The Thesis Competition had been cut short, with rankings decided based on presentations given up to that point. Third High, which hadn't yet presented, was left out of the evaluations. Shinkurou Kichijouji, Third High's representative, wasn't about to let that slide without a fight. He knew a full redo was out of the question, but he couldn't stomach losing without even a chance to compete.
"What's Kichijouji thinking?" Airi Isshiki mused, her tone half-amused, half-exasperated.
"He can't seriously think he'd beat Tatsuya-san, even with another shot," Shiori Juumonji said with a smirk.
"But if they'd presented, they might've at least snagged second place," Karen Tsukishima added.
"No helping it," Shoko Yuzuki sighed. "The incident happened right when Third High was prepping."
The Yokohama Incident had struck just as Third High was gearing up for their presentation. Airi and her friends were there to "support" their school, but let's be honest—their real goal was to see Tatsuya. He wasn't an easy person to meet, especially with so many rivals circling. If there was a chance to cross paths with him, Airi and her crew were ready to seize it, no matter what it took.
"Speaking of which," Shoko said, her eyes lighting up, "I heard this weekend they're holding a presentation for the schools that didn't get to go. And guess who's attending? Tatsuya-san."
"Let's go!" Airi declared without hesitation.
"Instant decision," Karen laughed. "But I'm in."
"If it means seeing Tatsuya-san, I'm canceling all my plans," Shiori said with a grin.
Their passion as lovestruck maidens left their family retainers exasperated—though some, like an old butler, watched their lively young ladies with fond amusement. The head of the Isshiki family, however, was less than thrilled, fuming over Airi's reckless behavior and the slight of a rejected arranged marriage.
The presentation wasn't the full-blown event of the original competition—just a concise, abbreviated chance to make their case. Still, Third High's team, led by Shinkurou Kichijouji, was grateful for the opportunity to be judged at all. They delivered a streamlined pitch to the panel of judges and representatives from other schools, then stepped off the stage. It wasn't ideal, but at least they hadn't lost without a fight.
"Good work, Kichijouji," Airi called out as he returned.
"Isshiki? And Juumonji, Yuzuki, and Tsukishima too?" Shinkurou blinked, surprised. "What are you all doing here?"
"We came to support our school's representative, of course," Airi replied smoothly.
"Thanks," Shinkurou said, accepting the explanation at face value.
Of course, that was just a front. Airi and her friends were well-versed in balancing truth and tact, a necessity in their high-society lives. A straightforward guy like Shinkurou, with his focus on "spirit," didn't stand a chance at seeing through their polished facades.
"…Shiba Tatsuya," Shinkurou said, spotting the familiar figure approaching.
"Impressive work, Kichijouji Shinkurou," Tatsuya said, his tone even but genuine. "I can see why you were so confident during the competition."
"We didn't get our full time or scale," Shinkurou replied, his voice firm. "I'll concede this year, but next year, I won't hold back."
"I'm not even sure I'll be a representative next year," Tatsuya said with a slight shrug.
"What…?" Shinkurou faltered.
"What's that?!" Airi's voice cut through, sharp and almost a shriek.
"Tatsuya-sama, you won't be representing next year?" she pressed, her tone bordering on panic.
"I was just a stand-in," Tatsuya explained. "I didn't submit a thesis for the selection, and I was only chosen because a senior decided it. It wasn't my call."
"Now that you mention it," Shoko said thoughtfully, "the original First High team was Suzune Ichihara, Kei Isori, and Koharu Hirakawa, wasn't it?"
"Nice work, Shoko," Tatsuya said, impressed. "Your intel-gathering is top-notch."
Shoko beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing. Airi and the others, however, wore starkly different expressions—disappointment tinged with worry. Tatsuya tilted his head, puzzled.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"It's just… the thought of not seeing you next year, Tatsuya-sama," Airi said, her voice soft and wistful.
"Bit early to worry about that," Tatsuya said, bemused.
As a Second Course student, Tatsuya wasn't supposed to be in the spotlight at events like the Nine Schools Competition or the Thesis Competition. Yet, through a series of exceptions, he'd been thrust onto the public stage. The fame—or infamy—of being "Shiba Tatsuya" wasn't something he welcomed.
"Tatsuya-san, got time after this?" Karen asked, seizing the moment.
"Hm? Nothing planned, really," Tatsuya replied.
"Speaking of which, you're not with Miyuki-san today," Shiori noted, her tone teasing.
"Look, Shiori," Tatsuya said, a touch exasperated, "Miyuki and I aren't always together."
Even his seniors at First High misunderstood their closeness, so it wasn't surprising that Shiori, from another school, made the same assumption. Still, Tatsuya felt compelled to set the record straight.
"Then would you join the four of us afterward?" Airi asked, her voice hopeful but firm.
"…Not Kichijouji?" Tatsuya asked, glancing at Shinkurou.
""""No way!"""" the four girls replied in unison.
"I mean, I don't mind, but you don't have to shut him down that hard," Shinkurou muttered, his shoulders slumping as he shuffled away.
"We want you to escort us, Tatsuya-sama," Airi insisted.
"Yeah, Kichijouji just doesn't cut it," Karen added.
"'Doesn't cut it' is a compliment," Tatsuya corrected. "You probably mean he's not up to the task."
"Khatsu's always sloppy with her words," Shiori teased.
Karen stuck out her tongue, a bit embarrassed by the correction.
"So, Tatsuya-sama, will you join us?" Airi pressed, her eyes gleaming.
"Uh… did that sound a bit off to anyone else?" Tatsuya asked, catching a strange nuance in her tone.
"Your imagination, I'm sure," Airi said with a coy smile. "No deeper meaning intended."
The stares directed at Tatsuya were intensifying—half jealousy, half admiration. The same went for Airi and her friends: envy from those who wanted to be near Tatsuya, and awe from those captivated by the girls' charm. Airi had deliberately emphasized "join us" to stake a claim, and Tatsuya's unease stemmed from that subtle jab. To escape the prying eyes, the four girls closed in around him, their closeness a bold declaration of their connection to him. Tatsuya, oblivious to the full weight of their intentions, wore a slightly troubled expression, unsure why they were suddenly so clingy.
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