Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
The rhythmic pounding of Sayaka's heart resonated clearly in Tatsuya's ears.
"Are you sure you're alright? Don't push yourself."
"I'm fine, really. Don't worry. Tonight… tonight is the happiest night of my life."
"…You're exaggerating."
"I'm not! I'm telling the truth."
Tatsuya fell silent for a moment, his hand reaching out to gently brush Sayaka's bangs aside. Sayaka was visibly nervous, yet she couldn't suppress the blissful smile spreading across her face. Her radiant expression only served to heighten her ethereal beauty.
"How about we come here again sometime?"
Thump!
"Just the two of us?"
"If it's just us, it might take a bit more time to arrange. But if we come with the others, there will be more opportunities."
For a fleeting second, a shadow of disappointment flickered in Sayaka's eyes, but she quickly forced a happy smile back onto her face.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"..."
'It's only natural,' Sayaka thought, a tinge of melancholy creeping into her mind. 'Tatsuya-kun is a scion of the Yotsuba family. With a bloodline as prestigious as his, it's impossible for him to belong to only one woman.' She felt a brief pang of sadness, but she was quick to pivot her perspective toward the light. If she had to compete head-on for a single spot, she lacked the confidence to win. However, if Tatsuya chose the "harem route," her chances of being one of the chosen few were significantly higher.
Now, all she had to do was focus on capturing his attention.
Tatsuya remained silent, though he had a fair inkling of what was swirling through her mind. Even without the power of telepathy, Tatsuya possessed a razor-sharp intuition which, when combined with his stratospheric IQ, allowed him to deduce her thoughts with 99% accuracy.
"Sayaka, is there something weighing on your mind?"
"Eh? What do you mean, Tatsuya-kun?"
Tatsuya let out a soft sigh before speaking with uncharacteristic solemnity.
"For instance… matters regarding the Kendo Club captain, Tsukasa Kinoe. And the anti-magic political organization, Blanche."
"…!"
Sayaka's eyes flew wide in disbelief. Her delicate frame began to shudder, looking so fragile it seemed she might crumble at any moment.
Without a word, Tatsuya shifted his seat to her side and pulled her into a protective embrace, trying to steady her.
"Forgive me. I chose a poor time to bring this up."
"Sob… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never intended to become a terrorist, I—"
Tears as clear as crystal began to track down Sayaka's cheeks. A wave of guilt washed over Tatsuya as he gently wiped the salt from her skin. The air in the room grew heavy. Tatsuya continued to hold her close, offering what silent mental support he could.
Slowly, the tension began to bleed out of her. Sayaka stopped crying and buried her face deep into Tatsuya's chest. Five minutes passed. The tears had dried, yet she showed no sign of wanting to leave the safety of his arms.
Feeling a sense of helplessness, Tatsuya simply let her stay there until she was satisfied.
Half an hour later…
"Sayaka?"
"Please… just a little longer."
Sayaka looked up at him with watery eyes, resembling a lost, abandoned puppy. Tatsuya's stoic facade remained, but internally, his emotions were surging like a roller coaster. He had a particular weakness for such sights.
Eventually, Sayaka took the initiative to pull away, her heart seemingly sated from leaning against him.
"It's late. I should probably head home."
She stood up, intending to make a quick exit, but Tatsuya's hand shot out, catching her wrist in a firm grip.
"Tatsuya-kun?"
"Where do you think you're going?" Tatsuya's lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "For tonight, we are lovers. I won't let you leave that easily."
"Eh?" Sayaka gasped, stunned by the sudden shift in the atmosphere.
However, there was no fear in her heart—only a soaring sense of anticipation for what was to come. Her heart raced as she hoped for something to happen that aligned with her deepest desires.
Tatsuya could read the longing written all over her face. As a man, how could he possibly let a beautiful woman down?
He pulled Sayaka back toward him, catching her soft body and pressing his lips against hers in a tender kiss. Sayaka's eyes widened in shock before a wave of pure euphoria flooded her soul. Her gaze softened, her shoulders relaxed, and she instinctively looped her arms around Tatsuya's neck.
Tatsuya lifted her up, guiding her to sit upon his lap. Despite her burning embarrassment, Sayaka complied. Her flushed face was so incredibly adorable that it practically invited him to tease her.
"Tell me everything, slowly. And don't worry—I will always be by your side."
Tatsuya's whisper was the final key that unlocked the stubborn, lonely gate of Sayaka's heart.
She began to recount her painful experiences at First High as a "Weed," including how the terrorist organization had approached her once they sensed her vulnerability.
"I see. Leave this to me. I'll take care of it for you."
"Tatsuya-kun… thank you."
Sayaka believed in Tatsuya with every fiber of her being. Even though it was just a promise, she felt a surge of genuine, heartfelt happiness.
To be continued…
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