Knock knock...
"Tatsuya-sama, dinner is ready..."
Hearing the maid's voice from outside the room, Tatsuya immediately stood up and replied, "I'll be there in a minute..."
"Understood..."
The maid quietly left after giving a respectful bow in front of the door.
Not long after, Tatsuya stepped out of his room and headed straight toward the dining hall.
Miyuki was already there together with Ayako.
The moment Ayako saw him, her entire face lit up instantly.
"Tatsuya-san!"
Tatsuya smiled softly and nodded in response to her cheerful call.
"Ayako, I know you have a lot you want to say to Tatsuya, but we are currently at the dinner table." Maya reminded her in a gentle tone—though somehow, the fact that she intentionally softened her voice only made it feel even scarier.
"I understand..." Ayako lowered her head gloomily while sneaking a glance at Tatsuya, almost like she wanted him to take responsibility for this situation.
Tatsuya let out a small cough before sitting down and joining the family dinner.
Though calling it a "big family dinner" was a bit exaggerated.
The only people present were Tatsuya, Miyuki, Ayako, Fumiya, and Maya.
As members of the Ten Master Clans, the Yotsuba Family was constantly busy and rarely had the chance to have dinner together like this.
Maya was the exception. Since she was the head of the family, most of her work could be handled directly from the Yotsuba residence.
After a rather tense family dinner, Tatsuya thought he could finally head back to his room—
Only for Ayako to suddenly stop him.
"Tatsuya-san, weren't you way too cruel earlier? I can't believe you didn't help me at all." Ayako complained sadly while acting spoiled in front of him.
Almost instinctively, Tatsuya reached out and gently patted her head.
"I'm sorry. But even I can't really do anything against my mother."
"That's true... but still..." Ayako still wanted to protest, yet the comforting sensation from his hand slowly made all her complaints disappear.
Fumiya let out a helpless sigh as he watched his older sister completely melt in front of Tatsuya.
It wasn't that he disliked it.
He just wished his sister wouldn't show such an unguarded side of herself in front of other people.
"Fumiya, I already heard about your hard work. Good job handling all those difficult missions."
"Yes! Thank you, Tatsuya-niisan!"
Ayako frowned before shooting Fumiya a sharp glare.
At that exact moment, a chill suddenly ran down Fumiya's spine, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
"Tatsuya-niisan, I'm not feeling well... I think I'll sleep early tonight."
"Hmm? Sure, go ahead."
Fumiya quickly left while hugging himself.
Ayako then moved closer to Tatsuya, smiling sweetly despite the dangerous look hidden in her eyes.
"Tatsuya-san, aren't you going to praise me too? I contributed way more than Fumiya did."
Now Tatsuya finally understood why Fumiya had escaped so fast.
"Who said I wouldn't? Of course I'll praise you. Good work, Ayako. You've also gotten even prettier."
Ayako froze for a second.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she suddenly became flustered.
Behind them, Miyuki began radiating an intense aura of jealousy.
Tatsuya glanced at her before giving her a small wink.
Instantly, Miyuki's jealous aura vanished as if it had been blown away by the wind.
Miyuki closed her eyes briefly before politely excusing herself.
"Then, Onii-sama, Miyuki will return to her room first."
"Yeah. Good night, and sleep well."
"You too, Onii-sama."
As Miyuki walked past Ayako, she gave her a meaningful smile along with a small wink.
Ayako immediately understood Miyuki's intention and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around Tatsuya.
Feeling the soft warmth pressing against his body, Tatsuya couldn't help but feel happy.
"How about we talk on the balcony?" Tatsuya asked somewhat hesitantly.
"I don't mind, as long as I can be with you."
"Then it's decided. Let's go."
Tonight, the sky was perfectly clear without a single cloud in sight.
Billions of stars shimmered beautifully overhead, painting a breathtaking view of the universe across the night sky.
"So beautiful..."
"They are... but not as beautiful as you."
Ayako immediately blushed.
"Tatsuya-san, did your flirting skills level up or something?"
"Hahaha... maybe. I mean, I interact with plenty of beautiful girls at First High."
Ayako puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
With her cheeks swollen like a steamed meat bun, she somehow looked even cuter and more lovable.
Unable to resist himself, Tatsuya reached out and pinched her cheek.
Ayako whined softly from the pain, yet strangely enough, she made no attempt to stop him.
"So, where are you planning to continue your studies? Fourth High?"
Ayako slowly lowered her head, looking genuinely conflicted.
"At first, I wanted to go to Fourth High... but now I've changed my mind. If possible, I want to go to First High instead."
"Why hesitate? Just do it."
"But my father..."
"Don't worry. I'll handle it myself. I'm looking forward to the day you become my junior."
Ayako's smile instantly bloomed brighter than ever, her face glowing like a girl completely in love.
"When that time comes, please take care of me, Senpai!"
Tatsuya trembled slightly for a moment before nodding with a gentle smile on his face.
"Hehehe, looks like you enjoy being called Senpai. Should I start calling you that from now on?"
"Ahem... Right now would be way too embarrassing. Save it for next year."
"Alright, Senpai."
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter patreon.com/AgamYupi02