"Meow." (Was it you who saved me?)
Tatsuki replied, "Yeah—we met by chance, so I gave you a hand."
The kitten's eyes went wide; its front paws batted the air in excitement.
"Meow‑meow‑meow!" (You can understand me when you talk—can you understand what I'm saying?)
Tatsuki nodded. "I can."
Tail high, the kitten puffed up proudly. "Meow!" (You're amazing!)
Only then did Tatsuki notice its red eyes—strangely familiar. The little cat stirred his memory… My Roommate Is a Cat? Haru? On closer look it really did resemble her.
"Little kitty, want to come home with me?"
"Meow?"
The kitten tilted its head in puzzlement.
"I mean, come live at my place—food and drink provided."
"Meow‑meow, meow‑meow‑meow." (But what will you eat? You shouldn't give your own food away; you'll go hungry.)
Like a teacher lecturing a student—she spoke from experience; Tiger‑sis had taught her that.
Tatsuki chuckled. Not only cute, but considerate. He already liked her. Scooping her up, he assured, "Don't worry—I have more food than I could ever finish, even with you there."
"Meow." (I see.)
After a moment's thought, the kitten nodded. "Meow‑meow!" (I'll also teach you survival skills.)
Tatsuki laughed. "Deal."
"But," he added, "you'll need a name—calling you 'kitty' is awkward."
The cat cocked her head. "Meow? Meow? Meow?" (A name? What's that? Is it tasty?)
He rubbed her fluffy head. "Not food—it's a way to address you. For instance, I'm Tatsuki; call me Tatsuki, or just Tatsu, and I'll answer."
"Meow?" (Tatsu?)
"Mm‑hm—that's me."
The kitten understood—it was like how she called Tiger‑sis Tora. Tatsuki pondered. If she truly is Haru, maybe I should just… "How about 'Haru'?"
"Meow? Meow‑meow." (Haru? Okay.)
Tatsuki tested it. "Haru."
"Meow‑meow!" Haru answered happily. A name of her own filled her with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Tatsuki smiled—but the name made him think of the other Haru. Who is she really…?
"Meow‑meow?"
Haru thought he was sad and patted him with a tiny paw. "Relax—I'm not sad, just a little nostalgic."
Shaking off old memories, Tatsuki brightened. "Actually, Haru, I need your help with something."
"Meow!"
…
"I'm back—hope I wasn't too slow?"
Tatsuki returned to Yukino's side. She shook her head gently. "No. What were you doing?"
"Nothing big. Let's head home." He took Yukino's hand, and she didn't resist; under the setting sun her cheeks were pink, fingers lacing with his. She never noticed the bulge inside his jacket.
…
"Want to stop by my place for a bit?" Back in the neighborhood, Tatsuki offered.
"Why?!" Yukino's mind jumped somewhere naughty; she bristled like a startled kitten.
Tatsuki laughed. "Don't be so defensive—I'm not planning anything indecent. Just come in and sit a while."
He'd never lied to her, so she finally nodded—though she raised her joined left hands. "Our hands…"
Tatsuki grinned. "Not letting go." He opened the door and pulled her inside.
The house was dark. Shoes off, they stepped from the entry into a pitch‑black living room.
"Is no one home?" Yukino murmured; usually someone was here—Eriri's family, Nezuko's, Cocolia and Kanae, sometimes Leone and the rest. Tonight, not a soul.
She moved to switch on the lights, but Tatsuki stopped her—Click! All the lights flared at once.
Pop! Confetti cannons burst; colored petals rained over her. Sayuri wheeled out a cake, and the crowded room erupted:
"Yukino—happy birthday!"
Everyone Yukino had met through Tatsuki was here: the Night Raid team, Eriri, Nezuko's household, Cocolia, Chito and Yuuri, Megumi, Kanae, Marin, Miko Yotsuya, Yui, Chika, Kaguya … a houseful of smiles.
"Yukino, happy birthday." Tatsuki unzipped his jacket. A small black‑and‑white head poked out; Haru peered around, locked eyes on Yukino—This must be the girl Tatsu mentioned.
"Meow!" (Hello!)
Yukino gasped softly. "This is…?"
"A birthday present. Your old apartment wouldn't allow pets, but my place does. I had another gift in mind, but I happened to meet Haru—and I know you love cats."
"Meow." Haru chirped and leapt into Yukino's arms.
"!" Yukino cradled her gently, stroking the soft fur.
"Tatsuki‑kun…" Her heart hammered—joy, no, happiness.
"Yukinon! I've got a present too!" Yui pressed a tiny gift box into her hands.
"Thank you, Yui."
