New chapter here. This chapter took a little longer than I thought, same was always. The thing is, I live in a country that... hasn't quite recovered yet from this whole crisis. To put it simply, my life is not back to normal and it only gets worse. Really wished I could live somewhere else.

"Mahouka" - speech

I don't own anything.

P.S. I know that it can be quite confusing when there's too many characters speaking, I tried to write in a way that became clear who's speaking, however it mainly depends on how well you know the character. Like the way they call each other and the way speak to each other. For example: if one character came all smilling saying lots of cheerfuls things, you would know right away that it's not Tatsuya

Chapter 9

Yotsuba villa, Izu. (the same villa Tatsuya moves to in Isolation Arc)

"...and so, there you have it."

"...This is hardly a situation that can be resumed with 'and so', Haha-ue."

Tatsuya was currently standing in front of a monitor screen, having a 'chat' with his aunt(mother). He was told to visit the villa located in Izu so that he could get familiar with it. Since it was bigger than his house it would be more appropriate to live in when his engagements happen. But what Maya didn't inform him was that his future wives were all going to visit the villa as well. Suddenly receiving this little call from his mother, saying that he was going to meet eight beautiful girls… Tatsuya was not amused.

"And here I thought Tatsuya-san was going to be so thankful that his beloved mother set up a date with his fiancees."

"...Since we are going to stay here, it's not quite a date Haha-ue."

There so many things Tatsuya wanted to retort to. He somehow understood that a part of him actually wanted to avoid a situation like this since this kind of battlefield was outside his area of expertise. He also knew that Maya was trying push his back since delaying it would only cause problems later on, or at least half of it, the other half was definitely just Maya teasing him. While Tatsuya knew that it was the most efficient way, seeing Maya's smug face made him want to disagree with her.

"But it really is such a shame. Your mother really wanted to participate too. If only I wasn't so busy."

"...Hah…."

At times like this, when the only ones present were Tatsuya and Maya, the Demon King of the Far East disappeared, leaving behind only Maya, a mother with some serious madness issues and a childish behaviour towards her son. Tatsuya could only sigh at such gap, 'if only the rest of the world could see it too' such thoughts crossed his mind.

"Well, if that's all, then I will excuse myself."

"Oh, there's one more thing actually."

"...And what may that be?"

"The girls already decided between themselves to divide into smaller teams. You won't need to deal with them all at the same time. Not for now anyway."

"That is certainly a relief. Well, then."

With the screen turning off, the door to the room opened. Two young girls walked into the room.

"Tatsuya-sama, it's almost time and it seems the first group is already on their way here."

"I guess I took more time than expected. I'm sorry I made you wait, Miyuki."

"No, no. I'm the one who should apologize for keeping secrets from Tatsuya-sama."

"...Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama, I will start preparing the tea for our guests."

"I will be counting on you Minami."

"Just say if you need any help, Minami-chan."

"...No, this is my job as a maid. Please just take your time relaxing with Tatsuya-sama."

Minami didn't explicitly showed her true intentions, she was trying to run away from that sickenly sweet atmosphere that was beginning to form around the young couple. Having spent enough time around the Shibas, Minami already knew that their conversation was going to end with Tatsuya pating Miyuki's head or hugging her to his chest or maybe with the both of them staring at each other's eyes, regardless of how it started. With that in mind, she quickly left the room with a valid excuse, hoping that one of the guests will arrive soon, otherwise Minami might run out of excuses.

A few minutes later

Rivals Team

"It's been a while, Honoka, Lina and Ayako-san."

"Welcome, you three."

"I-I-It's been a-a while, Ta-Tatsuya-san."

"Honoka you are fumbling."

"It can't be helped, unlike us, it's the first time Honoka-san talks to Tatsuya-san since she agreed with the engagement."

"Haha, well, it's not like her feelings were secret to anyone, to be honest."

"M-Miyuki! Even if everyone already knew, I still get embarrassed when it's openly exposed like this!"

"Still, you are all on first name basis already."

"But of course, Tatsuya-san. You must have heard from Toushu-sama, about how we all spoke between ourselves."

"We couldn't exactly meet each other in public so we used a special line that Kyouko-san created."

"That's right, and we agreed that it this was the best way of shortening the distance between us."

