Simeon?” you glared at him, “Yuki and I are different. I don’t have a unique hair and eye color.”

“That’s not what I meant”

“Then what do you mean?”

“I think Simeon is saying that you two are similar in actions” Lilith answered. “You have the same habits with her, don’t you also notice it?”

“Nope” you shake your head. “Even so, she and I are different. Especially in her recklessness.”

“Yeah right.” Simeon chuckled. “Because your recklessness is on another level. Up to the point you died once.”

“The point is, maybe the brothers are ignoring her because the both of you have the same trait and they see you” Lilith said that made your frown deeper. 

“‘Kay, so what?” you sarcastically said. “Though it may end up bad, should I be worried?..”

“Right..”

“Hey Simeon” Lilith called out, having yours and the angel’s attention. “Tell me, what’s your impression of the new student?”

“Hmm?” Simeon smiled. “Yuki?”

“No, Solomon” Lilith sarcastically answered that earned a laugh from you and a sigh from Simeon. 

“Could you stop coming after my throat?”

“How did you know?”

“Stop sassing on me!”

“Then also stop giving my brothers new problems!”

You laughed even more, enjoying the two quarreling. Simeon and Lilith give you a really quality drama when they’re fighting.

“Hey archangel, are you not afraid to sin, huh?” Lilith threatened. 

Simeon let out that knee-wriggling smirk; smirk that doesn’t fit an angel at all. You coughed, feeling blood rushing to your cheeks, watching that smirk sculpted on Simeon’s angelic face. His gaze darted onto you before the light.

“Who knows? I could just pray to be forgiven, right?” Simeon said, half laughing. You tried to hide a snicker; facts though. But God is someone you can’t fool and everyone knows that. Back to business, how in heaven's name Simeon could let out such a look?

If Lilith has an appearance right now, you could say that she’ll give Simeon a disgusted look. 

“Hey what’s with the face huh?!” Simeon said, his face turning back into an angelic one; worry evident on them. He looked at you, “I was just joking, y’know?! I’m not gonna–”

“Chill archangel” Lilith laughed. Simeon frowned but smiled at last. Simeon is the only person who sees you and Lilith. His eyes opened after your death, desperately trying to grasp onto your memories and then viola! Now he sees the both of you, two souls that are forbidden. 

“We’re going off topic..” You smiled at Simeon. “What’s your opinion about Yuki?”

The archangel thinks for a brief moment before sighing once again.

“To be honest, I think that Yuki will play a big role in our lives,” Simeon started. “Yuki’s aura is unbreakable. She may seem helpless but with her curiosity, she might end up being tangled with the brothers like how you did. She’s the type of person who doesn’t hide her interest in something” Simeon shifted. “Yuki is like the water in the ocean.. She might be peaceful but who knows when her waves will rise?”

“That’s quite the first impression,” Lilith said. “So like, she’s gonna be a fairy godmother?”

“Lilith what the hell?” you chuckled. “But Simeon, how could you say that? Are you sure that she’ll really play a role in our lives?”

“Well, it’s up to her. The path she’ll take and the choices she’ll choose” the angel answered, smiling. “Won’t it be entertaining to see how faith will work while we’re watching at the sidelines?” 

“The future is unpredictable” you heard Lilith said. “The future depends on a person’s choice and the path they’ll walk on.”

Simeon nodded in approval. Fancy how you’re already dead but these quotes are still alive. 

“Though I’m sure of one thing, an angel’s remark sometimes comes true” you blinked, staring at Simeon. “And if ever Yuki will really become an important character to the brother’s and for us, we should be ready for a new journey.”