The Irregular at Magic High School: Everyone Loves My Brother?!

After resolving the Blanche incident, Tatsuya decided to finish his Public Morals Committee paperwork early to make time for an after-school promise. There was no leaving work undone, so he tackled it at double his usual speed.

"Chief, today's reports are done," Tatsuya said, handing them over.

"Already?" Mari replied, raising an eyebrow. "That's faster than usual."

"I have a commitment," Tatsuya said. "The person's strict about time, so I can't be late."

"A commitment?" Mari smirked, barely hiding her amusement. "You, sharing your plans? That's rare."

"I don't recall diving into details," Tatsuya said dryly.

Mari's teasing grin made Tatsuya want to sigh, but he resolved never to share his schedule with her again.

"Heading out already?" Mari asked, glancing toward the staircase to the Student Council room.

Tatsuya knew exactly what she meant. "Miyuki's aware, and there's no need for your concern, Chief."

"Fair enough," Mari said. "If she's fine with it, I won't meddle."

"Just so we're clear," Tatsuya added, "it's not what you're imagining."

"What!" Mari sputtered. "I'm not imagining anything weird!"

"I didn't say anything," Tatsuya said, deadpan.

"Ugh…" Mari faltered.

An awkward silence fell. Tatsuya gave a silent bow and left the Public Morals Committee office. Mari, face flushed red with embarrassment, was unfortunate enough to be spotted by Kotaro, who wandered in at the worst moment. Her flustered cover-up led to her smacking him for no reason.

At five o'clock, Tatsuya arrived at the meeting spot a bit early. His limited free time and his companion's irregular work schedule made this hour ideal for their rendezvous.

"Right on time, as expected of Tatsuya-kun," a woman's voice said.

"I should've been here first," Tatsuya replied.

"No, you're busy," she said. "Plus, there's Miyuki-san to consider."

"Sorry about that," Tatsuya said.

Waiting was a woman slightly older than Tatsuya—Kyoko Fujibayashi. Usually in a suit or uniform, today she wore a skirt.

"A skirt? That's new," Tatsuya remarked.

"Is it bad?" Kyoko teased, her smile playful. "It's a date, after all."

"A date?" Tatsuya said, feigning surprise. "So, we're dating now?"

Kyoko pouted, cheeks puffing. "Don't play dumb! I poured my heart out confessing last time!"

"Just kidding," Tatsuya said, smirking. "You're too cute when you react like that, Kyoko-san."

"Cute, from a younger guy?" Kyoko huffed. "You're getting cheeky, Tatsuya-kun."

"Sounds like something the President would say," Tatsuya said.

"You mean Mayumi-san?" Kyoko asked.

Knowing Kyoko and Mayumi were old friends, Tatsuya had teased her intentionally. If Mayumi were here, I wouldn't be this relaxed, he thought.

"Let's drop it," Kyoko said. "We don't want to ruin our date."

"True," Tatsuya agreed. "And thanks for the birthday wishes."

"You're welcome!" Kyoko said. "I begged the Major to give me the day off."

"Sounds like you'll be swamped tomorrow," Tatsuya said. "Need help? I can pitch in."

"Thanks, but you're busy too," Kyoko said. "Let's both pace ourselves."

Kyoko's military duties, Tatsuya's role as Miyuki's guardian, Yotsuba clan tasks, and school life could fill every hour if they let it. Moments with Kyoko were pure bliss for Tatsuya.

"Today, I'm buying you whatever you want," Kyoko said.

"Anything?" Tatsuya mused. "Maybe some new ideas…"

"You can't buy those!" Kyoko laughed.

"Then maybe some normal magical power…" Tatsuya said.

"Even less buyable!" Kyoko exclaimed.

"Kidding," Tatsuya said. "You know I'm teasing, right?"

"Of course," Kyoko said. "I know you've got those complicated feelings, so I can't help reacting, even to your jokes."

Her concern was unnecessary, but Tatsuya felt warmed by her care. He nearly reached to pat her head.

"Tatsuya-kun?" Kyoko said, catching his gesture.

"Sorry, habit," Tatsuya said.

"I'm not Miyuki-san," Kyoko said, smirking.

"Then this is fine?" Tatsuya asked.

Swiftly, he leaned in and stole a kiss. Kyoko froze, processing, then flushed red from head to toe.

"Never let your guard down," Tatsuya teased. "Not very Lieutenant-like."

"Don't call me by rank now," Kyoko said, flustered. "This is personal time!"

She feigned anger, but her blush betrayed her. Tatsuya, enjoying her reaction, offered his hand.

"Let's go," he said. "Even off-duty, time's limited."

"Right," Kyoko agreed. "I'm not wasting a second with you."

Hand in hand, they headed to a hotel restaurant Kyoko had reserved. In his school uniform, they might've looked like siblings, but Tatsuya had changed, and their vibe screamed couple.

"By the way, Tatsuya-kun," Kyoko said, "I heard you were a star in that incident."

"When I'm dragged in, I crush it," Tatsuya said.

"So intense," Kyoko teased. "Classic Tatsuya-kun."

It wasn't dinner talk, but their shared understanding let them communicate volumes with little said.

"It's not just me," Tatsuya said. "When my space is threatened, I act."

"Because of Miyuki-san?" Kyoko asked.

"I'd do the same for you," Tatsuya said.

Kyoko pouted slightly at his phrasing. Sensing her mood, Tatsuya rephrased.

"If you were targeted, I might go even harder," he said.

"Really, Tatsuya-kun?" Kyoko said, her tone coy.

"What?" he asked.

"I'm off-duty today," she said.

"You mentioned," Tatsuya said, puzzled.

Kyoko leaned closer. "You've got time too, right? Want to come to my room after?"

"…Seriously?" Tatsuya said, voice lowering as he grasped her intent.

"I wouldn't joke about this," Kyoko said. "It's your birthday gift—I've got to deliver."

"I don't need you to force it," Tatsuya said.

"When a woman's this upfront, just accept it!" Kyoko snapped, standing.

Tatsuya leaned in, whispering, "Then I'll gladly take your offer, Kyoko-san."

Her face turned crimson at his words.