"Well, everyone was already on first name basis with me and Miyuki when I think about it."

"But the same couldn't be said about the wives themselves so we decided to change that."

"I see. Well, why don't you all have a seat for now? It would be tiring to talk while standing."

"Very well, then excuse me Tatsuya-san."

""Ah!""

Tatsuya and Miyuki were both sitting side by side on a big couch. Precisely, it was a couch that was ideal for two but could fit three. Ayako swiftly took the other sit beside Tatsuya, Lina and Honoka could only look and lament their tardiness.

"Fufufu. Ayako-san, I feel like you have been less reserved around Tatsuya-san recently." [I still am the top wife]

"But of course Miyuki-oneesama. We ARE engaged after all, I even received a blessing from Otou-sama." [I still strive to outmatch you. The power balance might just change, you know?]

"..."

Tatsuya was someone who, despite being very logical, also believed in human miracles. Even so, this strange phenomenon of sparks flying from the two ladies' smiles, with no change in the Eidos whatsoever, was something Tatsuya felt like he would never reach an answer no matter how long he researched.

"Urg…! Is this the difference in time spent together?! Even though I was also Miyuki's rival during my time in First High, I'm being ignored!"

"W-Well, even if Ayako-san has a long time-rivalry with Miyuki and I couldn't be Miyuki's rival when it comes to magic, I still won't lose if it's about being a rival in love!"

"...I heard that you all split into groups, but I never imagined that this(rivalry) could be a factor in the decision."

"Well, it's not like it was supposed to be like this. It was actually decided by draw, though Miyuki-oneesama took no part in it."

"It is my duty as the first wife to oversee the entire date, I mean, all of the dates. I couldn't possibly take part in a draw that would limit my time with Tatsuya-sama."

"How nice, Miyuki. If only I could stay by Tatsuya-san's side the entire time… But I think it's harder to make a surprise in events such as Valentines or birthday parties if you live together in the same house."

"...!

"Oh, in the case that Tatsuya-sama is expecting me to plan something, I just have to go beyond(PLUS ULTRA) and exceed his expectations. Tatsuya-sama's reaction during his last birthday is something I really cherish."

"..."

"Grr… Now I'm really curious as to what your surprise might have been, Miyuki-oneesama!"

"Me as well…!"

"By the way, since Honoka spoke about surprises you've been really quiet, Lina. Also… you've been glancing in my direction not so discreetly."

As Tatsuya pointed out, ever since Honoka mentioned surprises, or more specifically, Valentines, Lina sending some quick glances in Tatsuya's direction.

"Urg…!"

"Is there anything wrong Lina-san?"

"Do you have something to say Lina?"

"W-Well, It's just… you know..."

"Lina, you've been holding your handbag really tight for a while now."

"Oh! I think I get it! You brought a present for Tatsuya-san and wanted to give it but you got nervous when you thought that everyone will be watching."

"...Gh!"

"Seems like it was right on the mark, huh? So you brought a gift by yourself, that's sly Lina. Now I wish I had that idea too."

"W-Wha! I'm not sly nor anything! I was just..! Oh! Y-Yeah, I was owning him that!"

"...Tatsuya-sama, did you do anything to Lina? Like giving her a gift or anything to make her own you?"

"I would like to know too, Tatsuya-san."

"I-I'm curious as well."

"...I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything to Lina that would make her own me anything. I really have no idea where this came from."

Tatsuya tried to sound as sincere as he could, he really had no idea why Lina dropped a bombshell like that, nor could he remember giving a gift. Miyuki and Lina almost asked him in a deadpan tone 'how can you ever say that?', when they remember all the times Tatsuya spared Lina, kept her identity a secret and even offered to help if she ever decided to leave the military. But seeing it as something normal for Tatsuya, Lina decided to ignore his comment and proceed anyway.

"W-what I wanted to give was this."

"Wait, that's… chocolate?"

"Not only that but… Valentine chocolate?"

"But it's still months away, unless… Is this for the time you spent in Japan, Lina?"

"...Actually I was planning on giving chocolate to Tatsuya at that time, but I saw Tatsuya e-embracing Miyuki and I just...lost heart."

