Miyuki had never been so nervous in her life. The reason was clear. She and Tatsuya had gone out together, and the restaurant they'd wandered into offered a couples' discount. The staff had pegged them as a couple. It wasn't the first time this had happened, and the cheaper bill usually eased Miyuki's guilt about inconveniencing Tatsuya.
But this time was different. The meal was served for two, yet there was only one set of chopsticks and a spoon. To eat, they'd have to share utensils—an intimate act that sent Miyuki's heart racing. Her initial thrill had given way to a nervous realization of what this implied.
"Miyuki, you okay?"
"I-I'm fine! A-are you okay, Tatsuya-san?"
To play up the couple façade, Miyuki called him by his name—a first. She'd never done so before. As a child, it was "Brother" or "that person"; since that fateful August three years ago, it was "Onii-sama." Despite their unconventional sibling bond, his name had never crossed her lips. It was one of many reasons for her jitters.
"This feels improper. Excuse me, could we have another set of chopsticks?"
"Of course, sir."
Tatsuya, ever mindful of etiquette, clearly disapproved of sharing utensils.
"Miyuki, go ahead and eat."
"…Alright."
Tatsuya called her by name as always, unfazed. Used to dealing with adults, being treated as a couple didn't rattle him. For Miyuki, though, it was another story.
"By the way, what was Aunt Maya's deal?"
"It was… about how that magic was overkill and a warning about me lifting your contract. She also asked us to visit the estate later."
"I see… Well, it couldn't be helped, given the situation."
In the battle against the Great Asian Union, Miyuki's decision to unleash Tatsuya's true magic had been critical. Without it, the tide would've turned for the worse. Maya surely understood, and Tatsuya, as if to reassure her, gently stroked Miyuki's hair. She leaned into his touch, clinging to his hand.
Even with onlookers, Miyuki's need to seek comfort from Tatsuya was a sign she hadn't fully recovered from that ordeal. To others, though, their closeness looked less like siblings and more like lovers—likely due to their distinctly un-sibling-like aura.
Thanks to the unexpected discount, Tatsuya decided to treat Miyuki to something special. He couldn't stand seeing his sister dwell on the enemies she'd frozen, so spoiling her was the least he could do.
"Is that really okay?"
"Don't worry about it. We saved money earlier, and this won't dent my wallet."
Thanks to the sales of FLT's popular "Silver Model," Tatsuya's wealth was considerable. He never spent frivolously, only withdrawing what he needed, so his funds only grew. A gift for his sister wouldn't come close to draining him.
"It really feels like I'm on a date with you, Onii-sama."
"What's that, out of nowhere? We do this kind of thing sometimes, don't we?"
For Tatsuya, spending on his sister was the most worthwhile use of his money. Her hesitation only made him insist more. Knowing this, Miyuki didn't overdo her reluctance and let herself be spoiled.
"Then, Onii-sama, could you buy me this outfit?"
"Of course."
Miyuki made her request with the perfect blend of charm to match Tatsuya's generosity, and he nodded without hesitation. It was their usual routine, but to onlookers, it was anything but. Men froze at Miyuki's delicate beauty; women swooned over Tatsuya's indulgent demeanor. Some couples, comparing themselves to the pair, left disheartened. Tatsuya and Miyuki, however, were oblivious to the stares. They had to be—standing out this much, they'd never shop otherwise.
Still, ignoring the attention didn't stop trouble from finding them. Today, it came in the form of a particularly rough-looking group of thugs.
"Hey, sweetheart, ditch this guy and hang with us. We'll show you a real good time."
The thugs, rare as endangered species these days, surrounded them. One reached for Miyuki—
"Ow!?"
—and Tatsuya twisted his arm with practiced ease.
"Time to leave. Unless you want more pain?"
Tatsuya's voice was sharper than usual, laced with a chilling edge, like a honed blade glinting with frost.
"Quit showin' off! We've got numbers!"
Whether to save their friend or provoked by Tatsuya's taunt, the remaining thugs lunged at him. A woman nearby screamed—not Miyuki, of course.
"Guh!?"
"Gah!"
"Urgh…"
Each thug took a single, precise punch to the gut, collapsing in agony.
"Miyuki, let's go."
"Yes, Onii-sama."
Ignoring the crumpled thugs, Tatsuya led Miyuki away. To them, it was no big deal, but to onlookers, they were a pitiful couple harassed by delinquents. Knowing the police would soon arrive, they hurried off.
"Man, every time I go out with you, Miyuki, we get hassled."
"Oh, Onii-sama? Are you saying it's my fault?"
Tatsuya's jest met Miyuki's playful retort. For them, such incidents were routine, easily turned into light banter.
"Can't we have a calmer outing for once?"
"Then, Onii-sama, let's go somewhere quieter next time. When you have a day off, let's take a trip together."
With that, Miyuki secured a promise for another "date," heading home in high spirits. For Tatsuya, making time for his sister was no burden, even if his schedule begged to differ. Spoiling her like this might just prove his siscon tendencies, but no one (capable of pointing it out) existed to call him on it.
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