Fia-sensei clung to my arm, acting spoiled for a short while longer. As her consultation hours approached, she reluctantly let go, though she looked like she hated to do it.
"Say, Miyama-kun, do you have some time today?"
"Eh? Yeah, I'm free. Why do you ask?"
"Well, once I’m done with my patients, I’d like to go on a date."
"I see... Then shall we go out for dinner somewhere?"
If it was after the clinic closed, that would be in the evening. By the time we got ready and headed out, it would be the perfect time for a meal. I’d just have to head home first to let everyone know I wouldn't be there for dinner and then come back to the clinic, so it wasn't a problem.
"That sounds wonderful. And it's my treat this time!"
"Ahaha, that's right."
Fia-sensei and I had already fought twice over who would pick up the check. While those "battles" were fun in their own way, doing it every time would be exhausting for both of us, so we made a rule to alternate who treated the other. Since I had paid last time, it was her turn.
"After we eat, let's go watch WANAGE!"
"...Ah, right, you did mention something about that. A Night Game, was it?"
"Yes! Today is Baby Castella Mask's match, and it’s going to be quite the spectacle!"
"T-That sounds fun."
It was Kuro. It was probably—no, it was definitely Kuro. Watching Fia-sensei get so excited made me feel quite conflicted.
With a name as ridiculous as Baby Castella Mask, you’d think most people would realize it was Kuro immediately... but that wasn't how it worked in this world. The reason was Recognition Inhibition Magic. Since Kuro was one of the Six Kings, her magic was top-tier; ordinary people couldn't even feel a sense of doubt regarding the mask's identity.
On the other hand, I had Shiro-san's Blessing, which allowed me to see right through Recognition Inhibition Magic. Knowing that Kuro was competing under a secret identity meant I couldn't exactly go around exposing her, which left me with a restless, murky feeling in my chest.
After returning home once to kill some time, I headed back to the clinic just as the streets were being drenched in the hues of the setting sun. It seemed there hadn't been any long appointments or emergency cases, as Fia-sensei came out to greet me.
"Welcome back! I just need to change my clothes, so come inside and wait for a second."
"Understood."
I stepped into the clinic and let my mind wander while I waited for her to change. Leaving the meal aside, where exactly was the WANAGE match being held? It was a Super Exciting Battle Sport where players supposedly had to move at the speed of sound just to keep up, so I imagined it required a dedicated venue.
While I was lost in thought, Fia-sensei’s voice drifted in from the back room.
"Hey, Miyama-kun. Between light blue, white, and black, which one do you think is better?"
"Umm... maybe light blue?"
"Got it!"
I thought white or black would suit her well, but I had never seen her in light blue, so I made my choice based on a bit of curiosity.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh, it's fine, I didn't— Wait, huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, no... it's just that I don't see any light blue anywhere on your outfit..."
When Fia-sensei emerged from the room, she was dressed simply in a white shirt and a black long skirt. There was nothing wrong with it; the clean, mature look suited her perfectly. But there wasn't a hint of light blue.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Fia-sensei clapped her hands as if realizing the source of my misunderstanding.
"Ah, sorry, I was being vague. I wasn't talking about my clothes."
"Oh, I see. Was it an accessory or something?"
"No, it was about the color of my underwear."
"………………I’m sorry, what?"
Ah... I must have misheard her. I thought I heard her say "underwear" or something like that, but I was probably just imagining things. Yes, definitely. I just misheard. Now, let’s stop this nonsense and go eat—
"I bought some cute new sets recently because I thought they might come in handy. I was wondering which color would be best... Want to see?"
"What?! L-Let's just go eat! If we dawdle, the restaurant will get crowded!"
"What a cute reaction... Fufufu, alright. Let's head out then."
W-Was she just teasing me? Between the composure of an older woman and her adult charm, I felt like I was being completely played. Fia-sensei had incredible social skills and was quite proactive when it came to romance... she might be much more of a Romance Expert than I had ever imagined.
I was already feeling strangely conscious of her after that brief exchange. As we were about to leave the clinic, she reached out and took my hand. She leaned in, standing slightly on her tiptoes, and whispered into my ear.
"...We'll finish our talk from earlier... later, okay?"
This was bad. I didn't feel like I could win this at all. Maybe this was how Alice felt the other day.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaaahhh! W-What is with this woman... This is dangerous! She's clearly aiming for a Finish after the Night Date!?"
???: "Regardless, once Vier decides to do something, she's as direct and unstoppable as a charging boar. Among his lovers, she's by far the most aggressive. Shallow Vernal-sama is the next most proactive, but since she's still just exploring the concept of romance, her approach feels a bit different."