Misaka Mikoto blinked, curiously observing the newly advanced Level 5 in Academy City. Because a new Level 5 had suddenly appeared, she had specifically asked Shirai Kuroko about him yesterday.
What a coincidence to run into each other today, and they had even done the same good deed.
"Hello, my name is Arata. Although this is our first meeting, we are both Level 5 espers, so there's no need to be overly curious about me," Arata said with a smile, extending his hand toward Misaka Mikoto.
I never expected Academy City to feel this small. The moment I stepped out of the alley, I ran into Misaka Mikoto punching a gashapon machine. I even turned off my virtual map while chatting with those two girls. Careless. Truly careless.
"Ah, nice to meet you. This is my first time meeting a Level 5 outside Tokiwadai." Misaka Mikoto laughed awkwardly, then blinked at his outstretched hand in confusion. "What is this?"
"Misaka-senpai, Arata-senpai is a foreigner, so shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time is customary, right?" Awatsuki Maaya explained softly with a shy smile.
"Oh, I see. My name is Misaka Mikoto." Misaka Mikoto shook Arata's hand in a natural and composed manner.
"Onee-sama…"
At that moment, a disbelieving voice sounded from behind Misaka Mikoto, causing her to stiffen.
That tone. It cannot be.
There was no mistake. She had agreed to meet Kuroko at the ice cream shop at five. Because she had been obsessing over the Gekota capsule, she lingered too long and missed the appointed time. Kuroko must have come looking for her.
That particular tone only appeared during especially troublesome situations.
Shirai Kuroko stood behind Misaka Mikoto, one hand holding her schoolbag and the other covering her lips in theatrical disbelief.
"Mmm… Onee-sama, oh my, Onee-sama. I was wondering why someone as punctual as you would be late. So this is why you stood me up."
Misaka Mikoto's lips twitched. She immediately let go of Arata's hand. Several anger marks appeared on her forehead. "Before anything else, I would like to clarify what you mean by 'this is why'?"
Shirai Kuroko walked forward gracefully, smiling like a refined young lady.
"Is it not obvious? A date with this gentleman, perhaps? You were holding hands, and two underclassmen were kindly offering advice. How long have you two been seeing each other?"
"Eh? Shirai-san…" Awatsuki Maaya and Wannai Kinuho froze in confusion.
Misaka Mikoto's expression stiffened. Tiny arcs of electricity crackled from her forehead.
Shirai Kuroko turned toward Arata with a polite but clearly forced smile. There were tears shimmering in her eyes as she gently took the hand he had not fully withdrawn.
"Nice to meet you. I am Shirai Kuroko, a member of Judgment and the one in charge of Onee-sama's safety. If you intend to pursue Onee-sama, you will first have to get past me."
"Uh, nice to meet you, Shirai-senpai." Arata was momentarily stunned by the sudden development. Everything had escalated too quickly. He felt the warmth of her small hand resting against his.
"Ding. Congratulations, Host, for coming into contact with a Three-Star Character Card. Card unlock condition: 'Misaka Mikoto in shorts is not cute.'"
"Ding. Congratulations, Host, for coming into contact with a Two-Star Character Card. Card unlock condition: 'Shirai Kuroko's kiss.'"
Arata felt his expression stiffen.
What kind of absurd unlock conditions are these?
If I attempt something like removing Misaka Mikoto's shorts, I will not even need Judgment. A ten-billion-volt lightning strike will erase me from existence. Or worse, a railgun round straight through my skull.
As for Shirai Kuroko… his gaze lingered on her lips for just a second before he forced himself to look away. That condition might be even more dangerous. Offending the queen is bad enough. Provoking the knight who teleports is a daily death sentence.
Misaka Mikoto's lips trembled. Her face flushed bright red. In front of another Level 5 whom she had just met, her junior was spewing outrageous nonsense.
Crackling arcs of electricity intensified across her forehead.
Shirai Kuroko looked at Arata through watery eyes, assessing him critically.
He looks average. Slightly sunny disposition. Nothing particularly remarkable. And yet he was holding hands with Onee-sama. In public.
Her heart cracked slightly.
"Onee-sama, if you blush this easily, someone might truly steal you away one day."
"Shirai-san, I believe there is a misunderstanding," Wannai Kinuho tried to explain gently.
Crackle.
At that sentence, Misaka Mikoto completely lost control.
Electricity surged across her body. Her expression twisted with embarrassment and fury. She clenched her fists, trembling as if about to explode.
"H-Hey, Kuroko. I am talking about you. You just met this senpai and you are already calling him my boyfriend. Were you born with a broken brain?"
With an angry shout, a powerful electric arc shot from her forehead and struck toward Shirai Kuroko.
Shirai Kuroko teleported away instantly. The electric current scattered harmlessly.
"That makes sense. I did feel something was off. Onee-sama did not seem flustered at all. Why would she suddenly hold hands with someone?"
Shirai Kuroko reappeared behind Misaka Mikoto, smiling sweetly.
"Kuroko, I think your brain needs correction. Since when does a handshake equal strolling hand in hand through the street?"
Misaka Mikoto's cheeks burned. Another spark snapped from her forehead.
"A handshake?" Shirai Kuroko blinked.
"Is it not normal to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time because he is a foreigner?" Misaka Mikoto gritted out.
"Oh. I see. As expected, Onee-sama would never betray Kuroko. However…" Shirai kuroko's expression sharpened instantly. "Did Onee-sama stand me up because of this man?"
...
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