With rare training off, Tatsuya and Hibiki headed out for the meal promised during the headless dragon extermination. Tatsuya offered a full day, but Hibiki hesitated. Yet, Kazama's "order" bound them together all day.
"Why did the Major say that?"
"No idea. But I'm glad to be with you, Tatsuya-kun."
"You were going to decline originally."
"That was for Miyuki's sake. Securing a day isn't easy for you, right?"
"Well..."
To free this day, Tatsuya had carved out two for Miyuki. He didn't mind, of course.
"So, where to?"
"Let's check out clothes for you, Lieutenant."
"Really?"
"As thanks."
It started as just dinner, but Tatsuya felt he owed Hibiki for her constant support.
"Fine, I'll take it. And today, no 'Lieutenant.'"
"Got it, Hibiki-san."
"Good."
He'd nearly said "Fujibayashi-san," but her eyes forbade it. She wanted her given name but settled, fearing rejection if she pushed.
"But letting someone over ten years younger pay..."
"You know my alias, right?"
"Which?"
Tatsuya had many; she knew he meant "Silver" but played coy.
"Unrelated to the unit."
"I know."
"Figured..."
His earnings dwarfed her battalion pay. Knowing that, she accepted freely.
"I'll let you pick, then."
"Sure, but choose what to wear yourself."
"Fair. Can't have you selecting women's clothes."
No one in the store—staff or customers—could peg private-clothed Tatsuya as a high schooler, but she considered it.
"I'll wait over there while you browse."
"OK. I'll call when trying on."
He nodded, settling on a bench. With Miyuki, staff might've begged her to model. But Hibiki's natural allure, sans makeup, drew a clerk instantly as he sat.
"...Something?"
He broke her hesitation by speaking first.
"Um, if your companion buys..."
"Not decided yet."
"O-Of course! If she does, could she model it?"
"...Promo? No photos?"
"Absolutely! And we'll discount accordingly."
"Depends if Hibiki likes it."
How old did she think he was? His demeanor screamed not high school.
As their "talk" ended, another clerk summoned him—Hibiki was trying on.
"How's this...?"
"Suited, but you'd rock something cuter, Hibiki-san."
"Really?"
It was demure adult wear, fitting her, but Tatsuya saw her pulling off bolder.
"Then this?"
"Too flashy now. You know it, right?"
"Ehe?"
He shot a mildly exasperated look at the mismatched outfit. She shut the door to escape it.
"She's quite playful."
"She vents built-up stress. And not my girlfriend."
He handled the tease politely, stunning the clerk.
"Not? You don't look like siblings."
"Colleagues. Sort of."
No full explanation possible; he glossed over.
"This one, Tatsuya-kun?"
"Better... Brighter colors suit you more."
"Too plain?"
"The clothes can't keep up with you."
His blunt praise flushed not just her but nearby staff and shoppers—raw honesty embarrassed them all.
"Pardon, sir, how old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"""Ehhh!?"""
"Tatsuya-kun, issue?"
"No, just answered her age question."
"Oh, shocked at your age, huh."
"Do I look that old?"
"You're so composed."
Her laughing consolation fell flat.
"That suits you."
"Yeah? It was my top pick."
"Yellow tones fit you best."
"My favorite. You're used to it on me."
"Not just that."
"So, you'll buy it?"
"No issue. This one, please. Ship her original clothes."
"Y-Yes! Understood!"
The clerk paused, stunned—a high schooler's gift at that price? But his seamless payment drew envious glances to Hibiki. Despite his "not lovers" denial, some eyed him predatorily; he ignored, while she basked in superiority.
"Next stop, Hibiki-san?"
"Yes. Thanks, Tatsuya-kun."
They paid and left; the store froze until they vanished.
(A Colleague's Day Out... No Snow, Just Sparks)
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