In the student council room, Miyuki worked diligently when a message arrived. Honoka and Izumi, new officers, were assisting, with Shizuku helping Honoka. Yet none noticed Miyuki's subtle shift in mood—except Azusa, the new president, watching from her seat.
"Shiba-san? Something wrong?" Honoka asked.
"Nothing," Miyuki replied coolly.
"Oh… okay." Honoka resumed her work, unbothered. Neither she nor Shizuku pressed further, sensing no overt irritation.
"Nakajou-san, you okay?" Izumi asked Azusa.
"I'm fine," Azusa said, though her pale face betrayed her.
"You look off," Izumi noted, concern shifting from Miyuki to Azusa.
"Kei!" Kanon's voice cut through. "Can you come to the Discipline Committee HQ? I lost something."
"You never organize," Kei sighed. "Wait, why not ask Tatsuya? You usually do."
"He's busy," Kanon said. "Counseling department needed his help."
"Oh." Kei nodded.
As Kanon and Kei left, Azusa's gaze drifted to Miyuki.
"Something wrong?" Miyuki asked sharply.
"N-no, just… wondering what Tatsuya's doing," Azusa stammered. "Sorry."
Despite being president, Azusa felt overshadowed. Tatsuya dominated when present; Miyuki did in his absence.
"Miyuki, is it true?" Honoka asked. "Tatsuya's helping the counseling department?"
"Yes," Miyuki confirmed. "He messaged me earlier."
"Helping with someone's counseling?" Shizuku pressed.
"I don't know details. Maybe Ms. Ono would say, but would she tell us?"
"Want to ask after we're done?" Honoka suggested.
Azusa, relieved as Miyuki's mood softened, resumed work. The trio's chatter eased the tension.
"President Nakajou," Miyuki said.
"Y-yes?" Azusa startled.
"This is done," Miyuki handed over her work.
"Mine too," Shizuku added.
"That's all for today. Good work," Azusa said, dismissing them.
The first-year trio headed to the counseling room. Azusa sighed. "That was intense…"
"Done already?" Kanon asked, returning.
"You can go, Izumi," Azusa said. "I'll finish up."
"Awesome! I can head home with Kei!" Kanon beamed.
"Kanon…" Kei muttered, but nodded. "Thanks, Azusa."
The engaged couple left, and Azusa exhaled. "Should've dragged Tatsuya into the council…"
She regretted the deal with Kanon delaying Tatsuya's official council role until next April. Keeping Miyuki's temper in check until then felt like a Sisyphean task.
Unaware of the strain he'd caused, Tatsuya escorted Koharu home.
"This is me," Koharu said.
"Alright, I'll head out," Tatsuya replied.
"Stay a bit? As thanks for walking me. And… I'd like to talk more."
Since the Nine Schools Competition, Koharu trusted Tatsuya—not just for his engineering skills but for his perspective, which eased her burdens. She prayed her gratitude didn't deepen into something more. (He's so popular with girls. Someone like me doesn't stand a chance…)
"Senpai? Something on my face?" Tatsuya asked.
"N-no!" Koharu flushed, looking away.
"Onee-chan?" A voice interrupted.
"Chiaki! You're late…" Koharu said.
"Why's Shiba-kun here?" Chiaki asked.
"Ms. Ono asked me to walk Hirakawa-senpai home," Tatsuya explained. "I'll take my leave."
"See ya," Chiaki said.
"Take care, Senpai," Tatsuya added, bowing before leaving.
Koharu watched him go, a wistful look in her eyes. Chiaki's expression darkened.
"Onee-chan, do you like him?" she asked bluntly.
"What?!" Koharu yelped. "Don't be ridiculous!"
"But you've been fixated on him since the Nine Schools Competition. When you were depressed about Kobayakawa-senpai, Ms. Ono mentioned consulting him, and you snapped out of it."
"That's not true! Stop talking nonsense and let's go inside. It's getting cold."
Chiaki eyed the direction Tatsuya left. (He prevented the accident Onee-chan couldn't. Did he notice something about Kobayakawa-senpai too? If so, he's the one who pushed her into this mess…)
"Chiaki, what's wrong?" Koharu called.
"Nothing," Chiaki replied, forcing a bright smile to mask the dark spark within. Koharu's laughter let her bury it, for now.
"So, Chiaki, no crush of your own? You teased me, so spill," Koharu teased.
"Nope! I only love you, Onee-chan!" Chiaki grinned.
"You need to grow up. I'm moving out next year."
"I'll call every day, no problem!"
Koharu sighed, feigning exasperation. She adored Chiaki's affection, indulging her despite herself.
"By the way, what'd you and Shiba-kun talk about?" Chiaki asked.
"The Thesis Competition, Kobayakawa-san's recovery, stuff like that. Why?"
"He's a Course 2 student but keeps standing out. Engineer at the Nine Schools, stepping in for Monolith Code after the accident. I thought there might be more."
"Actually," Koharu admitted, "he came to convince me not to quit school. Ms. Ono asked him. Most people wouldn't bother for someone they barely know."
"Maybe… but you seem kinda happy about it," Chiaki teased.
"N-no way!" Koharu flushed.
Chiaki, now curious about Tatsuya, decided to dig into him tomorrow.
Note on Chiaki's Resentment: Chiaki might cause trouble for Tatsuya, driven by jealousy over her sister's attention. Her suspicion that he outshone Koharu could fuel her grudge.
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