Ascending the Demon Realm

"He's lucky to have a friend like you who cares. If he pushes you away? Tsk, his loss. We don't need him~" I raised my arms to pat the round tiger head resting on my scalp.

So huge! Like an oversized watermelon!

This fur texture... absolute perfection!

"Mhm." His voice noticeably relaxed.

Proudly displaying my finished capybara sticker to Xue, I boasted: "Look, my brother Xiao You! You saw him before he got his human face. Cute, right?"

"I remember. Adorable."

"Obviously!" I placed the sticker aside and grabbed a new sheet. Cherry blossoms suddenly bloomed in my mind - perfect inspiration.

My brush began outlining a glittering pink fox.

That chibi fox shape... unbearably cute!

Whenever I'm angry, watching his fluffy form makes pink bubbles rise in my chest - like chugging frosty pink soda, instantly calming me.

"You're painting Yu Tu?" His tone flattened again.

"Yeah. He was too adorable as a kit."

"...Cuter than me?" After prolonged silence came the question.

"Both cute! You were such a chubby cub. I'll draw you later."

"Good." Subtle satisfaction colored his voice.

"This way when stressed, I'll just glance at you guys."

"Effective?" Unexpected seriousness.

"Very." I nodded, carefully painting nine fluffy pink tails.

Snap! A massive tiger paw suddenly appeared beside me, claws glinting as they scraped my desk: "Paint me too."

I stared at dagger-like claws reflecting my face: "Sure?"

"Mhm."

"Alright."

His paw encircled me like a furry armchair. In demon realm, male demons getting nail art is completely normal.

Demons' vanity is legendary across three realms. Especially during spring - true floral extravaganza with competing seductive displays.

Our academic calendar differs from human world too. New year starts fresh, with winter break accommodating hibernation instincts. Even demons with weak magic struggle against drowsiness, while stronger ones grow sluggish. Schools schedule around physiological needs - plenty of approved "biological leave."

Post-new year brings renewed vigor. Seasons profoundly affect demons. Spring's revival brings... intense biological urges. The air thickens with cloying sweetness even I, a human, can smell - making everyone look delicious...

Human plants seem modest? Not when demonized! Their needs become... direct.

March approaches - prepare for demonic pandemonium.

As mentioned, demon aesthetics differ. They admire natural forms - coat sheen, horn curvature, scale patterns, claw sharpness. Come spring, many revert to true forms. Human shapes merely indicate magic proficiency - nothing more.

Thus demons find Ming Jin's dragon scales beautiful and sensual. As human, I appreciate their beauty but miss the allure. Human aesthetics get labeled "shallow" here. Take Xue the white tiger - humans might find his swishing rear appealing, but demons admire his fangs...

Since when are fangs sexy? If not for our friendship, I'd be terrified.

"Design?" I asked.

"You."

"Got it."

Only looking at me relieves Xue's stress. His claw's surface allows full-body portraits.

"Xiao Yao... I want to dorm together." 

My brush halted: "Stress relief?"

"Mhm... May I?" His massive tiger head nuzzled mine like a housecat begging treats.

"Today was dangerous. I tried restraining Ming, but my beast side fought against stopping him... Tormenting..."

I deeply empathized. Like how I want to unleash humanity, but my capybara persona chains it.

"Understand. If not for weak magic, I'd join."

He froze mid-nuzzle.

"Sigh... Capybaras aren't emotionless. We bite too."

"Mhm..."

"Fighting requires capability. I stay calm because I can't win..."

"Pfft." His laughter rumbled.

"Come then. Should we inform Yu Tu?"

"Your consent suffices."

"You won't fight?!" Panic surged.

Silence.

Of course they would. My approval meant Xue and Yu Tu cohabitating. But demons guard territories fiercely - rejection leads to combat for dominance. Whoever loses leaves.

Exactly what I dread! Both are dear friends. Any outcome would hurt.

After prolonged silence, he murmured: "Does Yu Tu know your secret?"

My heart seized: "What secret?"

"That you're human!" He stated calmly.

Thunderous heartbeat drowned my ears. I death-gripped the brush, breath frozen.

His tense pulse thudded against my back through thin fur. Claws retracted nervously.

"Don't move!" I clutched his paw, feeling muscles stiffen.

"Angry? Don't worry, I'd never betray you!" Urgency bled into his tone.

"I know. How did you discover?" My low voice steadied as I resumed painting black hair strands across his claw.