When Gotham Song woke up the next morning in a guest room next door to Daiichi Ruby, she groggily tried to recall precisely what had happened the previous night.
Uh, let's see—arriving at the mansion, attending the ball, dancing, chatting with Ruby on the balcony, having dinner afterward...
Then a casual conversation with Ruby's parents after the party had ended.
Finally, she'd planned to return to school, but Ruby invited her to stay overnight.
Nothing else happened!
Still, being invited to spend her very first night at the home of a young lady who was essentially the future heart of the Daiichi family spoke volumes, didn't it?
It was clear the Daiichi family was genuinely interested in her—perhaps even eager to formalize a relationship.
Indeed, their barely concealed enthusiasm had even prompted Gotham Song to lock her bedroom door overnight—just in case she woke up somewhere unfamiliar the next morning.
Naturally, Sunday Silence had teased her relentlessly about this paranoia.
Sunday Silence had even explicitly emphasized multiple times that Daiichi Ruby's statements amounted to an unspoken confession.
Gotham Song wasn't completely oblivious. Ruby's implied intentions were unmistakable.
Why not say it outright, then?
Rather, wouldn't openly confessing at this stage seem even stranger? They hadn't known each other very long, after all, and emotional bonds took time.
[But you realize that girl isn't approaching you just for the family's benefit, right? It might not be a lot yet, but there's certainly genuine affection there.]
True, Gotham Song couldn't deny the sincerity of Ruby's budding affection, and that realization made her feel especially helpless.
Shut up, you old fossil!
For now, though, it was best to shelve the issue. After all, she genuinely couldn't provide an answer yet.
Accepting would mean agreeing to a formal engagement—at least as a starting point.
Refusing, however, would certainly harm Ruby's standing in her family and wound her feelings.
Frankly, Gotham Song had anticipated potential complications, but she hadn't imagined that things would escalate this rapidly.
[Then don't answer for now. The fact that the girl didn't seize such a perfect opportunity last night clearly means she wants to build something real first.]
Sunday Silence understood clearly—perhaps even too clearly—Ruby's subtle emotional stance. She enjoyed watching these sweet and amusing moments unfold.
Ah, Song-chan, can you keep surprising me? Let me continue watching just like this.
Sunday Silence's analysis had a real effect, at least enough to reassure Gotham Song about one thing:
It was alright not to rush into giving a response.
As she mulled this over and finished washing up, Gotham Song changed out of the provided pajamas—actually a nightgown from Ruby, deliberately delivered by a maid who made no secret of whispering that it had been personally prepared by Ruby herself, washed three days in advance, unused, and precisely Ruby's favorite design.
Why Ruby's specifically?
Well, the maid implied that their silhouettes were remarkably similar in every conceivable way.
At any rate, it fit perfectly.
Breakfast that morning wasn't served by a maid, however, but by Daiichi Ruby herself in comfortable casual attire.
Incidentally, Gotham Song didn't wear a tailcoat either; instead, she wore a white dress also borrowed from Ruby's wardrobe.
Breakfast was simple, with the Daiichi elders wisely absent, leaving just Gotham Song and Ruby to share a quiet meal.
Then Gotham Song departed alone, returning by car to Central Tracen Academy.
Why hadn't Ruby accompanied her?
Because Ruby was busy packing, planning to move onto campus to stay next door, sharing accommodations with Mejiro Bright.
Ruby's decisiveness was frankly astonishing, but Gotham Song found no reason to object.
Yet, just as her car approached the school gate, Gotham Song caught sight of someone waiting there unexpectedly:
Mejiro Ramonu—clearly waiting to intercept her.
Who else could Ramonu possibly be waiting for?
Gotham Song didn't even need to guess, and thus, couldn't step out of the car immediately.
Quickly pulling out her phone to search for a lifeline—
Knock. Knock.
"It's Gotham Song-san inside, correct?"
Ahaha, what fine weather we're having today.
Gotham Song hastily tossed the phone aside, urgently pleading inwardly:
Help me, Sunday Silence!
