"Good evening, Miko."
Outside the station, Arthur took off his earbuds and greeted her with a faint smile.
"You… what are you doing here?!"
Yotsuya Miko's eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
Could he have come to pick me up?
The thought flashed through her mind.
Arthur chuckled. "Suppose I said I just happened to come for a stroll after dinner, and coincidentally ran into you here… would you believe me?"
"Stroll? …No."
Miko blinked, then shot him a sidelong glance.
She didn't believe a word of it.
There was no way it was pure coincidence.
She was sure he had come here deliberately, because she had messaged him before leaving home.
Realizing he had gone out of his way just to meet her, Miko felt a little ripple of joy inside.
Her affection toward him ticked upward.
"Let's go. To my place."
Arthur reached out his hand. "I'll carry your things."
"…Thanks."
After a moment's hesitation, Miko's cheeks flushed as she handed over her overnight bag.
"You're welcome."
Smiling, he slung it casually over his right shoulder.
Then, with a curious look, he asked:
"By the way, Miko, why'd you bring so much stuff?"
She had two bags with her—one was her school satchel, the other her clothes.
It looked very much like she was planning to stay overnight.
"…You know perfectly well."
Her pale face flushed crimson in an instant. Her eyes flickered shyly.
Of course, for that kind of thing, you needed to bring a change of clothes.
She had even mentally prepared to call in sick tomorrow.
Bringing the schoolbag was just in case.
"I know perfectly well?"
Arthur arched a brow at her blush, puzzling it out.
Then, recalling their earlier conversation, realization dawned.
Ah… so she misunderstood.
What? You're saying it's my fault for being cryptic and making her misunderstand?
Well… yes. That's me.
Smirking knowingly, he said:
"Since you've already prepared yourself, Miko… you'll sleep at my place tonight. Don't worry—it's spacious."
"Miko's eyes widened in shock."
Hearing the word sleep paired with that meaningful smile, her heart skipped violently.
Heat rushed to her cheeks again, her body warming, her legs suddenly a little weak.
Together, they left the station and headed toward Arthur's home.
Fortunately, he had already cleared out the malicious spirits around the station earlier, so there was nothing for Miko to see on the way.
"This is your house?!"
Arriving outside, Miko gaped at the sight of the enormous Western-style mansion.
So… Arthur was wealthy.
"Mm." He nodded with a small laugh, unlocking the door. "But don't worry, Miko—there's only me inside."
"Only… you…"
Her blush deepened.
So tonight it would be just the two of them here.
No wonder he'd invited her.
Once inside, Arthur set her bag on the sofa and asked, "Want something to drink? I've got orange juice, soda, tomato juice, oolong tea, barley tea… or plain water."
"The water's fine."
Miko blinked quickly and chose without fuss.
"Alright, give me a sec."
He nodded, then added with a wink, "Make yourself at home, Miko. Pretend it's your own house."
Pretend it's my own house!
Her heart gave a startled flutter. Her hand pinched nervously at her skirt hem.
Her delicate features flushed pink, eyes shimmering with shyness.
Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, as if it might burst free.
Watching Arthur's back disappear into the kitchen, she pressed both hands over her heart, her breathing quickening.
She tried to calm down—she really did.
But the thought of what might happen later sent her imagination racing and her pulse soaring.
When Arthur returned with a bottle of water, she forced herself into an appearance of calm.
At least, on the surface.
"Here."
He handed her the water.
"Thank you."
She accepted it softly.
He sat down on the sofa and, seeing her still standing, patted the seat beside him.
"Sit down, Miko. Standing the whole time—aren't you tired?"
"…"
After a pause, she finally sat down beside him, face still faintly red.
She twisted open the bottle, took a sip, letting the cool liquid soothe her restless nerves.
Then Arthur smiled.
"Let's begin."
"Now?! Here?!"
Her eyes flew wide.
Her first time… on the living room sofa?!
"Close your eyes. It's starting."
He leaned closer, lips curved with amusement.
"!!!"
Without thinking, Miko obeyed—squeezing her eyes shut, fingers clutching her skirt, body trembling slightly.
Her heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and dread.
She had decided to go through with it… but facing the moment head-on, fear welled up again.
It was only their second day of knowing each other, and she was already about to do this with him?
Absurd. Completely absurd.
But then—
She felt his fingers lift her chin. Her breath hitched.
And then—his lips pressed against hers.
My first kiss… gone!
The thought barely formed before heat spread in her abdomen.
A cool current unfurled from within, flowing throughout her body in waves of comfort.
Though her eyes were shut tight, in her mind's eye she suddenly saw—
A majestic blue sword suspended in the starry void.
And Arthur himself.
In a boundless cosmos, he sat upon a strange golden throne, molten and carved from divine metal.
His legs crossed lazily, hands resting on the armrests.
His head tilted slightly, chin propped on one hand.
His expression is calm, eyes fathomless—reflecting countless stars.
Like a god on high, gazing down upon all creation.
Behind him, seven magnificent swords hovered, each unique in color and form.
The blue sword was among them.
"Bestow the power of Order."
His serene voice echoed in her ears.
The blue sword flared with dazzling brilliance.
"…!"
Miko's eyes slowly opened, dazed.
Arthur sat beside her, lips curved into a gentle smile.
"It's done."
"…That's it?"
She blinked, faintly sensing the changes within herself.
"Mm."
He nodded with a smile.
"That was… fast."
Miko was stunned.
She'd barely felt anything.
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