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"Good evening, Miko."
Standing just outside the station, Max smiled faintly when he saw Miko Yotsuya.
He pulled out his earbuds as he greeted her.
"You? Here?!"
Miko blinked, clearly surprised.
Was he… here to pick her up?
That thought flashed across her mind before she could stop it.
Max chuckled. "If I said I just went out for a walk after dinner and happened to end up here, would you believe me?"
"Walking? …Nope."
Miko gave him a skeptical look. Not a single word of that sounded true.
There's no way it was just a coincidence.
He had to have come here on purpose—especially since she'd sent him a message before leaving home.
Realizing he might've come all this way just to meet her, Miko couldn't help but feel a little happy inside. Her affection for him ticked up a few points.
"Come on," Max said, reaching out a hand. "Let's go to my place. I'll carry your stuff."
"…Thanks."
After a moment's hesitation, Miko's cheeks turned pink as she handed him her bag of clothes.
"No problem."
He slung it casually over his shoulder, then looked at her with mild curiosity.
"By the way, why'd you bring so much stuff?"
Miko had two bags—her school bag and another packed with clothes. It kind of looked like she was planning to stay overnight.
"You know why."
Her face turned crimson in an instant. Just thinking about what she was preparing for made her whole body feel hot.
Of course she had to bring a change of clothes…
She'd even been mentally preparing to call in sick tomorrow.
The school bag was just a backup—just in case.
"Know why, huh?"
Max raised a brow at her flustered look, thinking for a second before it clicked.
Ah. So she completely misunderstood.
What, you think it's my fault for talking in riddles? Yeah, that's on me.
He smiled meaningfully. "Since you're already prepared, you can just stay over at my place tonight. Don't worry—it's pretty big."
...
The moment Miko heard the word "stay," her heartbeat spiked like crazy.
Her face felt hot, her legs suddenly weak.
Trying her best not to overthink, she followed him out of the station toward his home.
——
Since Max had already taken care of the evil spirits near the station earlier, there were none left along the way.
"This is your house?!"
When they arrived, Miko stared up at the massive mansion in disbelief.
So… Max was rich.
"Yeah." Max smiled as he unlocked the door. "But don't worry, it's just me here."
"Just you…"
Her cheeks flushed again. So tonight, it would only be the two of them in this huge house.
No wonder he'd invited her over.
Inside the spacious living room, Max set her bags on the couch and asked,
"What do you want to drink? I've got orange juice, soda, tomato juice, oolong tea, barley tea, and water."
"I'll just have water."
"Got it, give me a sec."
He nodded, flashing her a grin. "Make yourself at home, Miko."
Then he winked.
Make myself at home?!
Miko's eyes widened slightly at the obvious hint—no, invitation.
Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her skirt as her fair face turned redder and redder.
Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of her chest.
Watching Max's back as he walked into the kitchen, she pressed her hands over her chest, breathing a little too quickly.
She wanted to calm down. She really did.
But the more she thought about what might happen next, the more impossible that became.
——
When Max came back with a bottle of water, Miko had forced herself to look calm… at least on the outside.
"Here."
"Thanks." She accepted it quietly.
Max sat down on the couch, then patted the spot beside him. "Sit down, Miko. Aren't you tired just standing there?"
"…Okay."
After a short pause, she sat next to him, face still pink.
She twisted open the cap and took a sip, the cool water easing her nerves—just a little.
Then Max smiled and said,
"Let's begin."
"Right now? Here?!"
Miko's eyes flew wide open.
Wait—her first time was going to be on the living room couch?!
"Close your eyes," Max said softly, leaning closer with a faint smile. "It's starting."
"!!!"
Miko instinctively obeyed, squeezing her eyes shut and gripping her skirt tightly.
Her body trembled slightly as nerves and anticipation tangled together.
She'd already decided, but now that it was actually happening… she was a little scared.
After all, they'd only met yesterday. And now this? It was insane.
Just as panic started bubbling up inside her—
She felt Max gently lift her chin with his fingers. Her breath caught.
Then his lips met hers.
My first kiss… gone!
That was all she could think before a strange warmth spread through her stomach, followed by a cool, soothing flow that coursed through her whole body.
Even with her eyes closed, she saw something—
A large, beautifully shaped blue sword hanging in the middle of a starlit sky.
Then she saw him.
Max sat upon a throne forged from molten gold, calm and regal beneath the endless heavens.
His legs were crossed lazily, one hand propping up his chin, eyes deep and endless—filled with stars.
Behind him floated seven grand swords, each a different color, all exquisite.
The blue one was among them.
"Granting the power of Order."
His calm voice echoed beside her ear as the blue sword blazed with radiant light.
——
When Miko opened her eyes again, they were full of dazed confusion.
Max sat beside her, smiling gently.
"That's it?" she asked softly, still a little lost.
"Yeah." He nodded with a small laugh.
"That was… way faster than I expected."
She blinked, still trying to process it. She barely felt anything.
"....."