The Nine School Competition had one day left. Not mere exhibition matches, the event kept the stands buzzing with excitement. The main Monolith Code featured Katsuto, Hattori, and Tatsumi—familiar faces to Tatsuya and Yugen.
"Pretty smooth sailing, huh? Erika seems dissatisfied, though."
"It's got that exhibition match vibe, so..."
True, First High had clinched the overall championship, but slacking wasn't an option. With Katsuto, a Ten Master Clan member, competing, the goal was to dominate Monolith Code too. The semifinals, like the newcomers' round, pitted First High against Ninth High. Hattori's ambushes, Tatsumi's stability, and Katsuto's ironclad defense secured an easy win.
Erika, aware of their strength, replied to Yugen's remark with a grumble. Then, Yugen made a proposal.
"Hey, Erika, and everyone here—any plans after tomorrow?"
"What's up? Something going on?"
"Not bad news, just... your schedules might already be cleared."
Last night, a letter arrived at Yugen's room: a formal invitation from the Kagurazaka family, naming not just Tatsuya and Miyuki but also Shizuku, Honoka, Leo, Mikihiko, Erika, and Mizuki. Likely, they'd coordinated to free up everyone's schedules.
Tohya, meanwhile, was dragged off by third-years, probably Ami, for a domestic trip. He might return a bit more grown-up.
"I got that letter too."
"Seriously? That's wild. Guess my old man approved since it came to me."
"I got one too. Father probably agreed."
"Mine came as well, with parental consent noted."
Leo, Erika, Mikihiko, and Mizuki—the Second Course group—confirmed, as did Shizuku and Honoka. Tatsuya and Miyuki, with their complex circumstances, needed a private talk. They moved to Tatsuya's room during a break, setting up a soundproof field.
Tatsuya spoke first.
"Last night, Aunt called me about the Kagurazaka invitation. She insisted I accept—something about Yotsuba sponsors."
"Is FLT okay, Onii-sama?"
"No issues. Yugen handled the work well."
"Wasn't much."
FLT's late-month product expo would unveil a flight magic device, preparations airtight. To prevent leaks, Tatsuya's devices at Shiba and FLT were linked via 'Pentagon,' a security-walled, black-boxed system.
"Monolith Code's done, but the hassle keeps coming."
"Hassle?"
"Greeting bigwigs—I'd rather avoid it. You and Miyuki aren't off the hook either."
Tatsuya's tech prowess and Miyuki's standout presence—visually and magically—made them magnets. Yugen, with two event wins and Ten Master Clan ties, drew the most attention.
"I asked Grandpa to block production scouts. Got Ichihara-senpai to back Miyuki, so it shouldn't escalate."
"You're not helping, Yugen-san?"
"Military and political types sniffing around you two? Bad idea. My family's defense ties keep things clean."
Tatsuya nodded. His unofficial military ties made excessive contact risky, especially with 'Material Burst' misuse potential. Yugen handling it made sense.
"That's where 'Titania, the Annihilator' shines."
"...Tatsuya, you teasing?"
"Hehe..."
The Monolith Code final: First High vs. Third High. Katsuto single-handedly dominated with 'Phalanx,' never using offensive 'Attack Phalanx.' His demeanor hinted at provoking Tatsuya.
First High claimed the championship, achieving an unprecedented three-peat, setting the stage for a fourth.
"...Haa."
Post-competition, while students buzzed with euphoria, Yugen's mood sank. Not due to dancing with Miyuki or disliking the after-party, but sheer exhaustion. Then, a woman appeared—initially mistaken for Third High's Airi Isshiki but radiating refined beauty. She smiled softly at Yugen.
"Long time, Mitsuya-kun. You look exhausted."
"Hi, Manaka-san. Getting swarmed does wear me out... Sorry, that wasn't proper for a clan member."
"No worries. Sorry about my daughter causing trouble."
Isshiki Manaka, matriarch of the Isshiki family, brushed off Yugen's apology, referring to Airi's Valentine's incident.
"She explained, so it's fine. I appreciate the sentiment."
"Still, you're quite popular—politicians, military, other schools' girls... Oh, that girl's sulking."
"Why am I getting glares...?"
While chatting with Manaka, a married mother, Airi shot jealous looks. Yugen lacked the gall to flirt. He'd been bombarded by officials, some hinting at scouting—brushed off politely. Even foreign CAD makers only got greetings.
"It's that late already? Please look after Airi if you can."
"I'll keep things friendly within reason."
Manaka left as music filled the venue, shifting to a cross-school dance party. Yugen, set to dance with Miyuki, considered resting but was stopped by a voice—Himeri, from days ago.
"Yugen-san."
"Oh, Ise-san. Congrats on Mirage Bat runner-up. Impressive."
"Tch, thanks... Um..."
"Himeri, just tackle him—ow!"
"Watch your mouth, idiot."
Yume's pushy words were cut by Shuji's fist to her head. Himeri, flustered and blushing, froze. Yugen, amused, offered his hand.
"Ise-san, care to dance?"
"...Yes! Please."
Dancing with Himeri, Yugen felt piercing stares. Miyuki, dancing with Shoki nearby, smiled but radiated a deadly aura. Shoki, oblivious, floated in bliss.
