After returning home once, we gathered at the izakaya Shouraku near our college. It was the time of dusk when the evening red and the blue sky mixed together.
"Dusk" originally referred to the time when you couldn't see the other person's face clearly, leading to the phrase "What is your Name?" as in the movie "Your Name."
However, in modern times, it's impossible for faces to become unclear at this time. The term originated in an era with no streetlights or anything of the sort.
This time of day is also known as the "Omagatoki." It's believed that this is when the residents of night make their appearances, marking the transition between day and night.
Even in an age with streetlights and constant illumination, the concept persists.
As if guided by something ethereal, black puffs of smoke float through the sky. In reality, it's more like mist that has solidified, but it resembles a puff of black fur.
Categorically, these are evil spirits, born from negative human thoughts, the remnants of lingering feelings.
On their own, they possess little power. At most, people might feel their presence when they're nearby, but that's about it.
However, evil spirits are still evil spirits. If left unchecked, they can eventually merge with other puffs of smoke to form a disaster. That's why I make it a point to gently crush any puffs of smoke I happen to come across.
I wouldn't recommend this to regular people, or rather, they wouldn't be able to do it, but I've received special training as a Hero, so I won't get a scratch.
So, this time too, I reached out to crush the puff of smoke I happened to see.
But before I could, another hand reached out first.
A slender, graceful arm was quietly raised toward the sky, and delicate fingertips gently touched the puff of smoke.
I could see cherry-colored lips moving softly.
"Return to how you once were, when you were pure."
A truly faint release of magic power.
The golden lightning released from her fingertips gently dispersed the puff of smoke and vanished into the sky like a momentary illusion.
It was an incredibly delicate control of magic power. I think she's the third person I've seen who can handle magic power so skillfully.
The first was the red-haired girl, Eris Philin Centraris, the princess of the country I was summoned to, and one of the world's greatest magicians.
The second was Julius Roderest, the demon lord known as the strongest among demons.
And the third, the girl before me, with hair shimmering like wet feathers reflecting the evening red, and black eyes that created an illusion of peering into a lake. From the first time I saw her, no matter how many times I looked at her, her beautiful features made my heart race.
Isumi Tsukiko, who had purified the puff of smoke, was looking at me with an expression that was difficult to read.
Ah, Tsukiko is indeed a magician. I had seen her in battle, but witnessing her use magic power so naturally in our everyday life reaffirmed that fact.
Tsukiko walked over to me, placed her hand on my shoulder, and leaned in close to whisper.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I came here for work today, that's all."
"..."
With just that said, Tsukiko quickly moved away.
Suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder. I hadn't noticed when he arrived, but Souji was standing right next to me.
"Ah, sorry, Yuusuke. Matsuda invited her, so I said okay. Come on, we've been inviting her every time, haven't we?"
"Souji..."
"What's wrong?"
Well, it's nothing much.
"Back when Tsukiko first joined the school, she was all cold and distant like that. It kind of brings back memories."
"You've gotten mentally tougher without me noticing, huh?"
Is that so?
Well, there's no point in moping around forever. Compared to the awkward feeling right after getting dumped, I guess I'm doing better now.
But speaking of work, it's probably about keeping an eye on Lisha. As members of the Anti-Demon Special Forces, the quickest way to find the next demon is to investigate Lisha's surroundings.
By the way, Lisha herself is currently talking to Hinata, who brought her along.
Hinata glanced in my direction from time to time, so Tsukiko noticed and intentionally separated us. Where does she train to develop that ability to read the atmosphere? I want that too.
Anyway, Tsukiko stood a little way off with a stoic expression, while Matsuda tried to strike up a conversation with Hinata and Lisha, only to be repelled.
"So, is everyone here now?"
"No, there's still one more—"
"Hey, you two! It's a welcoming party, and yet you both look so gloomy!"
Suddenly, a shock ran through my back. Long, tousled black hair brushed against my face.
On my shoulder was a familiar face.
"Oh, is it President?"
"Yeah! It's Lisha's welcome party, right? I can't just sit this one out!"
"Well, technically, I get it..."
This woman is Hayasaki Akari, the president of our Literary Club. Straight black hair, taller than most women, and with an imposing presence, she's more suited to being called "cool" than "cute" or "pretty."
Wait, who invited her?
"What's with that look? Am I doing something wrong?"
"Well, not exactly, but President, you're known for being a heavy drinker."
That's right. This person is likely to top the list of people you don't want to drink with, especially considering her tendency to get into drunken brawls.
Souji apologized profusely with a guilty look on his face.
"Sorry, she just happened to pass by while Matsuda and I were talking."
"Oh, I see."
"Yuusuke, you can't leave me out at such a fun drinking party!"
"How about having a bit more restraint, though?"
"A drinking party with restraint isn't a drinking party!"
"That's why you're getting excluded..."
In the first place, today's main star is underage, right? I wonder if it's okay.
"I mean, President! You're already smelling like alcohol. Are you drinking already?"
"I haven't."
"How about the canned Chūhai?"
"It's like juice."
"You are drinking! Why do you lie when it's so obvious?"
That's just how she is!
Then, the president pouted her lips, completely changing her demeanor from before, and spoke in a low voice.
"W-well, it can't be helped. ...It's been a while since I've had a drink with him, so it's nerve-wracking..."
Her words were too quiet in the middle, so I couldn't hear them properly, but I quickly figured out the guy she mentioned.
"Haah... If only you were normally this humble."
"Shut up."
The president's hidden gaze, concealed by her black hair, flickered toward Souji from time to time. Well, that explains it.
Behind her usual incredible leadership skills in guiding us weirdos, the president is, in essence, a high school girl in love. Well, she's a lot better off than a former Hero who gets depressed every time his crush rejects him.
""Sigh...""
Despite the promising atmosphere for an enjoyable drinking party, both the president and I couldn't help but let out heavy sighs.
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