"But I still have a lot of paperwork to go through tonight," Erina blushed slightly, refusing with some embarrassment. "I even declined when Alice invited me to the celebration."
"Come on, everyone is looking forward to seeing you," Sui said, walking over and naturally taking her hand.
Erina's face immediately turned a deeper shade of red, but she didn't pull her hand away. After so much time spent together, physical contact had become more common, and their relationship had grown closer.
"In that case, let's have the celebration here," Erina conceded, smiling softly. "We can invite Alice, Hisako, and Mito as well to celebrate their advancement to the quarterfinals."
Though she still had plenty of documents to finish, Erina couldn't refuse Sui's request.
"What? Erina, that's not fair! You refused me, but when Sui asks, you agree!" Alice exclaimed, puffing her cheeks in mock anger. "I knew it, once girls grow up, they can't be kept close!"
"What are you talking about?" Erina stammered, cheeks flushed as she stared at the floor, embarrassed.
"Alright, alright. Let me pour you a glass of milk to cool down." Sui smiled and handed Alice a glass of milk.
"Sui really is the best," Alice said with a satisfied grin after taking a sip, patting Sui on the shoulder. "Take good care of Erina from now on, alright? Make sure you treat her well."
"Alice!" Erina blurted out, her voice filled with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Sui opened it to find Megumi standing there, her usual sweet smile lighting up her face.
"Sui, everyone's here," Megumi said, her voice soft and kind.
Tonight, Megumi wasn't wearing her usual Totsuki uniform. Instead, she was dressed in a simple white dress, her blue hair complementing the outfit beautifully. She looked so serene and graceful under the moonlight that Sui couldn't help but stare for a moment.
Behind her were the members of the Polar Star Dormitory, and trailing along were the Aldini brothers, likely invited by Sōma.
"Sorry to intrude!" everyone said as they entered, smiling warmly.
"At least it's not in my room anymore," Marui Zenji sighed in relief.
"Wow, this place is so spacious and elegant! It's perfect for a party!" Yoshino exclaimed excitedly. "Let's really go all out tonight!"
For many of the visitors, like Takumi and Marui, it was their first time at Erina's residence. The luxurious surroundings were clearly a step above the accommodations of the average student.
"Welcome, everyone," Erina said with a polite bow, now playing the role of hostess. She was dressed in a plain yet elegant dress that gave her an air of quiet sophistication, quite different from her usual school appearance.
"Thank you for hosting us, Miss Erina," Isshiki replied with a smile.
"No need to thank me. I've visited the Polar Star Dormitory many times, after all," Erina responded graciously.
"As I suspected," Takumi thought to himself, observing the comfortable interactions between Sui and Erina. "There really is something between them."
At that moment, Miltank, Chansey, and the Combees suddenly darted into the room.
"Huh? What kind of creatures are these?" many of the guests exclaimed in surprise, astonished by the odd little beings they had never seen before.
Shortly after, Miyoko and Nao also arrived. Since they were part of the research society, Sui had invited them as well. And although uninvited, Rindō soon appeared too. However, Subaru was absent, likely absorbed in his intense training for the quarterfinals.
"Please help yourselves to some fruit," Sui said, setting a large platter of peculiar-looking fruits in front of everyone.
These fruits were from Tohru's world and, aside from the "Heart Fruit" from before, no other extraordinary ingredients had yet been discovered. Though strange in appearance, the fruit tasted remarkably delicious, far surpassing the quality of ordinary fruits found in this world. Sui and Erina now regularly enjoyed them.
"What kind of fruit is this? I've never seen anything like it!" Rindō, a seasoned traveler, was especially surprised.
Everyone took a bite and was immediately astonished by the flavor.
"Wow, this fruit is incredible! It tastes like a mix of apple and pear," Megumi remarked, gently stroking her cheek in delight.
"Please, have more," Erina invited, acting every bit the gracious hostess.
"Erina! You've been hiding all these amazing foods from me!" Alice protested, puffing out her cheeks once more.
"Take whatever you like," Sui replied with a smile. After all, these were just common fruits, and they had plenty left.
"Really?" Alice's eyes lit up. "Erina, you should learn a thing or two from your boyfriend!"
"Who... who's my boyfriend?" Erina stammered, her face reddening as she mumbled in a quiet voice.
"Alright, everyone, let's not leave until we're drunk!" Rindō suddenly declared, pulling out several bottles of wine, her two sharp fangs glinting as she grinned.
"Huh? Isn't drinking illegal?" Erina asked, startled. Minors weren't allowed to drink in Japan, after all.
"What does it matter?" Yoshino replied, licking her lips as she poured herself a large glass.
Soon, everyone made their way to the kitchen, whipping up an assortment of delicious dishes to go with the drinks. Laughter and chatter filled the room, and the party quickly became lively.
Sui also drank his fair share, and after feeling the warmth of the alcohol, he stepped out onto the second-floor balcony to catch a breath of fresh air. To his surprise, Megumi was already there, leaning against the railing, her face flushed from the wine. The moonlight illuminated her white dress, making her look especially beautiful and enchanting.
"Sui, I just wanted to thank you," Megumi said, her voice soft and sincere as she smiled. "Since I enrolled, you've helped me so much."
Feeling grateful, she bowed deeply.
"Don't mention it," Sui replied with a gentle smile, stepping closer to join her at the railing.
The gentle moonlight combined with the effects of the alcohol created a perfect, intimate atmosphere. Alone together, the mood between them shifted subtly.
"Sui..." Megumi's eyes were hazy, her voice quiet and tender.
After all the time they had spent together, it was impossible for Sui to deny how adorable and kind Megumi was. He found himself drawn to her.
Moved by the moment, Sui couldn't help leaning in and kissed her softly on the lips.