A/N:- I own nothing.
"You look extremely beautiful, Miyuki-sama. I bet you will be the center of attention tonight." Honami smiled while gazing at the young lady who sat in front of the dresser mirror while looking like a crafted statue.
The young lady is already extremely beautiful with her azure eyes and well-structured face. And adding a little makeup, her beauty has seemingly reached the realm of inhumane. She looked divine.
Wearing a turtle-neck dark blue gown that reached her ankles, she extruded a slightly mature charm. Her shiny and midnight hair was tied in a high bun—revealing her well-sculpted and attractive neck. Her curves have yet to be completely developed but in the realm of beauty Miyuki stands at the pinnacle.
"It was all thanks to your help, Honami-san."
There are very few, or to say, only the short purple-haired woman in front of whom Miyuki can smile like this. Although Miyuki had some friends at Middle School, she was never able to open her heart to them.
Miyuki was not a narcissistic person nor did she ever boast about her background. Rather, the surname she attaches to her name is enough to let people know about her lineage, and because of that most of the people don't approach her normally. And those who do, always have some kind of ulterior motive behind their approach. That's why Miyuki doesn't start a conversation with anyone and also, trusting someone easily is not amongst her traits.
That's why the only person to whom Miyuki can show her real self, is her late mother's guardian.
"Haah." Hearing the sigh from the older one, Miyuki tilted her head and turned to look at Honami.
"Honami-san? Is something that matters?"
Honami blinked in surprise—she didn't think she would let her emotions get visible on her face so easily. But well, just like Miyuki Honami also doesn't like to hide things from the young lady.
Kneeling in front of Miyuki, Honami held her hand and fondly caressed it.
"Time just flew by, Miyuki-sama. I thought we had some more time together but after some days, you have to move away. I am just being a little dramatic, you can say." Honami chuckled near the end, but Miyuki didn't laugh along.
She looked at the older one with a worried look and asked, "Can't you come with me as well?"
Honami shook her head, "Your guardian needs to be someone of your age, who can follow you to the First High. And my job as a trainer has already been assigned by the Matriarch."
Miyuki's expression fell a little. She really liked Honami as a guardian and a friend. And if possible she wanted her to be with Miyuki in the future as well.
Suddenly, a thought made her eyes a little widened as Miyuki suggested, "How about I ask Oba-sama-"
"That would be counterproductive, Miyuki-sama. Considering Maya-sama's personality, if you give her any sign of being too favorable towards me, she might use me to corner you."
Holding her hands, Honami concluded, "And I won't be able to forgive myself if my young lady is forced to do something she doesn't want to, because of me."
Miyuki's eyes drew towards the ground as she softly nodded—left with no argument.
Honami wanted to console her but she suddenly received a message that it was time and the car was already waiting for them.
"Let's go, Miyuki-sama. As the successor of Yotsuba, you have to maintain a happy face tonight."
Miyuki sighed. She already knew that this was going to be tiring.
Just as Miyuki anticipated once she entered the venue, many people began flocking around Miyuki like she was some kind of antique.
It was the first time Miyuki was allowed to attend any ceremony without Maya's presence.
The first two men who came to greet Miyuki were from the Kudou family.
"Nice to meet you, Miyuki-jou. I am honored to have your presence involved in this celebration." Although Miyuki had never met Kudou Makoto before, she could tell that this man was unusually happy today.
The other person with him didn't say and just remained standing—giving the impression of being an attendant.
"It is my pleasure." Miyuki gave a light bow to the man—hearing many people gasping around her.
Once she lifted her head she saw several eyes looking in her direction with a dazed look.
Miyuki was used to, such kind of reactions, that's why she pretended to be perplexed and held her fake smile toward the eldest son of the Kudou Patriarch.
Kudou Makoto was able to compose himself faster than the others before he suggested, "Please enjoy the evening. There would be a small announcement in half an hour. I hope you can stay until then."
Makoto didn't wait to hear her answer and after a slight tilt of his upper body, he walked away.
Miyuki wanted to let out a big sigh, given the restraint she was feeling. However, she didn't. As a proper young lady brought up by the sister of the Yotsuba Matriarch, Miyuki didn't have the luxury to slack off.
"Miyuki-sama, how about you rest for a bit and I bring something for you?" Hearing Homami's suggestion, she instantly nodded. Standing in the middle of the place, and being eyed by so many was the last thing she desired to experience.
Honami guided Miyuki towards a table of four before she made her way towards the buffet.
Miyuki was sitting lazily while looking a little around when suddenly she caught the eyes of a certain redhead.
She had been feeling his glances for a while but this was the first time their gaze met—and the next moment, a sudden sense of disgust and anger surged inside her.
'...what is this?' She didn't know that boy who was almost the same age as her. It was the first time she had seen him, yet this feeling of annoyance was quite vivid like that boy had done something to make her angered.
Unintentionally, Miyuki responded to his soft smile with a frown and snatched her gaze away from him.
She didn't check his reaction, but it was obvious he must be shocked, or maybe hurt. But Miyuki didn't want to think about it.
