Mai got the answer she'd wanted, and though she was clearly delighted, she made an effort to keep her composure. "By the way, I'm absolutely not letting you touch a single hair on Nodoka's body."
Nodoka blinked, a little thrown by how weird that sounded.
Draconis just stared. "Excuse me?"
Mai's lips curled into a mischievous smile—the same look she used whenever she was about to tease him. "So you'll be holding back for a lifetime, right?"
He straightened in his seat, adopting a solemn expression. "Guess I'll have to get serious about fixing this mess."
After all, his future happiness was on the line.
Mai's smile softened with satisfaction. Good—he was finally taking it seriously.
"Nodoka, it's getting late. We should head out for school," she said, turning to her sister. They'd spent all morning reeling from the body swap, and now it was time to face the day.
"O-okay."
"Hold on, let's grab breakfast first," Draconis suggested, glancing at Mai. "Want to go out together?"
She caught his look and nodded in understanding. "Sure. Nodoka, just wait a bit."
The two slipped outside and walked down to the breakfast shop. While they waited for their order, Draconis spoke up, voice low. "Honestly, I think Nodoka's going to run into trouble."
Mai nodded. "But there's not much we can do right now."
Draconis hesitated, then, "Mai, I've got a request."
She looked up at him—literally. With Nodoka's shorter frame, Mai's usual aura was changed, her confidence still present but tinged with something unfamiliar.
Mai was used to being nearly eye-level with Draconis, her presence commanding. But now, in Nodoka's body, she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. The effect was oddly endearing.
"It's rare for you to ask me for anything," he teased. "Almost makes me wish you were in your original form."
"I'm still Mai Sakurajima, dummy."
He smiled. "Fair point."
"About Nodoka—I want you to take this seriously. Can you find out what's really going on with her?"
Draconis considered it. "Well, she ran away from home to stay with her sister. Probably had a fight with her parents, right?"
Human emotions shaped their abilities. Draconis sifted through what he knew about Nodoka—the only clue was her running away.
Mai looked uncertain. "…I thought the same, but I think the real problem is me."
"Pressure from having a famous big sister? You're so exceptional, anyone would hate being compared to you."
Draconis hit the nail on the head.
Mai fell silent. He was right.
"Honestly, I think it's her mom. The whole 'female pride' thing became Nodoka's burden."
"Why?"
"Didn't I mention? Nodoka and I are half-sisters. My mom pushed me into showbiz as a child—just to spite my dad for running off with another woman."
Draconis blinked, then let out a low laugh. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Mai shot him a look. He was poking fun at her mother, and while their relationship wasn't exactly warm, she still bristled.
"She went to theater, too. When we were little, we even crossed paths in the same troupe…"
Draconis rubbed his forehead. He could already imagine how rough that must have been for Nodoka.
And their mothers? Probably locked in silent warfare the whole time.
He understood now. When Mai became a dazzling star on TV, her estranged father must have had mixed feelings. Her mother's revenge, played out in public. Nodoka's mother, unwilling to be outdone, pushed her own daughter into the idol world. The result? Two girls caught in the crossfire.
"So you think all this is the root of today's fiasco?"
Mai nodded, calm. "If it's you, you'll figure it out, right?"
"You've got a lot of faith in me."
"Well, you're pretty amazing."
Draconis rolled his eyes. "News to me."
"Since it's your request, I'll take it seriously. And I did make a contract with her—I'd help even if you didn't ask."
"Oh, right. I forgot about the contract." Mai's tension eased, her smile more relaxed. "Then all that's left is to play our parts."
Draconis kept a straight face, monotone: "Do your best."
After breakfast, he walked the sisters to the station. He could've flown them, but who knew how long this swap would last? Better to help them settle in as normal students.
He sighed inwardly. Kuoh Academy was closed for renovations, giving him a rare three-day break. He'd planned to spend it with Mai, enjoy a little honeymoon—only to have it cut short after one day.
Just one day.
He'd barely had time to bask in the bliss of being together, and now this.
Well, at least he'd gained a new contract. He'd call it overtime.
At the station, the morning rush was in full swing—crowds everywhere. Draconis shielded the sisters as they made their way to the platforms. They'd be taking different trains.
"You'll be okay on your own?" he asked Mai as they parted.
"I can handle it." Her confidence was unshakable.
He nodded. "Call me if anything comes up. I'll be there."
Mai smiled. "Having a boyfriend on standby is pretty reassuring."
"So, how about a reward?"
"Not happening. I look like Nodoka right now."
"I don't mind."
"But Nodoka and I do."
Mai laughed, tugged playfully at his cheek, and headed for her train.
Draconis watched her board, then turned back to Nodoka. As expected, now sporting Mai's face, she was already drawing plenty of attention…
…
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