Good News and Bad News
Despite sensing Haruka's tension outside, Tatsuya and Kyoko chatted amiably, ignoring her presence.
"Miyuki-san, it's been a while. Over six months since we last met?" Kyoko said.
"Yes, since February. It's been too long," Miyuki replied.
"I was at the Nine Schools Competition. We had tea in my hotel room, Tatsuya-kun. You should've brought Miyuki-san."
Kyoko's glance at Tatsuya said, Why didn't you? He remained unfazed.
"With Miyuki, we'd have stood out too much."
His eyes added, It would've drawn attention. Miyuki looked shy; Kyoko smiled, conceding.
"By the way, Fujibayashi-san, is it okay for you to visit First High's green room?" Tatsuya asked.
He'd checked for bugs, but this public venue wasn't fully secure. He avoided calling her "Lieutenant," phrasing his question vaguely to mislead eavesdroppers—either as meaningless or as a Second High alumna chatting in a rival's room. To those in the know, the intent was clear.
"It's fine. Multiple titles come in handy. As a technical officer from the Ministry of Defense's Weapons Development Department, visiting you after your impressive Nine Schools performance isn't suspicious."
"As a Fujibayashi too?"
"Exactly. So, Tatsuya-kun, call me 'Lieutenant Fujibayashi,' 'Fujibayashi-san,' or even 'Big Sis Fujibayashi'—your choice."
"I don't recall 'Big Sis' being an option."
Tatsuya gave a wry smile at Kyoko's playful jest.
"Now, to business. I've got good news and bad news. Which first?"
"Good news," Tatsuya said.
"Isn't the pattern 'bad news first'?"
"Fine, bad news."
Kyoko sighed at Tatsuya's flip, his deadpan expression unmoving.
"好吧,先好消息.那个移动装甲完成了.真田大尉说今晚会送来."
"真快啊...不愧是专家.不过明天回东京也..."
"明天这里有展示.大尉硬塞进的计划,估计是急着向你炫耀.核心部件完全依赖你们,他至少想在成品上挽回面子.昨天还说'这样总算保住面子'之类的话."
"没什么丢脸的.我们这边也没能做出实战级的东西."
"把这话告诉大尉吧,他会安心."
Kyoko winked; Tatsuya returned another wry smile.
"Now the bad news… That issue isn't over yet."
"Problems?" Tatsuya's face hardened, Miyuki glancing at him anxiously. Kyoko looked away, unable to brush it off with a smile.
"Look at this. I've taken precautions, but things might get messy."
She handed Tatsuya a data card, too sensitive for wireless. He nodded.
"Got it. We'll prepare, just in case."
"I hope nothing happens, but if it does, I'm counting on you."
Despite her reluctance, Tatsuya and Miyuki were vital assets, and Kyoko's position left her no choice but to rely on them.
"By the way, Kyoko-san, can you handle the person outside?"
"You noticed? Impressive, Tatsuya-kun."
"What, Onii-sama?" Miyuki asked.
"Someone's investigating Kyoko-san's visit here. Seems public security's got their eyes on me."
Miyuki understood instantly; Kyoko looked apologetic.
After switching lookout with Isori, Tatsuya and Miyuki sat in the lobby, unexpectedly reuniting with someone.
"Miyuki, you knew about Juusou Hagane?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes, he's in the next class, so I know his face and name. Did you know him, Onii-sama?"
They'd also met Shoki, but their talk centered on Hagane, a fellow student.
"Hagane's a junior in Sawaki-senpai's club. Even without that, the Juusou family's 'Range Zero' is famous."
The Juusou family, a powerhouse among the Hundred Families, was well-known, even to those less connected than Tatsuya.
"What's up?" Erika interrupted.
"Erika, alone? Where's Leo?" Tatsuya asked.
Erika frowned, visibly annoyed.
"Tatsuya-kun, can we get one thing straight? Stop pairing me with that guy. I only gave him tech and a weapon—nothing more."
"Didn't mean it that way. My bad."
Erika glared silently, her irritation lingering, now mixed with a demanding look.
"…Oh," Tatsuya realized, recalling how he'd pacified her last time by stroking her hair. With a wry smile, he did it again.
"Where's everyone else?" he asked, still stroking her hair, ignoring Miyuki's growing displeasure behind him.
"Classmates? Not here yet. They know it's the afternoon session. But Mizuki and Miki are here, sitting closer to the front, all cozy."
"Got it. And that guy over there?"
"Just a pickup artist. Don't bother, Tatsuya-kun."
"Alright… How long do I keep this up?"
Fearing Miyuki's mood worsening, Tatsuya asked. Erika's eyes begged for a bit longer. Resigning himself to his sister's likely wrath, Tatsuya continued with a wry smile.
Note: What was Kyoko thinking, wanting to be called 'Big Sis'…?
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