She once again began glancing around—ignoring the section where that red-haired boy stood.
It was then...when suddenly her eyes landed on a trio who were making their way inside the venue.
Her eyes landed on the middle-aged man with a pair of eyes just like Miyuki's. She knew this man since his articles and research had been a part of her syllabus. And besides the man, she knew the woman as well. After all, Miyuki seldom watched some movies as well and could tell that she had watched more than six movies of the same actress standing beside the great scientist—Shiba Tatsurou.
However, despite those two famous people being right before her eyes, Miyuki wasn't able to focus on them at all.
No, it was more like, in her field of vision there was no one else other than 'him'.
Her heart started drumming like she had just gotten off a high rollercoaster. Her body began to turn hot and her mind turned into a mess. Yet, none of it made her look away from him.
She was just...lost in him.
"Miyuki-sama?" Honami, who had already put the tray of some snacks and tea on the table yet hadn't received any word from Miyuki, tilted her head in confusion.
Suddenly, Miyuki got up on her feet, and without taking her eyes off 'him' she told Honami, "I will be back in a minute."
Miyuki didn't know who he was. She has never seen him before just like that redhead. Yet, this person gave birth to a sense of urgency and desperation in her. She felt if she didn't talk to him right now, then this world might come to an end. It was just...too overpowering.
Miyuki allowed her instincts to take over her actions as she approached him.
His slim yet strong back faced her.
For a moment, she had to rethink. Not because she was hesitant to call out to a stranger, but rather because she was nervous about whether her makeup was still proper
However, she didn't get the time to think much about it as she saw him walking away.
"Anno..." Her desperate whimper made him pause as Miyuki asked, "...do I know you from somewhere?"
He halted. He didn't ignore her. Such a simple gesture filled her heart with joy but the nervousness had yet to be subdued.
Very slowly, like he was hesitant whether to face her or not, he finally looked at her.
All the troubles she was feeling in her heart, disappeared in an instant as his gaze landed on her.
Those cold stone eyes could easily make anyone nervous, but having them directed at her, Miyuki felt a sense of relief and happiness surging inside her.
It felt that she knew him for a very long time and there was a connection between them, however, how much she tried remembering she couldn't think of any occurrence when they came across.
Regardless of her inner turmoil, he eyed her for a moment—completely unaffected by her beauty—before telling her right away, "No, I don't think so."
Miyuki's eyes widened a little as she saw him turning away. She felt, that if he walks away now then she might not be able to see him again. And she did not want that. Definitely not!
"Anno...c-can we talk for a bit?"
What am I saying?! Miyuki regretted instantly saying something so anonymously suspicious. From a general perspective, it would seem she is hitting on him. But...but, she didn't want to get separated from him yet.
This was the first time Miyuki had felt something so desperately. This was the first time she wasn't feeling nauseous at the thought of getting close to a person. This was the first time...Miyuki was seeking someone's attention yet failing miserably.
He looked back at her, and the hesitation in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by her.
However, despite the clear indication from him, she didn't apologize or show any sign of backing off.
"...sure." He said shortly before walking in her direction.
Her heart began to rise as he stepped closer and closer to her—only for a person to step between them.
"You must be, Tatsuya-kun right?"
Miyuki frowned upon seeing the woman interrupting them. She was this close to getting near him and had his attention drawn to herself when suddenly this woman intervened.
Subconsciously, psion began to act around her and the floor began to turn cold under the effect of her sudden mood shift.
Her narrowed gaze was fixated on the back of the lady and her fist clenched in annoyance.
It was then, when suddenly, Tatsuya called out,
"Miyuki."
"Ah..." As a soothing breeze of autumn washed over her, all the tension eased away in an instant.
She had heard her name from many people in the past, but hearing him calling her... gave flight to many butterflies in her belly. It was like she was named 'Miyuki' to be called by him.
The lady soon walked away since she noticed how Tatsuya's focus was on the girl behind her.
Once gone, Miyuki stepped closer to him and with a faint blush asked, "Do you know me?"
He called her by her name, even though they hadn't introduced themselves to each other.
Although accidentally, she also now knows his name.
Tatsuya.
Tatsuya.
Like a hymn, she wanted to sing it, but for now, her whole focus remained on the person in front of her.
"...so, what did you want to talk about?"
He didn't answer her question. It means he didn't have an answer. Was he interested in her before they met here? The prospectus of such a possibility enthralled her. However, she wasn't a child to cling to the same topic which the other party wanted to avoid.
"I felt Tatsuya-san would be a good company at a place where I don't know anyone."
"But, aren't I a stranger as well?"
"My name is Yotsuba Miyuki. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Miyuki elegantly bowed and introduced herself to remove the tag of being a stranger to him.
She couldn't see his reaction but felt that he was surprised by her persistence.
"Nice to meet you too. I am Shiba Tatsuya."
Regardless, until he doesn't outrightly reject her, she is fine being a little stubborn.
They both proceeded toward a table where Honami was already waiting.
"Miyuki-sama...this?"
