Valentine's Day, a major event for both genders, buzzed with fervor. For Yugen, it wasn't just another day—it was his birthday, making it impossible to dismiss. Women of the Miyaba household huddled in the kitchen for training-related preparations, while the men, with little to do, focused on magic practice.
"The kitchen's a predictable mess. Jirou's there, so no disasters, but I'm dreading something else," Yugen said.
"Yeah, your situation's unique," Mikihiko replied.
"You got plenty from dojo disciples yourself," Yugen teased.
Turning older wasn't the issue; birthdays were special, and being celebrated felt good. The problem? Most gifts were chocolates. Not that chocolates were bad, but as a former Miyaba turned Kagurazaka, Ten Masters families knew his birthday, though marriage proposals had dwindled—not that he'd admit his miscalculation.
"Valentine's, huh," Tatsuya mused.
"You got some too? From Miyuki?" Yugen asked.
"She stressed 'obligation,' but yours feel like a ritual," Tatsuya said.
Miyuki had promised, "I'm putting in extra effort this year, so look forward to it." Her cooking was reliable, but Yugen sensed ulterior motives.
"Miyuki, Honoka, Mizuki, Sana, Himeka—expected. But Erika? That's a surprise," Yugen said.
"Yeah, and her target's unexpected," Tatsuya added.
"What? Stop staring at me!" Mikihiko protested.
Erika, hyper-aware of others' romances, was earnestly making chocolates with swordsmanship-like focus. Her target? Apparently Leo. He denied it, but their training synergy and Yokohama teamwork showed trust despite bickering. Knowing Erika's background, Yugen saw why she'd be drawn to Leo.
"Erika's been distant lately, less fun to tease, but... what's up?" Yugen asked.
"You heard, Tooya? This guy's clueless," Erika said.
"Totally. What do you think, Tatsuya?" Mizuki chimed.
"Don't drag me into this..." Tatsuya groaned.
Yugen and Mikihiko met Erika five years ago at the Yoshida estate. Sitting alone, she caught their eye. Mikihiko, then overconfident, approached out of curiosity, sparking a verbal spat. When he gave his name, she retorted:
"I'll call you Miki."
"It's Mikihiko!"
It became their catchphrase. Yugen got dragged in, unbothered by nicknames, but Erika insisted on "Yugen," saying, "I just feel I shouldn't shorten it." He never quite got it.
"Others' love lives are their own," Yugen said.
Less about staying out, more about being swamped. Unlike Erika, he wasn't nosy about romance.
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