Kaguya lifted a finger toward a huge crate in the corner. "Now, Yukinoshita‑san, witness my gift." She clapped and the crate sprang open—inside was an enormous Mr. Pan plush!
Yukino looked to Kaguya in gratitude. "Thank you, Shinomiya‑san."
The change of address showed just how far their friendship had come.
Chika laughed. "Kaguya‑chan, your gift is way over the top!"
Kaguya raised her chin. "Only fitting for the name Shinomiya."
Sayuri clapped and smiled gently. "Everyone, set your presents on the sofa first—time to blow out candles."
Snap! The lights went off. Tiny flames dotted the cake. Tatsuki placed the birthday hat on Yukino himself.
Yukino leaned forward to blow—Eriri jumped in. "Wait, make a wish!"
Oh—right! Under so many watchful eyes Yukino shut her eyes tight and formed the wish she wanted most.
She opened them again; Tatsuki led the singing and everyone joined the birthday song. Candlelight sparkled in her beautiful eyes. Fff! The candles went dark, the song faded, and the room lights came back. Celebration erupted.
…
The gathering was truly lively: so many people that even the normally shy Miko eased into the mood. Cleanup afterward was chaos—Leone and a few others actually got drunk; Akame and crew had to carry them off. Sayuri, Kie, and the rest tackled the dishes; ex‑Great Guardian Cocolia, ever disciplined, wiped tables like a pro.
Tatsuki's job was returning each guest safely—his invitations, his responsibility.
Chika and the others tried to go alone, not wanting to bother him. Tatsuki refused flat‑out, scooped Chika into his arms, and whoosh flew her home in a few blinks.
"Eh? Already?" she gasped when her yard appeared below.
"Told you it's no bother." He patted her head. "Go on—once you're inside I'll leave."
For some reason Chika felt a faint pang of regret; she'd hoped the trip would last longer. She fidgeted.
"What is it?" Tatsuki asked.
Chika lowered her head, twirling her index fingers. "Um… Nezuko and the others—are they all your girlfriends?"
Tatsuki nodded openly. "Yes. Kie, Sayuri—everyone."
"!" Chika clasped a hand over her mouth. From introductions tonight she'd learned Kie and Nezuko, and Eriri and Sayuri were mother–daughter pairs.
"That shocking?" Tatsuki arched a brow.
"I‑I'm not shocked!" she puffed.
Then, in the tiniest voice. "So… I really won't get pregnant, right?" The question had haunted her all night after that mortifying game.
Tatsuki chuckled softly. "Relax, nothing will happen—and if it ever does, I'll take full responsibility."
"Mm." Blushing, Chika dashed inside before her brain overheated.
…
Next came Marin Kitagawa; at the door she stole another kiss. "Tatsuki‑kun, I'd love a birthday like this too. When mine comes, will you plan it with me?" Tatsuki agreed at once.
At Miko's house, her mother spotted them and assumed he was Miko's boyfriend; Miko shoved her mom inside, cheeks blazing. Megumi was next—quiet as always. One long, lingering kiss and she slipped indoors.
Yui Yuigahama was uncharacteristically silent on the flight home—no joking, no chatter. Tatsuki had no idea how to comfort her; he simply saw her to the door. She smiled and said good‑night, but once inside she slid down against the door.
"So those are all Tatsuki's girlfriends…" Her heart churned. Seeing everyone truly happy, even Yukino, she wondered—If Yukinon can… maybe I could too… The thought refused to fade.
…
Kaguya was last. Because her household was complicated, Tatsuki delivered her straight to her room.
"We're here; I'll head back."
"Mm‑hm." First time a boy had been in her room—she nodded shyly. He vanished like the wind.
"Eh?!" She spun, but he was gone. Flopping onto the bed, she pounded the covers. "Why didn't I make him stay!"
Last night had already marked another leap in her feelings; now she was Ultimate‑Form Kaguya—traditional to the core and deeply moved by her father's steadfast love for her mother. She had chosen Tatsuki; that would never change.
After meeting everyone tonight and gauging their bonds with him, her resolve only strengthened: befriend them all, spare Tatsuki any headache. She'd skipped dating straight to marriage and kids. A battle of love‑wits? Sorry—she'd bypassed it entirely.
A knock. "Milady, you're back?" Hayasaka called.
Kaguya poked her head from under the quilt. "Yes."
Hayasaka paused outside. When did she get in? I never noticed… and what did she do tonight? Since Kaguya's newfound freedom, Hayasaka could hardly read her anymore—even yesterday's search history was a mystery. Did she really take that step? She decided the investigation would start with Student‑Council President Tatsuki.
...
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