nanakawaichan
patreon
The Incubus System Chapter 1156. A Good Stepbrother
🕑 Added 2025-03-21 18:30:56 +0000 UTCThe Incubus System Chapter 1156. A Good Stepbrother
“You're impossible,” I groaned, though secretly I couldn’t deny how damn cute it was. Or how it made my heart skip in a totally embarrassing way.
She nudged my side playfully. “You love it.”
“Maybe a little,” I admitted quietly, a smile tugging my lips.
We walked back, passing people lost in their own busy lives, Tiffany suddenly stopped, turning to face me seriously.
“Look, Ethan,” she began softly, her voice dropping to a quiet sincerity that made my pulse quicken. “I meant what I said back there at the diner. Whatever your big secret is, whatever you're afraid to tell me—I can handle it. I'm not going anywhere.”
My chest tightened, flooded with emotions I couldn’t fully sort out. Fear, relief, guilt, hope—they twisted together, nearly choking me. “It's a lot, Tiff,” I whispered hoarsely, searching her eyes.
“I know.” She squeezed my hand tighter, smiling gently. “But I trust you.”
Those words nearly shattered me.
“Soon,” I promised again, the word coming out stronger this time. “I'll tell you everything soon. Just give me a bit more time.”
She smiled softly, leaning closer, pressing a brief, gentle kiss against my cheek. “I’ll hold you to that.”
That little kiss hit harder than any battle I'd fought recently, and believe me, I'd faced some nasty stuff. My pulse kicked up a notch, and I felt warmth creeping all over my face. It took all the willpower I had to play it cool, even though my heart felt like it might stage a prison break out of my chest at any second.
“I hope you do,” I replied, trying and mostly failing to sound casual. I adjusted the small box of cupcakes for Celia in my grip, clearing my throat awkwardly. “Anyway, should we head back?”
She paused for a second, eyes narrowing slightly, then shrugged with a casual air I suspected was entirely for my benefit. “Yeah, I guess. It’s getting late.”
But something tugged at the back of my mind as we walked—the realization that I didn’t actually have to rush home immediately. Plus, when was the last time I’d gotten a chance to spend quality time alone with Tiffany? Not often enough, that’s for sure.
“You know,” I finally spoke up, shooting her a sideways glance. “It’s nice out. I guess I will walk you home first.”
She gave me an amused look, smirking slightly. “And since when did Ethan prefer a leisurely stroll?”
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. “Hey, I can be a nice guy sometimes, you know?”
She laughed warmly, the sound making me feel oddly proud. “Fine, Mr. Nice Guy. Let's walk.”
We continued down the sidewalk together. Cars rolled by, their headlights brightening as twilight set in. Shops flickered on neon signs, while the bustle of the street slowly transitioned from business hours into nightlife. The air cooled pleasantly, carrying scents of fried food from street vendors mixed with distant laughter.
“You know,” I sighed dramatically, breaking the silence again. “This would be way cooler if I had a motorcycle or a car. Then I could actually drop you off properly, like a decent boyfriend—or even a good stepbrother, at least.”
She snorted lightly, giving me a playful shove. “Oh, come on. Since when have you cared about being normal?”
I laughed, shaking my head. She wasn’t wrong. My Portal skill would’ve been way more efficient than a bike, anyway. But considering Tiffany had zero clue I was secretly the demon lord, opening up a magical gateway home wasn’t exactly an option.
“I mean, it’d be convenient, right? But I guess being stuck on foot with you isn’t too terrible,” I teased lightly, nudging her back.
“Careful, Ethan,” she smirked. “I might start thinking you actually enjoy spending time with me.”
“Now, what gave you that idea?” I replied innocently, feigning surprise.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile softened. “You’re ridiculous.”
We walked on in easy silence for another few blocks until Tiffany stopped abruptly outside a modest-looking apartment building. It wasn’t anything flashy—just a typical city building with worn bricks and slightly faded paint.
For a second, surprise flickered across my face before I quickly covered it. This was the first time I’d seen where Tiffany lived. Truthfully, I'd always imagined her place as a more luxurious hideout given her job as a demon hunter. This modest building felt surprisingly... vulnerable.
She must’ve noticed my expression because she laughed softly, shaking her head. “Not what you expected, huh?”
I shrugged sheepishly. “Honestly, no. I kinda thought you’d be in some more… decent building.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” She smiled softly. “It’s nothing special, but it’s mine. I moved here after leaving Dad and your mom. After I found out my real mom died, it just felt right having a place of my own.”
Her voice got quieter near the end, making my chest ache slightly at her hidden pain. “You have any roommates or something?” I asked carefully, sensing I was treading on sensitive territory.
She shook her head gently. “Nope, I live alone. Easier that way.”
I caught the unsaid reasoning—because of her job. Being a demon hunter meant secrecy, constant danger, late-night missions. Living alone meant fewer complications, fewer questions. It also meant loneliness, isolation.
“Must get lonely sometimes,” I said quietly.
She shrugged again, trying to seem casual, but there was a tightness in her shoulders now. “Sometimes, yeah. But it’s safer.”
Before I could reply, she brightened suddenly, quickly changing the subject. “Hey, wanna come up? Have a cup of tea or something?”
I raised a brow teasingly. “Just tea?”
Her lips curled into a sly little smile, eyes glittering mischievously. “Maybe something more exciting, depending on what’s in my fridge.”
I laughed, holding up the cupcake box. “I’ve got dessert covered.”
She grinned, eyes lighting up eagerly. “Then you’re definitely invited.”
We climbed the narrow stairwell to her apartment, the soft squeak of old stairs filling the silence. I followed Tiffany, watching her carefully as she unlocked the door. Her place was small but cozy, decorated minimally—just enough to feel lived-in but still easy to abandon if needed. A simple sofa, a few shelves filled with books and random knick-knacks, and a small kitchenette.
