Miyuki walks with her gaze fixed on the bag containing the hair accessory her brother bought her, oblivious to the world ahead. Yet, miraculously, she avoids colliding with anyone. It's not just her focus that keeps her path clear the onlookers, entranced by her ethereal presence, instinctively part to make way. Her beauty, amplified by the joy of Tatsuya's gift, holds them spellbound.
Of course, even if someone were to stray too close, Tatsuya would never allow a collision. His protective presence ensures Miyuki can lose herself in the moment without worry, her attention wholly devoted to the treasure in her hands.
"Thank you for the wonderful gift, Brother," she says, her voice soft with gratitude.
"I'm glad you like it," Tatsuya replies. "But don't hold back this is just a little extra, beyond what I promised."
His words are sincere, free of modesty or embarrassment, but they send a flush of color to Miyuki's cheeks. Her expression, radiant and unguarded, could stop hearts in its tracks, yet Tatsuya remains unfazed, as if such brilliance is simply part of their routine.
Miyuki's heart belongs to Tatsuya, her every thought consumed by him. But to Tatsuya, Miyuki is his sister—nothing more, and perhaps nothing less. His feelings, though deep, are confined to that role, or so it seems.
"An extra?" Miyuki murmurs, her voice tinged with delight. "Even so, I'm overjoyed!"
"It caught my eye," Tatsuya says casually. "I thought it suited you."
"Caught your eye?" she echoes, curiosity piqued.
The accessory was a chance discovery, one Tatsuya might have easily overlooked. Miyuki wonders what drew his attention to it.
"It's a well-crafted design," he explains. "The artisan who made it was likely a magic engineer. The decorative elements double as a protective charm probably something crafted as a side project or part-time work."
"Is that so?" Miyuki says, peering at the bag anew. "But I don't sense any magical energy…"
Her ability to detect magic surpasses even Tatsuya's, so if he sensed something, she should too. Yet, to her, the accessory feels inert.
"I wouldn't give you anything dangerous," Tatsuya assures her, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Oh…" Miyuki's blush deepens, her mind twisting his words into something far more personal than intended. To Tatsuya, his statement was merely practical no one would gift something harmful. But Miyuki's heart reinterprets it as a gesture of care, leaving her flustered. Tatsuya, ever pragmatic, doesn't dwell on her reaction. Such subtleties rarely register with him.
"And as you know," he adds, "magic isn't something just anyone can wield so easily."
"I… suppose not," Miyuki replies, her voice quieter now.
She understands the weight behind his words better than anyone. Both she and Tatsuya know the truth: magic is a rare and complex gift, its burdens known intimately to them both.
After browsing various shops skipping over trivial moments like trying on swimsuits or lingerie the pair decides it's time for lunch. Tatsuya leads them to a restaurant he reserved in advance.
"Welcome!" the waiter greets, his enthusiasm faltering as his eyes land on Miyuki. It's a common reaction, one she's grown accustomed to, though it begins to grate on her when he remains frozen, staring.
Tatsuya, sensing her irritation, steps in smoothly. "We have a reservation under Shiba."
"Y-Yes, of course!" the waiter stammers, snapping back to reality. Thanks to Tatsuya's intervention, the restaurant doesn't lose a customer.
They're led to a window-side table. The waiter moves to pull out Miyuki's chair, but Tatsuya subtly gestures him aside, taking his place behind her. As if anticipating this, Miyuki glances back with a gentle nod before sitting. Tatsuya takes the seat across from her and places their order. The seamless grace of their movements leaves nearby couples stunned men captivated by Miyuki's elegance, women charmed by Tatsuya's effortless chivalry. Many glance at their own partners, sighing in quiet comparison.
Unbothered by the attention, Tatsuya and Miyuki focus on their meal. From the window, Miyuki's presence draws curious glances from passersby, unwittingly turning her into a beacon for the restaurant. The influx of customers isn't lost on the staff, though the siblings remain blissfully unaware.
When dessert arrives, an unexpected dish appears a "Lovers' Parfait," unordered yet presented with flourish.
"Um, we didn't order this," Tatsuya says, brow furrowing.
"It's our signature Lovers' Parfait," the waiter explains. "You two look so perfect together, we thought you'd enjoy it. On the house, of course."
"We're not lovers, we're sib—" Tatsuya begins, but Miyuki cuts in.
"It's fine, Brother," she says, her eyes sparkling. "Let's enjoy it."
"If you say so," Tatsuya relents, his tone neutral.
Miyuki isn't driven by a craving for sweets. The parfait's allure lies in its design long spoons meant for feeding each other, an intimate act that thrills her. The chance to be mistaken for lovers, to share this moment with Tatsuya, is what makes her heart race.
"Miyuki, you've got some on your face," Tatsuya teases, his voice light.
"What? Where?" she gasps, flustered.
"Just kidding," he chuckles.
"Brother!" she pouts, her indignation playful.
Their sweet, almost saccharine exchange inspires envy among other couples, who soon order the same parfait, eager to mimic the moment. The restaurant's strategy pays off, with the Lovers' Parfait selling more than ever before a fact lost on Tatsuya and Miyuki.
Despite the unexpected dessert, Miyuki's joy makes the outing worthwhile for Tatsuya. When it's time to pay, the restaurant, grateful for the business their presence attracted, intends to waive the parfait's cost. But Tatsuya, ever principled, insists on paying the full menu price, sensing their unintended role as customer magnets.
As they leave the restaurant and walk a short distance, Tatsuya's phone rings. Miyuki, watching him answer, feels a pang of unease. The call carries an ominous weight.
"Understood, I'll head there now," Tatsuya says, ending the call.
"Brother?" Miyuki asks, her voice tinged with concern.
"Sorry, Miyuki," he replies. "It's a summons from Aunt Maya."
"From Aunt Maya?" she echoes, her tone sharp with apprehension.
To Miyuki, their aunt is a figure she'd rather keep far from Tatsuya. But a summons from Aunt Maya means a call from the main family a request not easily ignored.
"It's the Kanto branch, so it's close," Tatsuya says, frowning. "But why today…?"
"Don't worry about me," Miyuki says, forcing a smile. "Please go, Brother."
"Sorry," he says softly. "I'll be back soon."
"Be careful," she replies, her voice steady but wistful. "I'll be waiting for your return."
Her words carry the warmth of a devoted wife awaiting her husband, a tone that draws a wry smile from Tatsuya. He gently pats her head, promising to hurry back. Perhaps, in this moment, he's not quite the typical brother either.
Unaware of the events about to unfold, Tatsuya heads toward the summons, while Miyuki watches him go, a quiet loneliness settling in her gaze.