"I'm saying I'm willing to do anything for Shichen-nii—even H things."
Origami Tobiichi replied unflinchingly, her face utterly calm.
"N‑No you may not!"
Tohka Yatogami shot back at once.
"Why not?"
Origami countered.
"Th‑The one who's going to do H things with Shichen is me!"
Tohka blurted, cheeks crimson.
A ripple of excitement ran through the on‑looking students.
"Oohhh—!"
The crowd gaped, eager to watch the drama.
"And what entitles you to that?"
Origami pressed.
"B‑Because only I can do H things with Chen! And we already did it last night!"
Either out of stubborn pride or sheer panic, Tohka began spilling everything.
"Oh? And what exactly did you two do?"
Origami asked, still icy‑cool.
"L‑Last night we… we slept in the same bed!"
Tohka admitted shyly.
"That's it?"
Origami sniffed.
"W‑What? O‑Of course there was more!"
"Then what else?"
"We also ki— mmph!"
Just then Shichen appeared behind Tohka, wrapped an arm around her, and clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Ooh—! The leading man's here!"
"Fight, fight!"
"Bro, what's your deal?"
"Man, I'm so jealous. It's bad enough Shichen-sensei's good‑looking; now he's stealing all the girls…"
"Bro, don't flatter yourself. Who's he stealing from you?"
"And who's this super‑cute girl who just popped up? Isn't she our age? Is Shichen-sensei running a harem?"
"Either way, none of this concerns you."
"Quit raining on my parade!"
"I'm doing you the favor of reminding you what reality looks like."
Ignoring the peanut gallery, Origami bowed slightly.
"Shichen-sensei."
"Origami, what are you all doing out here?"
Shichen asked, though he clearly knew.
"Shichen!"
Tohka shook off his hand, pointed at Origami, and frowned.
"Who is she?"
"One of my students, of course. Who else would she be?"
"Don't lie! That's not what she said—she said… she said she wanted to do H things with you!"
"…You sure you didn't get the wording wrong?"
Shichen twitched.
"Did I?"
Tohka tilted her head cutely.
"…Forget it. She was joking; don't take it seriously."
"Really? You're not tricking me?"
Tohka stared at him suspiciously.
"Why do you never believe me?"
He laughed, rubbing her head.
Origami's brow creased ever so slightly as she eyed the hand on Tohka's hair.
"It's not that I don't believe you—it's just that she makes me uneasy,"
Tohka admitted.
"What's wrong with Origami?"
"I don't know… Something just feels off."
"That's not very polite. Who knows? You two might end up classmates."
"Class… mates?"
"People who take lessons together in the same room."
"Oh…"
Tohka looked conflicted as she glanced at Origami.
"Speaking of which, you really don't recognize her?"
Shichen asked.
Tohka should have met Origami during the AST attack, though Origami's lack of reaction made sense—Tohka's current appearance bore no trace of a Spirit.
"Should I?"
Tohka blinked.
"Never mind, then. No big deal."
So she'd simply forgotten? Or chose not to remember the one who attacked her.
"Shichen, you're weird."
"You're calling me weird? I haven't even asked why you came here. Didn't we agree?"
He ruffled her hair harder.
"Mmph… I was bored at home, so I couldn't help coming to find you,"
Tohka mumbled, poking her index fingers together.
"That fast? Who was it last night who said she'd be fine?"
"Mmph…"
"All right, all right. Since you're here, stay. But how did you even get in?"
"I told the guard at the gate I was looking for you and he let me in."
"That easy? Am I that famous?"
Tohka wasn't even wearing Raizen High's uniform—just a pink‑and‑white sundress with a little vest, bursting with youthful charm. The guard likely saw a harmless, adorable girl and waved her through.
Shichen took her hand, ready to escort her away, but Origami called out:
"Shichen-sensei!"
"Yes, Origami?"
"She… what exactly is she to you?"
Origami asked without a flicker of emotion.
"Her name's Tohka Yatogami. She's someone very important to me,"
he answered with a smile.
"Important…"
"Shichen!"
Tohka happily hugged his arm she'd clung to his left arm while sleeping last night; today she switched to the right—perfectly fair.
"Anything else, Origami?"
Origami's tone suddenly turned solemn.
"Whatever relationship she has with you—I won't let it bother me."
"Ooh—!"
"Whoa, she's bold!"
"I'm so jealous I could die!"
"…Huh."
Shichen hadn't expected that and was momentarily speechless.
But Origami didn't need a reply.
"That's all. That's my resolve."
With a slight bow, Origami strode into the classroom.
She left briskly, the onlookers trading silent glances.
At last Tama-chan broke the hush.
"S-Shichen-sensei, I think this sort of thing is unacceptable!"
"What thing?"
"A—A harem!"
She blushed bright red.
"…Tama-chan, I'll explain later. Tohka, let's go."
"Eh? Go where?"
"Just come with me."
Shichen grabbed Tohka's hand and fled, their figures vanishing down the corridor before the crowd could ask more questions, leaving them stewing in gossip.
Naturally, he led Tohka to the physics prep room.
After ushering her inside and locking the door, he finally relaxed. The students' boundless curiosity would have given him a splitting headache.
"You're back, Shichen‑kun."
Reine Murasame's calm voice greeted them.
"I'm glad you're still here, Reine."
He exhaled in relief, pulling Tohka over.
"Shichen, who's she?"
Tohka eyed Reine warily.
"She's my colleague, Reine Murasame. Mind your manners."
He tapped her head lightly.
"Mmph…"
Tohka rubbed the spot and composed herself.
"Hello, I'm Tohka Yatogami. Chen gave me this name—nice, isn't it?"
"It is indeed pleasant,"
Reine nodded.
"Right?"
Reine's gaze softened behind her glasses.
"Shichen, why did you bring me here?"
Tohka asked, peering around in curiosity.
"No one will bother you here. You can stay as long as you like."
"And you'll be here too?"
"Of course, though I have one period coming up. I'll need to be out for a few dozen minutes. Can you behave and wait here?"
"Hmm… a few dozen minutes is acceptable."
"Only 'acceptable'? You've lasted a whole morning already."
"I've endured all morning!"
Tohka pouted, sounding a bit wronged.
"Knew it."
He shook his head helplessly.
"Hehe~"
"Just two more days; soon you can come to school with me. Then you won't be bored."
"Really?"
"You'll make friends and learn things."
"I can't wait!"
"So please stay put till I get back—okay?"
"Mmph…"
"What, didn't you just agree? Changed your mind already?"
"I‑It's not impossible—if you'll do me a favor."
Tohka suddenly grew bashful.
"What favor?"
"If Shichen lets me give him a kiss, then I'll wait without complaining."
Shichen glanced at Reine, meeting her steady eyes.
~~~
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