The air in First High's student council room that day was anything but ordinary.
"This is really Tatsuya-kun?"
"That's what Miyuki-san says. Doesn't he kind of look like him, in a way?"
"True… but he seems leagues more innocent than usual."
Miyuki had thought leaving Tatsuya in the student council room would be safer than a classroom, but it seemed she'd miscalculated. This place was proving far more perilous.
"But why on earth did Tatsuya-kun shrink?"
"Apparently, Miyuki-san's pulling some strings to have it investigated."
"Strings? Is there even a place that can look into a bizarre phenomenon like this?"
"Don't ask me! Tatsuya-kun, do you know anything?"
Mayumi turned to Tatsuya, who shook his head silently. Miyuki had warned him not to mention anything about the Yotsuba family, so a headshake was his only reply.
"Oh, well… you're so cute, I'll let it slide!"
"Hey! Though, yeah, he is pretty adorable."
"Mayumi-san, Mari-san, if you tease Sibas-kun too much, Miyuki-san will have your heads."
Rin's cool-headed interjection cut through as Mayumi and Mari fawned over Tatsuya, who they'd hoisted into their arms. In this state, Tatsuya was powerless against their teasing. If Rin had joined in, Miyuki might've had a body count on her hands later.
"Sorry, Rin-chan. I just can't help treating him like the usual Tatsuya-kun!"
"The normal Tatsuya-kun wouldn't even flinch at our teasing."
"Sigh… but is this okay? We've got classes next period."
"Oh, right…"
"Let's check with Shiba."
With third-years facing classes next, Mayumi and the others decided to visit Class 1-A to figure out what to do with Tatsuya.
The classroom buzzed with an unusual energy, and Miyuki couldn't help but notice. Class 1-A rarely stirred like this, but the atmosphere felt distinctly off.
"Miyuki, Saegusa-senpai and the others are here. Oh, and there's a little boy with them."
Honoka's report from the hallway was all Miyuki needed to piece it together. She bolted for the corridor.
"Oh, Miyuki-san! We've got classes next period, so what should we do with Tatsuya-kun?"
"'Tatsuya-san'?"
Honoka and Shizuka, peeking from behind the door, spoke in unison, their voices reaching the group.
"What, Shiba didn't tell you?"
"Hey, it's not exactly something you can just blurt out…"
"Indeed. That was a slip-up on your part, Mayumi-san."
"What, Rin-chan! Okay, fine, calling him by name was a bit careless."
While Honoka and Shizuka stood there, bewildered, Tatsuya hid behind Miyuki. He was wary of Mari and Rin, instinctively keeping his distance, but his skittish behavior only fueled their delight.
"No choice, then. I'll leave him with Erika."
"Right. Chiba-san's in the know, and Miyuki-san, you've got teachers around during class, so you can't look after him."
"We'll take Tatsuya-kun to Class 1-E, then."
"No, I'll take my brother—"
"Miyuki! Next period's a free study session. Let us watch Tatsuya-san!"
"Yeah! Skipping a bit won't get us in trouble."
Miyuki faltered under Honoka and Shizuka's fervent insistence. She knew they harbored feelings for Tatsuya, and in this situation, Honoka might latch onto him in a whole new way.
"I wanna stay with Sis."
"Brother…"
Tatsuya's words shattered Miyuki's last defenses. She'd always cherished him calling her by name, but this innocent plea sparked a fresh wave of delight she hadn't anticipated.
"Still, as former student council president, I can't overlook members skipping class. Maybe the counseling room or infirmary would be better."
"But… my brother said he wants to stay with me!"
"Hmm… I get that Tatsuya-kun would want to stick with you in this state, Miyuki-san. You're his only family here, his safe harbor in this school. But you're the top student and a council member. You need to set an example."
"…Understood. Let's ask Yasutake-sensei."
Why Reimi instead of Haruka? Because Haruka had her own complicated feelings about Tatsuya. In this state, he'd be defenseless against her, and Miyuki instantly decided that letting Haruka hold any leverage would be a hassle.
"Brother, I'm so sorry, but I can't stay with you. Will you wait quietly in the infirmary for me?"
"Okay… if Sis says so, I'll listen."
Tatsuya's earnest response sent a ripple of squeals through the group, Miyuki included.
"Let's go, then… Oh!"
"What's wrong, Miyuki?"
"I need to grab some materials from the staff room for next period. Honoka, Shizuka, can I ask you to take care of my brother?"
Miyuki desperately wanted to send someone else for the materials, but she doubted they'd agree. With a heavy heart, she entrusted Tatsuya to Honoka and Shizuka.
"Let's go, Tatsuya-san."
"A smaller Tatsuya-san… it's kinda refreshing."
Flanked by Honoka and Shizuka, who each took one of his hands, Tatsuya headed to the infirmary. The sight sparked whispers among Course 1 girls, but neither Honoka nor Shizuka paid it any mind.
"Excuse me, is Yasutake-sensei here?"
"Yeees? Who's this?"
Reimi appeared from the infirmary, her voice languid as ever.
"Um, this boy…"
Honoka explained the situation as Miyuki had, asking if Reimi could watch Tatsuya for an hour. After a moment's thought, Reimi agreed.
"See ya, big sisters."
"Hau!?"
"~~~"
Honoka squealed aloud, while Shizuka, though silent, was visibly smitten. Tatsuya followed Reimi into the infirmary.
An hour later, when Mayumi and the others came to check, they found a curiously radiant Reimi—and an utterly exhausted Tatsuya.
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