Finally released, Tatsuya apologized to Hibiki outside. Not his fault, but leaving her was fact.
"Still a heartthrob. Confession at the station? Unbelievable."
"What can I say..."
"But thanks to you, questioning ended quick."
As she said, it wrapped fast—but female officers swarming him ate time.
"Not much left."
"Yeah. Head out?"
"Yes. Lingering wastes it."
He'd reserved the dinner spot meticulously. But incidents like before threw wrenches.
"Hey, Tatsuya-kun—popular at school too?"
"Who knows? I'm oblivious."
"But Miyuki notices, right? Your admirers would sour her mood."
"Miyuki's swarmed herself—no time for mine."
"Can't see her sidelining you."
Hibiki knew Miyuki's feelings clearly—Miyuki herself avoided facing them.
"Heard from the Major about three years ago. Still, she depends too much."
"Mom died; Dad remarried soon. I was her only comfort."
"Ah... 'Family matters'—unavoidable."
Her emphasis hit: not just Dad, but Yotsuba. He got it.
"Aunt worried, but she's grown normally."
"Normal? Brother-obsessed isn't 'normal' to outsiders."
"...Barring that, yes."
He adjusted—sister complex was extreme, off-putting socially.
"Cute sister, huh. Worry about bad guys?"
"If she chooses? Fine. If like Dad..."
"Don't stop there—scary..."
Her genuine fear: knowing his true magic, erasure seemed real.
They arrived at the reserved restaurant—no dress code, entered as-is.
"Reservation for Shiba."
"Welcome. This way."
Unlike the pasta joint, the waitress didn't freeze, but her blush was real—they shared wry smiles.
"Fancy place. Really OK?"
"Way late to ask... Don't worry."
"But..."
Even as "Silver," treating a high schooler felt off to her.
"It's payback. No issue."
"...Fine. Gladly."
No point agonizing now—they were here. She bowed lightly.
"What to order..."
"Alcohol too—drink?"
"A little."
He summoned the waiter: course meal, her wine; non-alcoholic for him.
"You could order booze, right?"
"I'm underage, Hibiki-san."
"But decompose it easily?"
"Isn't that basic human?"
She meant magic, but he didn't—pointless for spells; just don't order.
"Someday, drinks alone with you."
"At least four years."
Birthday in April, but underage? No. Minimum three and a half.
"Mmm, delicious."
"Glad."
She downed wine fast amid courses. No driving; worst case, stuff her in a commuter home—Tatsuya figured.
"Nhehe, Tatsuya-kun..."
"Slurring..."
Overdid it by mains—yet posture held, childhood training's gift.
"Why won't Tatsuya-kun get a girlfriend..."
Slurred but clear. He answered seriously, exasperated.
"You know why. Casual dating? Can't. Disrespectful—and I'd hate myself."
"Sigh... So serious, Tatsuya-kun."
"Dropping the act?"
"Caught you noticing."
She'd faked drunkenness to probe. That little alcohol? No way.
"Dessert then—home. Excuse me, one more."
"Too much..."
"Fine. I'm not weak."
"...If you're good, I won't push."
He read her info-body: near limit. But her call—he let it.
It'd bite later, but he watched her enjoy, savoring dessert.
"Excuse me, one commuter?"
"Yes."
Paid, he called hers—planned walking, but blackout-drunk Hibiki alone? Risky. He joined.
Delivered her home, then commuter to his...
(End of Hibiki's Date)
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