An ambiguous white fluid lingered at the corner of Honami's lips. She wiped it away with her thumb, then slowly licked it clean.
Earlier, Tatsuya had emerged from the bathroom after a full hour, followed by Honami fifteen minutes later. The air between them remained heavy with unspoken context.
...
The following morning, Tatsuya set off for school as usual.
"Onii-sama, did something happen with Honami-san last night?" Miyuki asked, peering up at him with her characteristically clear, innocent eyes.
Tatsuya offered a faint smile and patted Miyuki's hair. "A little something, but it's nothing worth talking about," he replied in a casual tone.
"I see..." Despite her lingering doubts, Miyuki yielded to Tatsuya's words. As expected of the 'Brocon Queen,' she was utterly docile when it came to him.
On their way, they crossed paths with Erika and Mizuki.
"Hey, how was your date last night?" Erika jumped straight to the point, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her beautiful eyes.
Mizuki remained silent, waiting for Tatsuya's answer, while Miyuki's grip on Tatsuya's hand tightened noticeably.
"It was quite good."
"... Is that so? Congratulations." Erika's tone was blatantly insincere—a fact Tatsuya perceived with crystalline clarity.
The smile vanished from Erika's face, replaced by a flat, hardened expression. Mizuki bit her lower lip, offering a strained, helpless smile, while Miyuki looked down dejectedly, clearly bothered by his response.
"How about we all go out together sometime?"
"""Eh?"""
The three girls froze, staring at Tatsuya with looks of sheer disbelief.
"Tatsuya, what do you mean by that?"
"Tatsuya-san?"
"Onii-sama?"
Tatsuya moved to answer, but his attention was immediately diverted by a student walking toward them from the opposite direction. It was Yoshida Mikihiko, Erika's childhood friend.
Erika's expression shifted drastically the moment she saw him. She composed herself before attempting to call out.
"Miki, I—"
"Erika, I have something to say to you. Meet me on the rooftop after school."
"Eh?"
Before Erika could respond, Mikihiko walked past with an air of cold indifference. For a fleeting moment, a spark of tension flared as his gaze collided with Tatsuya's.
[Special Mission Assigned: Save Yoshida Mikihiko. Rewards will be adjusted based on completion progress.]
'...'
Tatsuya wasn't even slightly surprised by the sudden Chat Group notification. Why? Because he had already seen it with his own eyes—the black mist clinging to Mikihiko's body.
Compared to the black mist that had previously consumed Morisaki, this manifestation was far denser, colder, and more malevolent. Even Tatsuya felt a momentary jolt of shock at how absurd the corruption surrounding Mikihiko had become.
"Erika, who was that?" Miyuki asked.
"My friend. His name is Mikihiko." Erika's expression was grim, her voice laced with a complex, heavy emotion.
Even Miyuki could sense the turmoil in Erika's heart. Mizuki, fearing she might say the wrong thing and worsen the mood, chose to remain silent. Tatsuya wanted to speak, but unable to find the right words or timing, he let the sentence die in his throat.
[Chat Group]
Tatsuya Yotsuba: How is everyone's day going?
Makoto: Terrible! I had to put down a monster that went berserk because of that black mist!
White: Same here. Many of my demon subordinates were contaminated. I had to kill them before things got worse.
Sword Princess: The monsters in the dungeon are growing stronger because of the mist. Many of my friends have been injured in the attacks.
Time Eater: I hate to admit it, but this black mist is a real nuisance. Because of it, street crimes like harassment and robbery have surged.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Strange. Why do you care so much about crimes like that?
Time Eater: Of course I care! In the end, I'm the one who has to go out and discipline those people.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Need some help?
Time Eater: Ara~ how kind. I would certainly welcome your arrival in my world.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Sounds tempting, but I don't work for free.
Time Eater: I have nothing to pay you with.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Who said you have nothing? Don't you possess the very thing I want most?
Time Eater: ... You mean my body? How interesting. I wouldn't mind giving it to you, provided you're willing to help me kill a certain someone.
Tatsuya swallowed nervously. He knew exactly who Kurumi's target was. He also knew that this Spirit would not hesitate to offer herself if it meant she could finally kill the First Spirit.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: That sounds intriguing. I'll think about it. As for the help, you can ask me anytime. I'll definitely come if it's you asking.
Time Eater: ... Alright, I'll admit it. You actually managed to make my heart flutter just now.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: I didn't necessarily mean it that way, but if that's the result, I'm happy.
Time Eater: ...
Sword Princess: ...
White: ...
Makoto: ...
To be continued...
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