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"Hmm?"
The white‑haired girl seemed to sense something and looked toward Shichen's group.
When her gaze met Shichen's, she froze—then her calm eyes appeared to brighten for an instant.
Without any hesitation, she started walking toward them.
She was slender, with short white hair that almost brushed her shoulders, and a doll‑like face that made her instantly striking.
Anyone with normal taste would find their heart skip a beat at first sight of her.
In fact, nearly every man nearby was staring at her.
"Shichen-kun, do you know her?" Murasame Reine asked in a flat tone.
"Mm… 'know' is a stretch. This is only the second time I've seen her, and our total conversation time isn't even a full minute."
"?" Reine tilted her head, puzzled.
Before Shichen could explain further, the white‑haired girl had already stopped in front of him.
"Are you Shichen-nii?" she asked anxiously, not entirely sure.
"Origami?" Shichen blinked.
"It's me! Wonderful— I finally found you!"
Tobiichi Origami grabbed Shichen's hand excitedly, squeezing hard as if to confirm he was real.
Although her voice and actions were full of excitement, her face remained expressionless—like a classic "three‑no" girl, not by nature but by numbness.
"Uh… have we met before?" Shichen asked, a bit overwhelmed by what felt like borderline harassment.
"Shichen-nii, have you forgotten? You're my lifesaver!"
"Lifesaver… Don't tell me this was five years ago?"
"So you do remember!" Origami finally smiled.
"How exactly did I save you?" Shichen asked curiously.
"Are you pretending not to know? You saved me and my parents back then. I'll never forget that debt! I'll spend my whole life repaying you!"
Origami tightened her grip on his hand.
"That's too much. It's enough that you and your parents are safe."
Shichen frowned slightly. If he'd saved her parents, why had she still joined AST?
Something felt off.
"Mm…" Origami's expression suddenly turned sad.
Seeing this, Shichen's frown deepened. "Did something happen? Don't tell me your parents—"
"My mom and dad are missing…" Origami admitted.
"Missing? How? You haven't seen them at all these five years?"
"That's right. No matter what, I have to find them!"
Origami looked at Shichen with steely determination.
"So, Shichen-nii, I can't devote myself to repaying you yet. Once I find my parents, then I will—"
"Whoa, whoa." Shichen cut her off. "Forget about repaying me. I didn't save you for payback."
"Shichen-nii…"
"Our first priority is finding any lead on your parents. I'll help too."
"Really?" Origami's exquisite, doll‑like face lit up.
"You call me 'Onii-chan'—of course I'll help." Shichen smiled lightly and lifted his hand, about to pat her head.
Halfway there he paused—why did he always want to pat girls' heads?
To his surprise, Origami took his hand and placed it on her own head.
A hint of longing appeared on her normally blank face. "I missed this…"
Shichen tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Looks like this bad habit of his can't be fixed—he'd even head‑patted her when she was little.
Not his fault; his hand had a mind of its own. One day he'd have to chop it off.
"Anyway… do you have any clues about your parents?" Noticing many students staring, he quickly withdrew his hand.
A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Origami's face. "I'm not certain, but it definitely involves her."
When she said "her," Origami's face turned grave—not with hatred, which reassured Shichen somewhat.
He still didn't know why he hadn't completely saved Origami's parents, but at least there was no deep grudge.
"Who is she?" he asked.
Origami shook her head. "Sorry, Shichen-nii, I can't tell you."
"If you don't tell me, how can I help? Still keeping secrets from me?"
"I'm sorry… It's enough that you care. I'll find the lead myself."
"Sigh." Shichen sighed and didn't press her. "These five years must have been rough."
An eleven‑year‑old girl, alone for five years searching for her parents—just thinking about it was heartbreaking.
"For Mom and Dad, it's not hard," Origami said softly.
"Good girl." Shichen sincerely patted her head again.
Her white hair was incredibly smooth and silky—addictive at first touch.
Origami closed her eyes and quietly enjoyed it.
The two of them radiated a warm, faintly ambiguous atmosphere, but it didn't last long before Reine spoke up.
"Shichen-kun, you may not like this, but I have to interrupt."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Look around you."
"Around— oh!" Shichen glanced past Origami and realized a large group of students had gathered sometime during their talk.
Everyone was staring at them.
"Who's that guy? Why's he so close to Tobiichi?"
"He's hot! A third‑year senpai?"
"Am I seeing things? The 'Permafrost Maiden' is making that face… Who is he?"
"Ugh, in the end Tobiichi still judges by looks?"
"Never seen him before. Transfer student? The top spot on the 'Most‑Dateable Boys' chart might change!"
"What chart? I've never heard of it."
"You don't know? There's also a 'Most‑Dateable Girls BEST 13.' Tobiichi's third."
"What the— Why do I know nothing?"
"You must be the transfer student!"
Shichen nearly forgot: Origami was wildly popular at school. Anyone close to her would draw attention.
This was bad—he was a teacher now. What if rumors started?
A ruined reputation was one thing, but getting fired would be awkward.
"A‑hem, Origami."
He withdrew his hand and spoke earnestly: "Since you don't want to tell me, I won't force you. If you ever need help, come to me—I'll do my best."
"Shichen-nii…"
"Besides, I'm a teacher here now. You can find me anytime on campus."
"Really? You're a teacher?" Origami was overjoyed.
"Would I lie?"
"That's great!"
"Remember to come to me if you need anything. I can look out for you."
"I will." Origami nodded firmly.
"Okay, then head to your class. I still have to report in. We'll talk later."
"Got it." Origami obediently turned and left.
As she walked away, most of the crowd dispersed and the staring eyes vanished.
"Whew—" Shichen let out a breath.
"Shichen-kun, didn't you say you didn't know that girl?" Reine asked.
"I thought I didn't, but apparently I do."
"…I don't get it." Reine stared blankly.
"Not important. Let's check in at the office."
"All right."
Following Reine, Shichen reached the second‑year building and then the faculty office.
Several teachers were already present—none familiar except one.
"Ah! You must be the new PE teacher, Mr. Shichen, right? Hello, I'm Okamine Tamaki. Pleased to meet you."
A petite woman approached politely.
She didn't look like a teacher at all—youthful face, tiny frame; even with glasses she could pass for a student.
But she was indeed a teacher, and even older than Shichen.
Shichen bowed slightly. "Okamine-san, nice to meet you. I'm Shichen. Please take care of me."
~~~
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