"Waaah! We finally get a triple date, and it still ends up like this! My master plan to get all lovey-dovey and close the distance with Yugo is ruined!"
"I suppose heaven doesn't favor those with wicked intentions. Let’s just say it was destiny that we ran into people even more devious than you at this zoo."
"D-Don't say that! I wish this had happened on any other day... I guess there’s no choice but to take this battle of love head-on!"
Thanks to the heroics of Yugo and his companions, the culprits who had plunged the zoo into chaos were safely in custody. Having lost their ability to transform into Magic Armor Beasts, they were no longer a threat.
The rampage of animals and Magic Armor Beasts had left the grounds in shambles, but anything broken could be repaired with time. Despite the injuries sustained, the fact that not a single visitor or animal had lost their life was nothing short of a miracle. The zoo would surely be back on its feet before long.
Still, as Melt lamented, today had been a complete disaster for the tourists. While she stood there tearfully cursing the villains, Ryuga, who had been listening to her, spoke up.
"...Look, isn't it fine? Regardless of your personal motives, you achieved the original goal, didn't you?"
He gestured toward a nearby enclosure. There, Marcos and Elena were busy tending to the animals.
The triple date had been arranged to give Marcos a chance to cheer Elena up and spend some time with her. Seeing them getting along so well meant the mission was a success. It was a pity for Melt, but as a friend, Ryuga was happy that the relationship between Marcos and Elena was progressing.
Melt flashed him a mischievous grin. "You know, Ryuga, I've noticed something. You really do love Yugo and Marcos, don't you? You're always looking out for them. Behind that cool exterior, you care about them way too much... So why can't you spare even a fraction of that affection for Raiha?"
"...Wait. Why are you bringing her up?"
"Don't ask me. That’s an answer you’ll have to find for yourself."
Stung by his own catchphrase, Ryuga fell into a sulking silence. Melt watched him, thinking about how he was surprisingly perceptive about others' feelings but completely oblivious to his own. Then, she turned her attention back to the pair.
"I'm just glad everyone is safe! It's all thanks to Marcos and the rest of you for taking down those bad people!"
Elena had been moving among the animals, checking their spirits and speaking softly to those who had been heart-scarred by the incident. As she finished, she beamed at Marcos with praise.
Marcos puffed out his chest and let out a boisterous laugh. "Hmph! Well, I suppose you could put it that way! Ha ha ha ha ha!"
He turned back to Elena, his expression softening. "However, you were the one who found the glimmer of hope that saved these animals. Your compassion for them was the key to resolving this crisis. You should be proud of yourself."
"Thanks! But I still have a long way to go. I need to study hard at Luminous Academy and become a super great person!"
Swinging her arms back and forth with the excitement of a child, Elena declared her resolve to improve herself. Watching her, Marcos cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Er, right. Well... leading on from what we discussed earlier, you really need to be careful how you act at the academy. There are plenty of devious people out there—like the ones today—who will try to take advantage of you."
Elena looked thoughtful. "Mm, you’re right. You did mention that. Is it because they think I'm easy to trick? Like the criminals who looked down on the animals... do they talk to me because they think I'm just some know-nothing idiot?"
"No, that’s not it at all! I mean, yes, since you’re new here and don't know much about Luminous Academy, they probably do think they can exploit that... but that's not the main reason they target you!"
"...Then what is it? Do you know the real reason?"
"Er, that is, well... to put it bluntly, it's—"
Marcos realized he had stepped into a trap of his own making. He had tried to cheer her up, but he’d accidentally cornered himself. He glanced at Elena as she tilted her head curiously, then finally let out a resigned sigh.
"...It’s because you’re cute. They approach you because they want you for themselves."
"Cute...? Oh, I see! Hey, Marcos, do you think I'm cute, too?"
"Urgh...!?"
Marcos had seen the question coming, but it still choked him up. Face flushing crimson, he looked at her expectant expression. Caught between irritation and sheer embarrassment, he gave an honest answer.
"Well, taste is subjective, but... there is no denying that you are an attractive woman. At the very least, I certainly think so."
Elena’s joy was instantaneous. "Hehehe! I knew it! So Marcos thinks I’m a cute girl! I’m so happy!"
"W-Wait! I said something along those lines, but saying it so bluntly is just asking for a misunderstanding! Besides, your definition of 'cute' and mine might be completely different! Hey, are you even listening to me?!"
Elena, now fully energized, began hopping around in high spirits. Because Marcos understood girls just a little better than Yugo or Ryuga, he was the one destined to suffer for it. Melt watched the scene unfold with a wry smile.