Next time, I'll call him 'Crimson Prince, Flower-Field Brain,' Yugen thought.
Later, he danced with Mayumi, Shizuku, Airi, and Keiko. Mayumi's quirky style drew eyes; the others, trained in dance, synced effortlessly. Shizuku, content, mused, "Wish I'd worn a dress."
Taking a break, Yugen saw Tatsuya return. He'd glimpsed Tatsuya and Katsuto step out during Shizuku's dance but stayed focused. Tatsuya looked unsatisfied.
"Tatsuya, should I say good job?"
"...Sure."
Katsuto had told Tatsuya he should join the Ten Master Clans, citing his role as a mental pillar for the women's team. Unlike the original, no direct Tatsuya-Shoki clash occurred.
"Seeing your grit, no surprise. Did Saegusa suggest a match?"
"Yeah. But you'd be better suited."
"Saegusa house drama would erupt."
"What's that mean...?"
Izumi's broken engagement fueled her growing affection for Yugen. Add Mayumi, and a sisterly clash loomed. Kasumi, neutral but blood-tied, would side with Izumi. A soap-opera-level feud awaited—Yugen clutched his head.
As the final song neared, Miyuki appeared, having chatted with first-year girls post-Shoki dance.
"Yugen-san, keep your promise."
Her outstretched hand met Tatsuya's approving glance. Yugen took it.
"Very well, I'll escort Lady Miyuki."
"Such a natural gigolo."
"Why, though?"
His playful formality made Miyuki blush. Despite his retort, he gently led her.
Yugen and Miyuki danced to the final song.
Despite wearing the same magic school uniforms, their dance captivated all. Oblivious to stares, they seemed in their own world.
"Wow, that's something. Tatsuya-kun, jealous your sister's stolen?"
"Erika, I'm not that overprotective."
" hopeless case..."
Tatsuya dodged Erika's jab, eyes on the pair—not jealous, but envious, happy for Miyuki. A rare smile crossed his face.
(This 'emotion'—unneeded as a Guardian. Yet not unwelcome. Strange. Truly strange.)
Tatsuya, bound by unique circumstances, rarely felt such emotions. Understanding them would come later.
◇ ◇ ◇
Post-party, during First High's exclusive victory celebration, Yugen stood alone in the garden. Relieved from clan pressures, he gazed at his palm, smiling wryly at the dreamlike dance with Miyuki.
"Hey, Aniki. Have I changed?"
Words to his past-life brother, not expecting an answer. He knew it was for himself.
Overwhelmed by family talent, hating passivity, compromising on losses—unconscious inferiority bred emotional detachment. Thanks to his father, he faced his hidden feelings. The light under the lamp—his 'gigolo' reputation was self-inflicted.
"Not absent, just unseen. Still got work to do."
Sensing someone, he turned. Her charm, almost pheromonal, drew attention despite her efforts to blend in.
"What's up, Lady Miyuki?"
"Ugh, how'd you know?"
"Your master, after all."
Miyuki's pout showed she'd wanted to surprise him, but she lacked Yakumo's finesse.
"Didn't expect you alone. Tatsuya caught by Honoka?"
"More like I pushed him. To counter rumors and seem normal. Shizuku's helping."
Tatsuya's complex status demanded caution. Yugen let it slide—seizing the moment.
"Miyuki."
"Yes?"
"Been dodging it, or maybe I'm just dense... I love you."
His first confession this life. No embellishments; before Miyuki, they felt hollow.
"Not just your approaches... From our first meeting, you've been on my mind. Started as wanting friendship, but that wasn't enough."
Possessiveness, yet he'd respect her choice.
"It's love, not just like. No rush for an answer—"
Miyuki, dazed, smiled, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him, silencing him.
A ten-second first kiss. Parting, tears in her eyes, she smiled.
"I've waited for those words. You stole my first love, so I'm never letting go."
"And?"
"Your gigolo ways are fine, but I'm number one. Or I'll cling hard."
Sulking, not clinging? Still, responsibility came with love.
"Yare yare. Getting tangled with you was my fate, huh?"
"What's that mean?"
"Exactly this."
Miyuki thought he teased, but his "quiet" gesture clarified the bluff. Snapping his fingers, fireworks lit the sky. A mild static spell hit the bushes, drawing screams.
Out stumbled friends: Tatsuya, Erika, Leo, Mikihiko, Mizuki, Tohya, Shizuku, Honoka.
"Haha, busted, huh?"
"Obviously. Tatsuya, you didn't stop them?"
"Tried."
Tatsuya led the spying crew. Yugen groaned; Miyuki, mortified, buried her face in his chest.
"Ugh, too embarrassed to marry!"
"You're fine, Miyuki. Groom candidate's right here."
"Shut it, sis-con."
Tatsuya admitted watching from the start. Guardian, my foot! Shizuku, sensing the mood, patted Yugen.
"Continue at the party."
"Any veto power?"
"Nope. You're the star."
Under fireworks, warm gazes followed them back to the hotel. Mayumi's sharp questioning awaited, but Yugen dodged deftly.
Rushed, I know. Like a digest—forgive me! (Phalanx tackle)
Nine School arc done. Next: Summer Break, aka [TBD] arc. Hiding it 'cause I haven't decided... shh!
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