Paradox ( The Irregular at Magic Highschool Fanfcition )

|| CHAPTER 11 ||

The grand ballroom was alive with celebration. The Nine Schools Competition had come to an end, and First High School had been crowned the overall winner. The awarding ceremony had gone smoothly, with students from all schools applauding the victors, but now the mood had shifted into something lighter. A grand banquet had been prepared, and the large space was filled with the sound of conversation, laughter, and music as students from all the competing schools gathered to celebrate the closing of the event.

The banquet hall was beautifully decorated, draped in soft lighting, and the sound of an elegant waltz filled the air. Many students took to the dance floor, waltzing with grace, some with partners from their own schools and others mingling with students from other schools, celebrating their achievements.

Yotsuba Hanami stood near the edge of the ballroom, talking with Shiba Miyuki, Mitsui Honoka, and Kitayama Shizuku. The four girls were engaged in pleasant conversation, their laughter occasionally ringing through the air as they discussed the events of the competition.

Tatsuya, standing a little distance away, observed the room with his usual calm, his eyes drifting over the lively crowd. However, his attention soon shifted when he noticed a familiar figure lingering nearby, Ichijou Masaki, the scion of the Ichijou Clan. Masaki was clearly lingering near the group, his gaze fixated on Hanami, though he made an effort to appear casual.

Tatsuya's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained composed as he watched Masaki step forward, finally approaching Hanami. The conversation between the girls paused as Masaki greeted them.

" Hanami-san, Congratulations on your victory in the Mirage Bat event. " Masaki began, his tone polite and respectful.

" I wasn't able to watch it, unfortunately. " He trailed off, alluding to the injuries he had sustained during the Monolith Code match against Tatsuya.

" Thank you, Masaki. I hope you're recovering well. " Hanami turned her gaze to Masaki, her expression as calm and composed as ever.

Masaki offered a faint smile, though it was clear there was more he wanted to say. His eyes flickered between Hanami and the dance floor, as if contemplating something. But before he could speak further, Tatsuya appeared at Hanami's side, his presence immediate and grounding.

Hanami's expression softened the moment she noticed Tatsuya, a genuine smile lighting up her face. The tension that had subtly lingered between her and Masaki seemed to evaporate in an instant.

" Ichijou-san. " Tatsuya greeted politely, his tone perfectly civil, though there was an underlying coolness in his voice.

The two men exchanged pleasantries, acknowledging each other's presence in the sake of decorum, but there was no mistaking the tension between them. A rivalry had been established, and the root of it was clear, Hanami. Masaki, for all his charisma, could not mask the flicker of frustration in his eyes. But he maintained his composure.

" Shiba. " He greeted back, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

" Hana. " Tatsuya turned to Hanami, his gaze softening as he extended a hand toward her.

" Would you like to dance? " He said, his voice lower, more personal.

" With you? " Hanami's smile widened, her lavender eyes meeting his with warmth.

" I would love to. " She replied, taking his hand without hesitation.

As the two of them moved toward the dance floor, they seamlessly joined the others who were waltzing, their movements perfectly synchronized. Tatsuya and Hanami were an effortless pair, their steps graceful and fluid as they moved in harmony with the music.