"I know that Tatsuya-san is always like this but I guess I would hesitate too if I had to give it right after seeing them together."

"Thank god I gave mine before anything happened, though Shizuku had to help me."

"S-So anyway, I prepared and didn't gave it, so I prepared one this time."

"Thanks Lina. But you didn't have feel obligated to do it or you could have waited for the next valentine's day."

"Co-Come on! It's not like I spent the night preparing this or anything… why are you all staring at me like that?"

"Haha.. well..."

"Lina, that just now..."

"I believe everyone was thinking 'tsundere at this point in time?' or something along these lines, Lina-san."

"Wh-What?! Don't give me weird classifications!"

"But it really fits you, Lina. You even have twintails and all."

"You also have something similar, don't you Honoka?!"

"No, Lina. You are undoubtedly the only one with twintails here."

"Don't tease me as well, Miyuki!"

It seems that the usual target of teasing(Honoka) was enjoying the swapped positions. Miyuki had also joined in and while Ayako was not saying anything, her amused smile and gaze clearly showed she was ready to jump in anytime.

"To each their own I guess. Though I believe it's part of your charm, Lina."

""""!""""

Tatsuya's words came down like lighting hitting the ground. All eyes inside the room focused on him and then changed to Lina, who was completely frozen for a few seconds.

"C-Charm?! Say-Saying these things so suddenly is unfair…! It's because you are always like this that…!"

"Like this?"

"Yes, Tatsuya-sama."

"I think so as well, Tatsuya-san."

"Tatsuya-san, you should be held responsible for the things you say."

"..."

Tatsuya was not completely sure but it seems he was alone on this one. But before he could think of a way out of this predicament, someone else came with a trouble-bringing question of her own.

"Ta-Tatsuya, when you say charm, what exactly do you mean? I-I mean, I just wanted to hear specifically what you thought was charming about me."

"...That's quite bold of you, Lina."

"L-Lina-san! Stealing a march like that is unfair!"

" Taking advantage of the situation like this, you are more formidable than I thought Lina-san."

"Hey! I-I was… Yeah, I was just curious!"

"Curious, huh?"

"Y-Yes, just tha-."

"Hm. If it's about Tatsuya-san, then I am definitely curious."

"Eh?"

"M-Me too! I want to know more about Tatsuya-san as well!"

"...Even if you all ask me that..."

"Tatsuya-san, please don't say something like 'someone like Miyuki', the standards will be too high otherwise. As your cousin, it would also be a little… vexing."

"No, I'm not really..."

"Tatsuya-sama, I believe we all want to hear your answer."

"""*staaaare*"""

Suddenly, Lina found herself under the stare of other three girls in the room. Lina was the one that started this discussion, now it seemed they all expected her to give confirmation. With no other way around it, there was only one answer to be given.

"Fi-Fine! I want to know as well okay! I said that I was c-curious before and I meant that!"

"Now then, Tatsuya-sama."

"There's no escape Tatsuya-san."

"Please, Tatsuya-san!"

"Come on, Tatsuya!"

Before Tatsuya could think of a good excuse(way out), Miyuki had already come closer and glued herself to him, hugging his arm to her chest. Ayako followed suit and hugged his other arm, Honoka stood from her seat and approached Tatsuya, lowering her head so that they were at the same eye-level, with Lina doing the same, albeit a little less enthusiastic. Tatsuya was getting a deja-vu, just like the time on the beach, cute girls no matter where he looked, surrounding him. The difference being that he knew they were all in love with him this time. But this only the first group, Tatsuya was starting to wonder how he was going to survive the rest of the day. Hopefully, this was only exhausting because it was a group composed of rivals, Tatsuya held such small hope in his heart.

For some time, they just enjoyed their little chat and interrogation, until the time was up and the next group came in.

Polar Opposites Team

"Yahoo!"

"...Long time no see."

"Welcome, Erika and Shizuku."

"Welcome. Though I have to say, you two make an unlikely duo."

"It was just by chance."

"Yeah, it was such a shame. I bet Honoka had the best reaction when she met Tatsuya-kun. I really wanted be on her group so I could see it."

"Well, you are not wrong about the reaction. But that group had an interesting matchup as well."

"They were all Miyuki's rivals in some way."

"You could tell, Shizuku?"

