Tuesday, the buzz surrounding Shichen at Raizen High School completely eclipsed even that of the beautiful young‑lady transfer student Tokisaki Kurumi.
It all started with a single photo—a picture of Shichen and Tobiichi Origami standing on a stair landing, his hand pressed over the spot where her heart lay, feeling her heartbeat.
The angle was perfect; one could clearly see Origami's faintly shy expression.
At Raizen High Origami was wildly popular—nearly every boy's dream girlfriend. Once that photo hit the campus forum the previous night, hardly anyone slept well.
Boys howled in heartbreak, while the girls argued heatedly.
Just as some boys admire pretty female teachers, many girls secretly adore handsome male teachers.
And to most girls Shichen was exactly that. Whenever he walked the halls, female students would come up to chat.
In the photo it was obvious that Origami had pulled Shichen's hand to her chest, forcing him into the pose.
That, more than anything, fueled the girls' debate.
Boys fretted over the outcome; girls examined the circumstances—so while the boys nursed broken hearts, the girls felt a touch of resentment toward Origami.
"Sure, you two know each other, sure, you declared your feelings first—but what gives you the right to take advantage of the teacher in broad daylight?"
"That's jumping the queue! Totally unfair!"
Some girls even considered teaming up against Origami, but it would do no good.
Origami feared neither silent treatment nor intimidation; a whole mob of students together still would not be a match for her.
…
That afternoon Class 2‑4 had P.E. Shichen knew nothing of the forum uproar—no one had told him. After a leisurely morning and lunch break, P.E. began.
He arrived at the equipment room first. Before long the students filed in, and the most eye‑catching by far were three figures clad in purple, white, and black.
The trio seemed to belong to a different league entirely—like TV protagonists with their own beauty filter standing among extras no one noticed.
They were simply too extraordinary.
Yatogami Tohka and Tokisaki Kurumi were Spirits; their other‑worldly beauty was only natural. It was remarkable, though, that Tobiichi Origami could match them.
Perhaps that was why she, too, might one day become a Spirit.
Shichen had wondered whether Origami would still transform. Her past had already changed: her parents were not dead, merely missing. She no longer bore a vendetta against Spirits, no blood‑soaked motive to gain power.
Shichen refused to believe anything truly tragic would befall Origami's parents. Since he was in this world he would never allow her sorrow—there had to be some accident. He would have to investigate himself.
The three girls drew every gaze, and even Shichen stared in spite of himself. To his surprise they were actually walking together; though silent, they did not seem hostile.
"Shichen!" The moment Yatogami Tohka saw him she waved gleefully and ran over, flinging herself unhesitatingly into his arms.
Shichen caught her and, smiling, scolded, "What do you think you're doing? This is class time—show a little respect for my profession, will you?"
"I don't understand," Tohka answered, her brilliant smile undimmed as she rubbed her head against his chest.
"…All right, all right." Shichen sighed, helpless, and affectionately ruffled her hair.
"Shichen-sensei."
"Shichen-sensei."
Tobiichi Origami and Tokisaki Kurumi had reached them.
"Mmm." Shichen nodded. "Have you two grown friendlier?"
"No," Origami replied at once.
"Ara ~ I feel we've gotten closer," Kurumi said with a soft smile.
"That's your imagination," Origami answered flatly.
"Is that so? What a pity." Kurumi tilted her head, hand on her cheek, smiling brilliantly.
"Origami, it wouldn't hurt to get along. Kurumi means no harm."
"Shichen-sensei, don't be fooled by her looks."
"Ara ~ Was that a compliment?"
"How could I be that shallow? Origami, do you perhaps misunderstand me?"
"No misunderstanding. Shichen-sensei, you're clearly siding with Tokisaki-san. Faces can deceive."
"You shouldn't put it like that—one day you might need her help," Shichen hinted.
Origami fell silent; in truth, she did need Kurumi's help.
"Ara ~ Need my help? With what?" Kurumi asked cheerfully.
"It's nothing…," Origami muttered, turning aside.
"Hehe ~ Don't be shy. I'm happy to help, Tobiichi‑san."
"What's your objective?" Origami eyed her warily.
"You're mistaken, Tobiichi‑san. I only wish to be friends."
"Friends? Why?" Origami frowned. "I have nothing that would make you want my friendship."
"How could you say that ~?"
"Then explain."
"It's simple." Kurumi looked at Shichen and beamed. "Because I like Shichen-sensei too ~"
Origami's frown deepened. "What designs do you have on Shichen-sensei? I won't let you succeed!"
"Tobiichi‑san, don't be so hostile ~ I'd never hurt him. If I do have designs… does his body count?"
"What are you talking about?" Shichen chopped lightly at Kurumi's head.
"Ow ~" Kurumi covered the spot, her pitiful face somehow making Shichen feel guilty.
"Shichen, what does it mean to have designs on your body?" Tohka finally looked up, curiosity shining.
"Forget it—don't ask."
"Shichen, you're brushing me off again! I know what it means!" Tohka puffed out her cheeks.
"You do? Then tell me."
"Isn't it when, while you're asleep, you touch my chest… mmph!"
Shichen clapped a hand over Tohka's mouth. "A‑hem—well, why don't we start class?"
With that he led Tohka toward the student lineup.
"Shichen, why wouldn't you let me say?"
"Because that's our secret, just between us. No one else can know, okay?"
"Oh, I see. Got it."
"Er… just how did you know I was… um… touching your, you‑know‑what?"
"You were squeezing really hard, and it felt strange—how could I not know?"
"Then why didn't you stop me?"
"Because if it's you, Shichen, I don't mind…"
Their voices faded as they walked away, but the two girls left behind heard every word clearly.
"Ara ~ It seems Tohka‑san is miles ahead of us," Kurumi said, smiling at Origami.
"It doesn't matter," Origami replied expressionlessly, striding after them.
"Why not?" Kurumi kept pace.
"I don't mind serving Shichen-sensei together with Tohka. My life belongs to him."
"What a coincidence—so does mine," Kurumi laughed.
"Hmm?" Origami glanced over. "He saved you too?"
"Indeed. No matter how I repay him, it will never be enough," Kurumi murmured, cheeks flushing as she gazed at Shichen's back.
"So you're doing this out of gratitude?"
"No ~ I truly like Shichen-sensei… very much ~"
"Then that's fine." Origami nodded.
"What about you? Not gratitude either?"
"No. I like Shichen-sensei. Accepting others beside me is how I repay him."
"Hehe ~ It seems we're alike. Maybe we really can get along."
"No need. I have no desire to get along with you."
"So cold ~"
…
The next few days passed peacefully. No new Spirits appeared, and the AST never showed up to hunt Tokisaki Kurumi—as if they didn't know she was there.
Shichen didn't buy it. Origami was part of the AST; she must have reported Kurumi's true nature last time, confirming she was a Spirit.
Which meant the AST definitely knew. Whatever scheme they were hatching, as long as they didn't disturb his tranquil life, Shichen didn't care.
He only wanted quiet days with the girls and relaxed weekend dates.
Thus Friday arrived. Shichen left school with Yatogami Tohka; Tokisaki Kurumi came along as well.
Outside the gate Shichen was about to bid Kurumi farewell when a mature woman approached, stopping beside Kurumi.
Beaming like a flower, she greeted him, "Shichen, long time no see ~"
~~~
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