It was late Friday night, two days before the thesis competition, when Kyoko called Tatsuya. Dinner and baths were done, and he was relaxing.
The call was to report the successful capture of the spy unit Tatsuya had requested, and Kyoko's tone was upbeat.
"Captain Chen Xiangshan escaped, but you secured Lu Ganghu instead, Tatsuya-kun. Overall, a satisfying result. Thanks!"
"No, I'm the one who asked for it."
"Formally, yes, but it's not just the Magic High School and FLT that suffered. Other specialized and non-specialized firms were plagued by this spy ring. Espionage and counterespionage aren't our jurisdiction, but given our unit's focus on magical technology, we couldn't ignore spies targeting it. Even without your call, we'd have acted soon. You just sped things up, and I'm truly grateful."
"I see. By the way, where did the leak about the relic come from?"
"Embarrassingly, military accounting data was breached. Every entity receiving military research funds was targeted."
Tatsuya nodded, understanding the haphazard approach explained the sloppy methods.
"The captured members were a mix of East Asian nationalities, but we might catch the tail of that city's network."
"You sound pleased."
"I'm cautious. I can't stand enemies lurking in my backyard. I might need your help again, so please lend a hand."
"Since I asked for your help, I'll assist if needed. Thanks for the call."
"You're welcome. Good luck Sunday. I'm rooting for you!"
After Kyoko hung up, Tatsuya sank into the sofa. From the student council election to convincing Koharu, stepping in for the thesis competition, dealing with Chiaki's issues, surviving Sekimoto's attack, and fighting Lu Ganghu—Tatsuya was understandably exhausted.
Miyuki gazed at him, his eyes closed, still. (Onii-sama, showing such obvious fatigue…)
Living together, Miyuki rarely saw Tatsuya so visibly worn out. She thought he hid it to spare her worry, but seeing him like this made her wonder if he'd ever truly been tired before.
(I want to look closer…)
Leaning forward carefully, she braced herself on the sofa's armrest, peering at Tatsuya's face. Of course, he noticed, opening his eyes to meet hers.
Miyuki froze, forgetting her precarious position wouldn't hold. "Careful!" Tatsuya caught her as she nearly fell, but the stumble brought them closer, faces inches apart, locking eyes again.
Noticing Tatsuya's gaze drift downward, Miyuki slowly followed, confirming her awkward position: kneeling between his legs, leaning into him. Her reaction was swift.
"I-I'm so sorry!"
She stood, bowed deeply, and fled to her room, too embarrassed to face the remaining chores.
"Miyuki, can we talk?" Tatsuya knocked.
"Y-Yes! N-No, please wait!" Recalling her state, she composed herself, ashamed she couldn't immediately welcome him, and let him in.
"Onii-sama?"
"Look, don't worry about it. I'm not bothered, so you shouldn't be either. I'll handle the cleanup. Rest tonight."
Gently stroking her hair, Tatsuya left for the living room. Miyuki, stunned by his touch, shuffled to her bed, undressed, and slipped under the covers.
"~~~"
Rolling side to side, she agonized. Had her attempt to kiss Tatsuya risked their bond? His reassurance that he didn't mind filled her with relief.
(I can still stay by Onii-sama's side.)
Savoring the lingering sensation of his touch, Miyuki drifted to sleep.
Meanwhile, Chen, having escaped the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, met Zhou again.
"Thank you for your assistance, Master Zhou."
"No, no. But about Master Lu…"
"Embarrassingly, I have a request regarding that."
"I understand. As kin, I'll help rescue Master Lu."
Their words lacked sincerity, but Chen knew he needed Zhou to save Lu.
"Tomorrow, or rather, later today, Lu's being transferred to Yokosuka's foreign prison."
"Really?"
"Yes, quite convenient timing. I've secured the transfer route."
Zhou explained the details to Chen.
"In return, please ensure minimal disruption to this city tomorrow."
"Of course. The primary target is the Kanto Branch of the Magic Association. Some chaos is inevitable, but I've instructed the commander to avoid harming Chinatown."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Zhou bowed politely, knowing Chen's promises were hollow, but kept his expression neutral.
With one day left before the thesis competition, a storm was brewing.
-------------------------------
Thank you for enjoying my stories! If you want to go further and support my work,
Patreon is the best way to do it — many of the newest chapters will be posted there!
👉 pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ
💖