"We all met earlier to get acquainted with each other."

"Yeah, yeah! That's also when we decided to go in turns. Though..."

Erika suddenly directed her gaze to Tatsuya's face. She had a gaze that was a mix of surprise, admiration and mischief.

"... you know, Mayumi-senpai was a kinda obvious, a little like Honoka and I already expected that there were more girls(Ayako) that had a crush on Tatsuya-kun but to think Tatsuya-kun would be the one to end Kazu-aniki's hopeless romance before it even started. Well, I did thought she was a little outside his league anyway, I will at least spare with him to take out some of his grief later."

"...Erika, correct if I'm wrong but are you saying that your brother was in love with someone from our group?"

"Yup, funny right?"

"No, funny is not exactly the word I would use..."

"If we go by age, then it must be Fujibayashi. I believe she mentioned before that she spoke with him just before the GAA invaded during the Scorched Halloween, though I assume it was just professional."

"Right? Yet Kazu-aniki was completely smitten. But I have to say, as expected of Tatsuya-kun(Sasuga Onii-sama!). You almost got a full set, 'sister', cousin, senpai, classmate, sister's classmates, transfer student, coworker, if only we had a kouhai as well."

"...Erika, you say like I'm some kind of playboy. Ad I'm not trying to make a collection of girls."

"Tatsuya-sama is not a playboy!"

"It's a joke! A joke!"

"...He is more like a gigolo."

"Wha! Even you, Shizuku?!"

"See Miyuki?"

"Hah… I can't deny that sometimes I say some 'things' but it's not like I had that kind of intention."

"Well, that's exactly it, you know?"

"Tatsuya-san saying it without malicious intentions only reinforces it."

"But that's also why we like him, right?"

For one moment, Tatsuya and Miyuki were stunned. While Erika was certainly someone who loved to play around, she never went like this. She was fond of teasing people, she never made such a straightforward attack like this. Her expression while saying it was her usual confident smile… that crumbled in about five seconds.

"Eh?"

"C-Come on, I tried saying it honestly and even did my best to keep my cool. But it was way more embarrassing than I imagined, even worse with Miyuki and Shizuku watching."

Erika was avoiding eye contact with everyone, her face completely flushed, as red as her hair. An Erika like this, was a rare occurrence and a sight for sore eyes. Then she felt a hand on top of her head. It was Shizuku.

"It's okay, you did your best. Nice attack."

"...Don't go treating me like Honoka."

"No, it truly was surprising. You really took me off guard just now, Erika."

"Well, I guess it was worth it then."

"Hm… I was always more cautious around Honoka and Mayumi-san but Erika is also a force to reckoned with. I was really shocked, you managed to hide your feelings well all this time."

"Indeed. I also never noticed."

"...I could say the same to you Shizuku. You were always together with Honoka and I never noticed."

"Honoka was the first to fall for Tatsuya-san and I felt that she desired and deserved Tatsuya-san more than me, so..."

"...Shizuku, I understand how much you care about Honoka but..."

"I know, Tatsuya-san. If the truth ever came to light, Honoka would be heartbroken and she would blame herself, believing that she didn't deserve it. That's why I intended to keep it hidden till the end."

"Shizuku..."

Miyuki was looking at Shizuku, wondering how she never noticed Shizuku's feelings for Tatsuya, wondering how she never noticed that her friend was suffering. Even Erika knew, that this was not the time for jokes.

"That's why, I wanted to say thank you, Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san. Thank you for showing me something I never imagined, a path where no one has to cry over what could have been."

That was a rare look for Shizuku, different from her usual poker face. A small smile could be seen on her lips and it was almost possible to see the faint tears forming in her eyes.

"You're welcome, but… actually it wasn't our idea. I was even against it when I first heard about it."

"But you still accepted in the end, right? I understand how hard it must have been for Miyuki to accept this. So please, let me just say that I'm thankful."

"Thank you too, Shizuku. Even though I was there with Honoka, I never noticed your feelings. So thank you for sharing your thoughts with me."

Miyuki almost apologized but she knew that saying she was sorry for what happened to Shizuku would be an insult. Shizuku was resolute to carry with her choice until the end, apologizing would be like she was mocking Shizuku's resolve. After all, at times these, instead of "sorry", "thank you" is a much better choice.