[I feel like you're plotting something terrible, brat. Also, stick to calling me 'old fossil.']
Fine—help me, old fossil!
[You little punk...]
Still, Gotham Song clearly heard the message notification ping in response.
Aah, having you around is really comforting… you old fossil.
Finally assured internally, Gotham Song forced a smile and lowered the window.
"Um, do you need something from me, Ramonu-san...?"
Need something? Oh, I absolutely do. Something very important.
You—going off and doing something like this without your elder sister's permission—
Wait.
The words were on Ramonu's tongue, yet she hesitated.
After all, no matter how certain she felt deep down about Gotham Song's identity...
Those were still just strong suspicions, not definite proof.
Could she really adopt a high-handed tone now?
Or would it just worsen things?
Tsk, you really love causing me trouble, don't you?
So how should she proceed?
"No, I just wanted to ask how you enjoyed last night's ball. And—Gotham Song-san, you'd certainly be interested in attending one hosted at Mejiro Manor too, wouldn't you?"
Interested? Could she say no?
Sweat began pouring down Gotham Song's back.
She'd barely escaped Mejiro Manor last time thanks to Symboli Rudolf's intervention.
Next time?
Ramonu wouldn't repeat the same oversight. Symboli Rudolf definitely wouldn't receive an invitation again.
Could Gotham Song escape on her own?
Not a chance!
How should she answer? She desperately needed a good excuse.
"I don't want to go" couldn't possibly work, could it?
Ramonu stood smiling outside the window, exuding a subtle yet intimidating air.
Would Ramonu really drag her out of bed if she found a plausible reason?
Actually—yes, she probably would.
There was only one choice left, wasn't there?
Delay.
Carefully, deliberately, Gotham Song opened the car door and stepped out very slowly.
Ramonu watched knowingly, arms crossed. She clearly understood Gotham Song's stall tactic but wasn't worried at all.
Even if she didn't get an answer today, could Gotham Song really keep refusing future invitations?
Ruka... Gotham Song, there's no way you could keep running forever.
Ramonu's penetrating gaze locked onto her, glowing with eerie red intensity.
Could anyone mistake the blood-red flicker in her eyes for mere illusion?
Ramonu's[Zone] had activated unconsciously, crimson shimmering genuinely appearing.
No exaggeration—those blood-red eyes were absolutely real.
Again, to reiterate clearly: this wasn't special effects.
It was real.
Gotham Song clenched her skirt tightly behind her back, breathing deeply to remain calm.
Calm enough to—
Pretend she was seriously considering an answer.
Just waiting, waiting, waiting…
"It seems like a difficult decision, doesn't it, Song-san?"
"Well, I did just finish one ball. Isn't another invitation a bit hasty?"
"Hasty? Not at all. The Mejiro ball is purely social—nothing else intended, Song-san."
Ramonu's tone implied absolute determination.
Though this plan had emerged spontaneously, it wouldn't be difficult for her to organize a ball with Mejiro resources at her disposal.
The crucial point remained, would Gotham Song accept?
As Ramonu finalized plans inwardly, Gotham Song exhaled in relief as another figure approached rapidly—one from Ramonu's past she still hadn't overcome.
Mejiro Ardan sprinted between them, firmly shielding Gotham Song behind her.
Meeting Ramonu's stunned gaze, Ardan stood unwaveringly, blocking any view behind her.
Ramonu froze for a long moment, then turned to leave.
"In any case, Song-san, if you ever wish it, Mejiro Manor's ballroom is always open to you. I'll wait—however long it takes."
Ardan…why is it always you standing in my way?
As Ramonu departed, Ardan gently took Gotham Song's hand.
"I made it just in time, didn't I? Let's go back inside first, Song."
"…Thanks for always helping me, Ardan-nee."
Gotham Song bit her tongue gently, struggling with guilt and gratitude.
"Actually, Song... When would you be willing to dance with me?"
Wait—seriously?!
Ardan smiled reassuringly. "Relax. Not at Mejiro Manor, just somewhere a bit more formal."
You nearly gave me a heart attack!