Tatsuya had just dropped Miyuki off at a hair salon and was debating how to kill time until she finished. Suddenly, he sensed a familiar presence behind him. He turned to find a woman standing there—a relative he rarely had the chance to meet.
"I should have known you'd sense me... You're as sharp as ever, Tatsuya-san."
"This is a surprise," Tatsuya remarked. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Isn't it just as rare to see you alone? Where is Miyuki-san?"
"She's in the salon. It would have been... awkward for me to linger there."
"I suppose so. People might take you for a bit of an overprotective brother," she teased.
"...And you, Yuuka-san? Why are you wandering here by yourself?"
The woman before him was Yuuka Tsukuba, daughter of the Tsukuba family—a branch of the Yotsuba—and, like Miyuki, a candidate for the next head of the clan. Tatsuya's question wasn't about her presence, but rather the lack of her "Guardians."
A candidate for the Yotsuba leadership was a far cry from a typical branch family member. No matter how talented Yuuka was, she shouldn't have been allowed to walk the streets unescorted.
"They were all being so noisy and overbearing, so I slipped away. I'm a free woman for the moment."
"They were likely only acting out of concern for your safety, Yuuka-san."
"I'm an adult, Tatsuya-san. When they start telling me 'you can't do this' and 'you can't go there,' it's only natural to want to escape, isn't it?"
"I wouldn't know. I'm not sure what restrictions were placed on you, and unfortunately, I don't possess much in the way of 'desires' to begin with."
"Ah... right. I'm sorry," Yuuka said, her expression softening with regret.
As someone privy to the secrets of Tatsuya's upbringing, she knew her comment about "desire" had been a slip of the tongue. However, Tatsuya wasn't so fragile as to be wounded by such a trivial remark; his steady gaze told her that her concern was unnecessary.
"I know! Tatsuya-san, why don't you show me around?"
"Me? You finally managed to find some solitude; is having me as a guide really what you want?"
"You're much more relaxing to be around than those people. And more importantly, you won't nag me, will you?"
Looking at Yuuka's mischievous smile, Tatsuya realized that arguing would be a waste of breath.
"I don't mind guiding you, but what exactly are you looking for?"
"Let's see... I've been meaning to pick up some summer wear. Why don't you help me pick something out?"
"Help you choose? I wouldn't set your expectations too high if I were you."
"Really? I would have thought you'd spent plenty of time picking out clothes for various women by now."
"Just what kind of man do you think I am...?"
Tatsuya let out a long, weary sigh. In response, Yuuka gave him a radiant smile and smoothly slipped her arm through his, clinging to him.
"Now then, let's go. This way, no one will try to pick me up, and it'll look like you're simply escorting me."
"If anything, we look like a couple on a date. I suspect the chances of us being bothered have actually gone up."
"Don't sweat the details. Just focus on the escorting, alright?"
"...As you wish, My Lady Yuuka."
Tatsuya had intended to make it clear that his position was subordinate to hers, not that of a lover. However, the moment he called her "My Lady," he felt a distinct chill in her mood. It was unexpected; she was surely used to being addressed with such titles, yet she clearly found it unpleasant coming from him.
"Is something wrong?"
"I don't want to be called 'My Lady' right now. Just call me by my name, like usual."
"I see... then shall we go, Yuuka-san?"
"Yes!"
Tatsuya marvelled at how a simple change in address could brighten someone's mood so thoroughly. With a touch of exasperation, he allowed Yuuka to lead him along.
Tatsuya was well-accustomed to accompanying women on shopping trips. Whether it was the women's fashion floor or even the lingerie department, he could wait with total composure. Part of this was his lack of strong emotional impulses, but it was also a matter of sheer experience. Ignoring the curious glances of clerks and other customers, Tatsuya waited patiently outside the fitting room.
"Sorry to keep you. What do you think?"
"It suits you, but... isn't it a bit plain?"
"You think so? I've always liked black and white, so I thought this was fine."
"A bit of color wouldn't hurt. I know you prefer those tones, but perhaps it's worth trying something different for a change?"
"Is that so? Maybe I'll try another one then."
At the moment, Yuuka was trying on swimsuits. When she had mentioned "summer wear," Tatsuya had assumed she meant sundresses or accessories. Even so, he didn't show a hint of agitation at being brought to the swimwear section. He gave his opinions clearly and clinically, never faltering when asked for his thoughts.
"Tatsuya-san, how about this? Is it too flashy?"
"It looks very good on you. But if it feels too loud for your taste, the black one from before is also a solid choice."
"...I think I'll take both. Since you went to the trouble of saying they look good on me."
As Yuuka headed toward the register with the two swimsuits, Tatsuya quietly took them from her hands and handled the payment himself.
"Thank you very much," the clerk said.
"Yuuka-san, let's go."
"O-oh... thank you, Tatsuya-san."
Though she was slightly bewildered at being treated by a boy five years her junior, Yuuka leaned back into him, hooking her arm through his just as they had entered.
"It really does feel like a date. Not that I've ever actually been on one."
"I'm sure there are plenty of men who would love to take you on a date, Yuuka-san."
"Well, you know... our family circumstances being what they are..."
"Meaning?"
Tatsuya noticed her voice trail off and stopped, looking her in the eye. He saw an expression on her face that practically screamed she was plotting something.
"A man who understands our family's 'circumstances,' who is strong enough to stand in for 'that person' (Maya), and who—on top of all that—is incredibly handsome... he's standing right here, isn't he?"
"..."
"And he's financially independent, with world-class engineering skills! I might feel a little bad for the Head, and for Ayako-chan and Miyuki-san... but this is an opportunity I simply can't let pass."
"Exactly what are you thinking?"
Tatsuya had a fairly good idea, but he felt compelled to ask. Even knowing he couldn't easily change the outcome, he wanted to hear it from her.
"Tatsuya-san, please go out with me. I promise I can guarantee your standing within the family."
She was an older sister figure who had acknowledged his worth for as long as he could remember. Deep down, Tatsuya had always felt a certain pull toward Yuuka, and so, he gave his assent without a second thought.
(Wait... if it's Yuuka-san, would Maya and Miyuki actually stay calm... or would the world just end?)
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