Using a disposable key code downloaded to her terminal, Mayumi unlocked the door to one of the lounges typically reserved for meetings with parents or contractors. While not as formal as a reception room, its design was still imposing enough to make students hesitate to use it on their own.
(Is this really okay...?)
Tatsuya hesitated, feeling that a room like this wasn't meant for students. However, having already downloaded the key code, he decided it was too late to question it and swallowed his words.
The presence of a fully automated tea server suggested that this was a room where eating and drinking were permitted.
"Is black tea alright?"
"No, please don't trouble yourself."
"You shouldn't make a woman lose face."
Put that way, he had no choice but to nod. Even if it was "fully automated," it wasn't the cheap kind where a paper cup dropped down. It required the manual effort of setting the teacup under the dispenser and preparing a matching saucer.
Mayumi performed these steps with evident enjoyment.
"Here. Go ahead."
"Thank you."
As a matter of courtesy, Tatsuya took a sip before straightening his posture. Taking his cue, Mayumi also sat down and straightened her back.
"Is the consultation regarding the 'Vampires'?"
"Yes. Information has stopped appearing in the media, but has the damage actually subsided?"
It was Mayumi who broke the ice. Tatsuya, accepting that she likely wanted to discuss this as well, continued the conversation.
"On the surface, it has subsided. However, since the number of missing persons is higher than in average years, we should interpret this as the enemy's movements becoming more sophisticated. Perhaps taking down one of them put the rest on guard."
"It hasn't been confirmed that we 'took one down,' but they are likely cautious. It is possible that they possess a form of co-perception among their comrades."
"Co... perception?"
Hearing the unfamiliar term, Mayumi tilted her head, pausing the flow of conversation.
"It is an abbreviation for 'Shared Sensory Perception Ability.' It is a type of Extra-Sensory Perception—ESP—often observed between identical twins. Though I say 'often,' it is only relative within the already rare cases of ESP."
"In other words, the experiences seen or heard by one individual are experienced and shared by the entire group?"
"It is nothing more than speculation, however."
Mayumi fell silent, wearing a complicated expression. Tatsuya drank his tea soundlessly so as not to disturb her thoughts, until she finally muttered something.
"…I hate it when there are so many things I don't understand."
"When facing an unknown situation, we have no choice but to fumble through until we find a solution."
"…That's not what I meant."
Tatsuya was aware that his response was somewhat empty, but Mayumi's gaze seemed to carry an entirely different intent.
"I meant that I didn't understand the meaning of 'Shared Sensory Perception Ability' at all... Hey, that won't be on the entrance exams, will it?"
"…ESP is considered to belong to a different academic field than Magic Theory, so I do not believe it will appear."
The discomfort he had felt from her staring reached its peak with that question.
"I think that covers it. Now then, let's have tea time."
Having finished the information exchange, Tatsuya wanted to leave immediately, but Mayumi grabbed his arm with a grip of steel, forcing him to remain seated.
Of course, with Tatsuya's martial arts skills, he could have easily escaped her grasp. However, he sensed no hostility, and since Miyuki was currently working in the Student Council Room, he reasoned there was no need to rush. He decided to submit quietly.
"Here, won't you eat this?"
What Mayumi held in her hand was, unmistakably, Honmei—true love—chocolate. Tatsuya's sharp nose confirmed that it was different from the batch Hattori had been forced to eat earlier.
"Is it not acceptable for me to eat it after I return home?"
"But Tatsuya-kun... you received a lot of chocolate, didn't you? You won't remember which one belongs to whom, right? That's why I want you to eat it now and tell me your thoughts."
"I would remember, but... well, I suppose it can't be helped."
Mayumi, having underestimated Tatsuya's memory capacity, looked surprised by his answer. However, upon realizing he had resigned himself to eating it, her expression was quickly replaced by delight.
"So, how is it?"
At Tatsuya's reaction, a full, radiant smile blossomed on Mayumi's face.
Honoka was heading toward the Prep Building on Student Council business. The sun was already dipping low, signaling that it was time to finish work quickly.
"Oh, hey, it's Honoka."
"Amy."
"This is rare. You coming over here, I mean."
"Yeah, I'm filling in for Isori-senpai."
Currently, Isori was still being coerced into eating chocolate by Kanon. Unable to finish it all during lunch, Kanon had practically moved into the Student Council Room after school to continue the feeding.
"Hmm... wait, is that crystal?"
"Ah, yeah."
"From Shiba-kun?"
"Y-Yeah."
Amy, sharp-eyed as ever, spotted the hair ornament Honoka was wearing and immediately deduced it was a gift from Tatsuya. Though embarrassed, Honoka answered clearly.
"He said it was a return gift for the chocolate. Though he mentioned it was separate from White Day."
"Preparing a return gift in advance... as expected of Shiba-kun. He's so mature~. No wonder he's so popular."
As Amy nodded in agreement, Honoka tilted her head in confusion.
"I was with the President a little while ago, and she was definitely trying to give him chocolate. She was reflecting on how she called out to him at a bad time."
"The President?"
"Ah, my mistake. The former President, Saegusa-senpai. That was definitely Honmei chocolate."
Listening to Amy, Honoka's mind drifted to a different place.
Currently, her biggest rival in the contest for Tatsuya was Miyuki. However, Miyuki was Tatsuya's blood-related sister. Because that undeniable fact existed at the very end of the line, Honoka felt a sense of security somewhere in her heart.
But Mayumi had no such shackles. Honoka understood that Mayumi was superior to her in both appearance and magical power. Her only advantage was that she wasn't older than him, but she couldn't imagine Tatsuya caring about a two-year age gap.
"Helloooo? Honoka? You listening?"
"Sorry, I have to hurry with work."
"Right. Sorry for keeping you."
"No, it's fine."
Careful not to take her frustration out on Amy, Honoka walked briskly away. She tried her best not to acknowledge what exactly she was so afraid of.
(Even though I'm translating this, I can't help but find Honoka's panic adorable...)
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"