"Well, I guess we all have our own worries, huh?"

"You too, Erika?"

"Don't make that face Shizuku. It's nothing as serious as yours. You know, I was just being a little too passive for my own good, hoping that Tatsuya-kun would make the first move. And I was so jealous during the Parasite incident when I heard that Tatsuya-kun was helping Lina and our senpai."

"Haha… I guess Tatsuya-sama actively approaching someone does sound a little far-fetched. But I do vaguely recall you acting like you were avoiding Tatsuya-sama at that time."

"...I somewhat guessed that you were angry at something, I just couldn't tell what."

"It's not like I was angry, just… it was a little frustrating that you weren't taking my side alone, but also Lina and Mayumi's. Like 'so it wasn't just me!' or something like that."

"...It's a little frustrating for me as well."

"Shizuku?"

"I wasn't here during that incident. I feel left out when you talk about it."

"Ahaha, sorry Shizuku."

"Until some time ago I hadn't even met Lina. Because I wasn't here, I couldn't see when Lina fell for Tatsuya-san."

"Don't worry, aside from me I don't anyone noticed Lina's feelings for Tatsuya-sama. At least during her stay on Japan."

"Hee… So just like me, she managed to keep it a secret? Though I say secret, Mizuki noticed it."

"I wouldn't go as far as saying that she managed to hide it, it was more like, when she with everybody else, she didn't had many chances of showing it."

"Hm… Maybe I should lighten the burden on Honoka and tease Lina as well. She sounds like someone who's amusing to tease."

"Agreed."

"...Try to go easy on them, you two."

"Come on Tatsuya-kun. This is just how we bond! As your wives, you would prefer if we all got along, right?"

"I'm not quite sure I would call that 'getting along' but..."

"It's okay, Tatsuya-san. As someone who spent years with Honoka, I agree that this much is fine."

"Seems like we got a stamp of approval, Tatsuya-sama."

"I guess so… I pity them a little now."

"Well… Honoka already has the Pixie confession incident too."

"...That's another incident I couldn't see for myself."

"Ah, sorry."

"Hey, hey! We can't get all gloomy now! We meet today to have fun and laugh. Since we got over the serious stuff, let's talk about something else. Like how we could get Lina and Honoka all flustered."

"Haha. I guess you're right. We can really count on Erika to blow away the heavy mood."

Erika and Shizuku, at first look, they are completely different. Erika is always active, smiling and says whatever she wants, Shizuku is more quiet, her expression almost never changes and she doesn't speak much. Precisely because they are so different, they make an unlikely but good duo and yet, despite their differences they do have one thing in common. As long as you are someone that believes in them and that they believe in, they won't lie to you, even if you get sad or angry, so long as it's for your sake, they speak their hearts out.

Chapter end….

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...not!

Adult Team

"Good afternoon, Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san."

"Good afternoon. It's been a while."

"It certainly has been a while, Fujibayashi-san."

"Since the incident with Zhou Gongjin I believe."

"There, there. Please don't call me using my surname, Miyuki-san. And of course, Tatsuya-kun too. We are betrothed after all. Please call me Kyouko, otherwise I will feel isolated. From what I've seen everybody else is already talking in a familiar way with each other."

"Yes, I understand Kyouko."

"...Somehow, hearing you call me by the first name gives me butterflies in the stomach."

"Eh...?"

Both Mayumi and Miyuki were looking astonished at Kyouko's sudden girly attitude. Never, during all the time they were acquainted with her, did they see Kyouko display such behaviour.

"Still, to think I end paired with you, Kyouko-san."

"Do you have a complaint, Mayumi? Or could it be more about our team itself?"

"I mean, it's pretty much pointing at our age! The group with the oldest girls!"

"...I would rather think that it means we have more experience in life and maturity. We are not really old, Mayumi. We are still in our prime."

"Hm… Yes, let's go with that."

"...Somehow, you never striked me as someone who cared about these matters, Kyouko-san."

"I heard that before. Rather than 'not caring' it's more like, I 'didn't want to care'. After my fiance died, I thought I would never move on."

"Kyouko-san..."