"Ah, he is Shiba Tatsuya. Son of Shiba Tatsurou-san." Miyuki introduced Tatsuya to Honami with a serene smile on her face, which didn't look strained in Honami's eyes.
There was a sudden pause from Tatsuya which made Miyuki glance at him. He looked..a little lost for a moment which made Miyuki wonder what could be the case.
However, he soon recovered and introduced himself,
"I am Shiba Tatsuya. Pleased to meet you."
"Sakurai Honami. Nice to meet you, Shiba-kun."
Honami was still a little bewildered by the sudden interaction with a boy whom she had never met before yet from what Honami could see, Miyuki has become quite close to him. Who in the world, is this person—Honami inwardly wondered.
The three stood in a short awkward silence which soon was broken by Honami as she invited Tatsuya to sit with them.
Soon, Miyuki and Tatsuya sat side by side—much to Honami's surprise.
To distract herself from reacting to things which Miyuki was unusually committing, Honami asked,
"So Shiba-kun...are you a high schooler?" Although he looked mature, when Honami looked at him closely she discerned he was quite young.
"I will be joining First High in a few days." Tatsuya informed without much thought.
"Oh, Miyuki-sama has also enrolled there. Quite a coincidence." Honami smiled as she clasped her hands in excitement.
However, looking at Miyuki's expression faltered Honami's smile.
Her mistress looked a little too happy...
The conversation between the three (mostly Honami and Tatsuya talked) was going smoothly when suddenly someone walked in,
"Tatsuya?" It was Shiori who spotted her child talking to two strangers and decided to approach him.
Her husband was met by many people he knows and Kudou Retsu was amongst them.
She left the group and approached Tatsuya—only to find his company to be two pretty ladies.
No, one of them cannot be just called pretty.
Shiori's eyes remained affixed on Miyuki who gracefully got up from her seat and like a well-mannered girl she bowed before introducing herself,
"Nice to meet you. I am Yotsuba Miyuki."
"Shiba Shiori...hey."
Tatsuya wanted to sigh, looking at how dazed his mother was. He slightly nudged her, which helped the former actress to break out of the stupor.
"Ah...are you and Tatsuya acquainted?"
"No, we just met." Tatsuya replied shortly before Honami introduced herself to Shiori as well.
"I apologize for forcing Tatsuya-san to accompany us. Since I didn't know anyone here and Tatsuya-san seemed an approachable person, I took the initiative to talk to him."
Shiori raised her brows hearing Miyuki's statement.
Her son? Approachable...? When did this happen?
Shiori turned her eyes toward Tatsuya, who was looking away.
Hoh~now this is something interesting she found in this boring party.
Turning her focus back on Miyuki, Shiori extended her lips in a full bloomed smile and asked, "Are you engaged to someone, Miyuki-san?"
"Mom..." Tatsuya couldn't help calling out to the older one, who sometimes forgets the meaning of 'restraint'.
However, what surprised Tatsuya was Miyuki's enthusiastic response, "No. I have never even dated anyone."
Honami shared a glance with Tatsuya, and wordlessly they both agreed upon one point.
Miyuki and Shiori are sure going to get along well.
The table of four was soon filled up with Shiori and Honami sitting side by side and Miyuki occupying her previous seat. (Tatsuya's insistence to sit beside his mother was shot down by the latter.)
Their conversation was just reaching around Tatsuya, when suddenly someone from the stage, addressed the whole venue.
[Can I have your attention please, ladies and gentlemen?]
The voice of Kudou Retsu undoubtedly attracted everyone as they stood up on their feet and looked at the man.
The group of four was no exception to this. What made Tatsuya sigh was the fact that how quickly Miyuki and Shiori exchanged contacts even though the Kudou Patriarch began his speech.
[I thank all of you for joining this celebration on the occasion of a great invention which my son achieved recently.]
The screen behind the Patriarch shifted and a huge 'M' was projected on it, with blue neon light illuminating the alphabet.
[Presenting you all, Project M. The latest invention of the Kudou family that would change the future of magicians for good. By allowing a magician to wield their magic to the fullest and overcoming every obstacle that restricts them from utilizing their supernatural abilities.]
Taking a small pause, he continued,
[Project M is the new reality of the magicians which would help us become something far better than our previous versions. It is the first step to a better future!]
A round of loud applause resonated across the venue as the Patriarch finished his speech.
Everyone seemed curious and whispered to each other about this initiative.
However, Tatsuya had different views on this matter.
Although he was curious, being familiar with the extent to which the Kudou family could go, Tatsuya could not let his guard down.
'I think it's time for me to extend my reach and re-establish some of my lost connections...'
A/N:- Aaaaan that's it.
I hope you all liked the chapter.
Miyuki's behaviour is all over the place and it would remain like this for some time. Unlike the canon where she was subtle yandere, you can expect a little more possessiveness from her in this fic.
I have skipped some parts of the canon which didn't involve Tatsuya and Miyuki—majorly after the Steeplechase vol.
If I write something wrong, or forget to add some major character, then my DM and reviews are open for you to suggest.
Anyway, see ya. I will probably update this fic nearly at the end of this month.