Tatsuya, Miyuki and Mayumi all knew that Kyouko had a fiance before and that he had passed away during the fight on Okinawa a few years ago. Seeing as Kyouko herself never touched the subject, the three of them had no idea of the depths of Kyouko's relationship. Even so, they knew that it was a touchy subject to speak in front of Kyouko and never tried to bring it up.

"But then I was started receiving more and more assignments to work with a boy a little younger than me. He was always seemed unfazed with everything and was had a bad habit of acting without giving his own life much value. As time passed on, I cared more and more for him, always getting frustrated at his reckless actions and before I knew it, the boy was becoming a man in my eyes."

"..."

"It might be a little late to say it, but… Thank you Tatsuya-kun, for giving me hope for the future again."

"...I didn't do anything in particular. It was Kyouko that found the determination to move on. Or rather, it's not late at all, we still have a whole future ahead of us."

"...I guess so."

For once, it was not Miyuki the one exchanging a passionate gaze with Tatsuya and ignoring everybody else. Miyuki was not interfering out of consideration for Kyouko's feelings, she looked like she had just taken off a huge load out of her chest so Miyuki couldn't bring herself to just jump in. It is a fact that Miyuki was approaching her limit. Though she knew that she hogging Tatsuya to herself would be impossible in the near future, she couldn't get used to it right away. Fortunately or not, someone else reached her limit before Miyuki did.

"...There's a really got mood between you two all of sudden. Do you perhaps like older girls, Tatsuya-kun? Older than me even?"

"...Mayumi, I think you are having a misunderstanding here."

"What is this, Mayumi? Jealous? I don't see you like this often, but I guess you too got affected by Tatsuya-kun."

"J-Jealous?! I'm not…! W-Well, o-of course I am. I'm also engaged to him so I want my share too."

"?!"

Tatsuya was a little surprised seeing Mayumi's honesty. She was about to deny but stopped at the last moment and confirmed it instead. But the one who received the biggest shock, was undoubtedly Miyuki. Starting with Ayako and following with Shizuku, Kyouko and now Mayumi, all of them were starting to change. Miyuki realised that the girls were all moving forward and pouring their hearts out, they were all serious about the man they loved and chose as their husband. Suddenly, Miyuki started to feel like she was going to be left behind by them. She felt like she was the only who hasn't changed since this whole engagement talk began. Tatsuya on the other hand, knew her well enough to guess what she thinking about.

"It's okay Miyuki."

"Tatsuya-sama?"

"You don't need to change. To me, you are already perfect the way you are."

"Tatsuya-sama..."

Tatsuya had already moved his hand towards Miyuki's cheek. Miyuki too, moved her hand and put it on top of Tatsuya's. The typical scene, leaving Mayumi and Kyouko on the background.

"Even after getting engaged with eight beautiful girls, Tatsuya-kun doesn't to mind it that much. These nerves of steel of his can be quite frustrating, Kyouko-san."

"I guess we still need to try harder if we want to get out of this second-place position, Mayumi."

"Still, I'm a little surprised. Even after I heard about it, to think your parents agreed to this."

"In my case, rather than my parents, Sofu-sama was the one who carried more influence. He seemed delighted to have Tatsuya as something like his grandson. Minoru too seemed happy, although a little confused by the situation."

"Well, I have to say that Otou-sama also surprised me. But I'd like to think that he finally outgrew that obsession with the Yotsuba, at least a little."

"I hope that's true."

"It would be good if it were true."

"It is a fact that people from influential clans and groups have to adapt to strange situations more often. If anything I was more worried about Erika-san and Shizuku-san, since they come from important families but a little different from us."

"Shizuku said that she had a little fight with her mother but the rest of her family seemed to support her decision."

"Erika also said that she managed to get her brothers support although she had to argue with them a little, mainly Chiba Naotsugu."

"Come to think of it, what about Kasumi-chan? Izumi-chan is one thing, but Kasumi-chan must have been completely against it."

"That, well. Ahahaha... "

"...Mayumi-san, was everything ok? Or rather, is everything ok?"

"W-Well...it's definitely better than before but it's hard to say that it's okay. Since Otou-sama decided and I also made my mind, Kasumi-chan noticed that there was little she could do to change this. But… please go easy on her when you meet her again Tatsuya-kun."

Mayumi previous awkward laugh suddenly turned into something akin to a warning, or maybe a request. This brought some memories back to Kyouko.

"I seem to remember your sisters had the habit of scaring young men that approached you, Mayumi. Or even men that they just thought were approaching you."

"...If Kasumi is only going to try the same stunt from last time, then it's no problem."

"Last time? Could it be… she tried to do anything against you before, Tatsuya-sama?"

"Heeh… Tatsuya-kun of all people, it must have ended badly for her."

"I'm not such a violent person Kyouko, not without reason at least. It was nothing serious to begin with, she only tried to scare me right before the entrance ceremony. I met Mayumi by chance there and Kasumi judged that I was too close to Mayumi and well, you can guess the rest."

"Hm… So while I wasn't looking Tatsuya-sama and Mayumi-san were having an intimate moment together."

"I-It's not like that, Miyuki-san! I just met Tatsuya-kun and spoke with him a little!"

"I also believe it wasn't like that Miyuki-san. If I had to take a guess, it was probably the fact that Mayumi always lowers her guard around Tatsuya-kun. I think she doesn't realise it herself but she never acts like that around anyone else, Kasumi-chan must have felt 'danger' from that."

"Now that you say it..."

"W-Wait! I don't really do that… Do I?"

"Even if you ask me..."

Kyouko and Miyuki were suddenly in deep thought, thinking to themselves about all the times they saw Mayumi talking with Tatsuya or even just thinking about Tatsuya. Mayumi tried to deny it, but realised that maybe her behaviour around Tatsuya really was different. She turned to ask Tatsuya about it but he didn't believed himself to be the best one to answer that.

"I know that Kasumi is the biggest 'issue' but to be honest, I'm a really worried about Izumi as well."

"Ahaha. You're sharp as ever Tatsuya-kun. Izumi, you see, was a little against it because she likes Miyuki-san a little too much."

"...I'm really thankful for her feelings but I don't really..."

"No, no, it's not like that… I think… Or at least I hope it isn't."

"Since we are talking about Miyuki-san it's not really a surprise that you have some extreme… fans."

"About that, Kyouko-san, I was actually a little scared at first. Scared that maybe Izumi would volunteer to take my place only so that she could be Miyuki's 'sister'. Thankfully, she settled with this arrangement."

"... I had a feeling before that maybe Izumi is more troublesome to deal with than Kasumi."

"It's because she is a little like you, Tatsuya-kun. She is good at hiding her emotions most of the time. Unless it's about Miyuki-san of course."

"..."

Miyuki was only smiling without saying anything, hiding her true emotions under a cover. She would rather not have to comment on anything regarding Izumi's obsession with her, something that did not went unnoticed by the others. They decided it was better to leave this topic behind.

"Speaking about family matters, we actually spoke a little with your mother, Tatsuya-kun."

"...Please ignore any weird comments she might have made."

"...No, she didn't really..."

As soon as Tatsuya heard that Maya made contact with the girls, he skipped the part where he wondered if Maya said anything and instead already assumed that she did.

"It's not like she said anything strange, if anything the way she said was strange, or rather, embarrassing to listen to."

"...What?"

"What can I say. I think I understand that this fawning over Tatsuya-kun must be something that runs in the blood."

"Eh?"

"Don't make such a confused face Miyuki-san. you are the prime example after all. I just didn't thought that the Queen of the Night could show such a… childish behaviour."

"Yes, she looked very dignified in the beginning but when the serious part was over she switched gears and started talking about her cute son. It was the spitting image of Miyuki-san."

"Eh? Oba-ue did?"

"Hah…. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse."

"I see, you also have your own share of family troubles, Tatsuya-kun."

"Right, in the rare occasions when I spoke with her, she never showed that side of hers."

"Oh? So you already spoke with Tatsuya-kun's mother before, Kyouko-san?"

"Just a few times, only about business though."

Tatsuya was not one to feel shame, mostly because he never did anything to bring shame on himself. However, right now, all the shame Maya did not feel when she acted in that childish manner, was hitting Tatsuya at full throttle.

After the day was finally over, Tatsuya gave Maya a call and promptly scolded her. Hayama watched the entire thing in silence, only with a amused smile on his face.