Chapter 4

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Nino opened the door to her room with a trembling hand, pushing it open and closing it with a resounding thud. She stumbled toward her bed, her movements heavy and disheartened.

She had failed. She wasn't sure how or why, but her plan had unraveled completely.

For her, the notion of failure was almost inconceivable. She had been so confident when she whispered those goodbyes in his ear, convinced the pills would work their magic. But the tutor had stayed awake.

How? she thought, collapsing onto the bed and burying her face in the pillow. I was certain the pills would do the trick!

Just the night before, she had taken a smaller dose of the same sleeping pill and slept soundly through the night. It was one of the key factors that had kept her first day at Asahi from being a complete disaster. Without that good night's sleep, she might have ended up slapping the idiot who had dared to ask for her number.

Did she accidentally use too little? She was sure she hadn't. She had carefully measured out the dosage to ensure it would knock the boy out for hours, with no risk of overdose. So how did that Fushiguro guy manage to stay awake and perfectly fine? Nino couldn't grasp it. And honestly, she didn't want to understand—it was easier to just pretend the whole incident hadn't happened.

"Ugh..." she groaned, her voice muffled by the pillow. How pathetic, she thought bitterly. She felt foolish. She had squandered her chance to get rid of their annoying tutor!

The irritation had already been building since they had to switch schools, and now this tutoring situation had only made things worse. Nino couldn't believe their father had so little faith in them. They didn't need a tutor!

Were their grades bad? Yes, she would admit that. But it was something they could fix on their own! The fact that their father had willingly brought an outsider into their lives was infuriating.

And the worst part? The tutor was their age. Her father hadn't considered the implications of hiring a teenage boy who could easily come and go in the presence of five beautiful young women. The idea of a stranger potentially preying on her sisters was distressing...

Nino shifted on the bed, rolling onto her back as she stared vacantly at the ceiling. The day had started poorly, continued badly, and it seemed certain to end on a low note.

Suddenly, Nino's eyes widened as her bedroom door was flung open without warning. She sat up immediately, shooting a frustrated glare at the intruder, who turned out to be the middle sister, Miku.

"Knock first!" Nino snapped, her irritation palpable. "It's the only thing I ask, damn it!"

Miku entered the room with her usual emotionless demeanor, her face betraying no hint of apology as she closed the door behind her. This only deepened Nino's frustration.

"What are you doing here?" Nino demanded, her frown deepening. She then recalled their earlier argument. "Is this about your stupid uniform?" she asked, but Miku remained silent.

Nino, her patience wearing thin, unzipped the top part of her uniform with a rough yank, tossing it towards her sister. "Here!" she exclaimed. "Happy now? Now, get out of my room!"

Miku let the discarded garment hit her face and fall to the floor, unfazed as she continued to approach Nino's bed.

"Didn't you hear me?" Nino's voice was laced with anger. "Get. Out. Of. My. Room!"

"Nino," Miku said for the first time, her voice low and icy. "I need to ask you something, and you must answer me truthfully."

Nino's irritation faltered slightly at her sister's tone, her eyebrow lifting in surprise. "...What do you mean by that?" she muttered, crossing her arms defensively. "Why would I lie?"

Miku didn't respond to the question. Instead, she fixed her sister with a steady, emotionless gaze and bluntly asked, "Did you try to drug the tutor?"

It took Nino a few seconds to process the question, and when she did, her eyes widened in shock. How the hell does she know?

Did she see me putting the sleeping pill in the glass? No… I was sure I was alone! So how did she find out?

Her thoughts churned, but Nino wasn't about to admit anything. "Of course not!" she shot back, her voice defensive and laced with indignation. She glared at Miku, the tension in her voice betraying her unease. "What kind of person do you think I am?"

"I know exactly what kind of person you are," Miku replied sharply. "And it's not the friendly girl I saw downstairs."

Nino's teeth clenched, torn between showing her genuine offense or maintaining her composure. "I was just trying to be nice!" she protested.

Miku clearly didn't believe a word of it. She pressed further, her voice unwavering. "Did you try to drug him?"

"I didn't," Nino insisted vehemently, her frustration mounting. "And you're very brave to come into my room and accuse me of something like that!" she retorted, her anger barely contained.

Miku's eyebrows knitted together in exhaustion, and she took a moment before speaking. "Liar." she murmured, though her voice was intentionally loud enough for Nino to hear.

Nino's face flushed with anger. "What is your problem!?" she snapped, rising from her bed and jabbing a finger towards Miku's chest. "What makes you think I'm lying?"

"I heard the words you whispered to Megumi," Miku replied evenly, causing Nino's eyes to widen at the implication. "You're lucky he didn't seem to understand."

"…Eh…" Nino's composure faltered, and she instinctively leaned back, but her bent legs hit the bed, causing her to fall onto the soft mattress. "It…it doesn't mean anything!" she stammered, but her defense was falling apart.

"Have you ever considered the consequences if he had actually fallen asleep?" Miku's voice was tinged with fatigue. "How would you explain this to our sisters?"

"Sleeping is natural!" Nino says simply, apparently forgetting that she hadn't confessed anything yet. "He was lazy and slept on the job, that's all."

"So you admit you tried to drug him." Miku comments calmly, making Nino swallow hard. "And that it was sleeping pills."

"Uh... I..." Nino fumbled for a defense, but the opportunity had passed. She let out a frustrated sigh, glaring at Miku before scoffing, "Well, congratulations, Sherlock Holmes! You've got the confession. Now what?"

"Now we need to talk," Miku said firmly, sitting down beside Nino on the bed, ignoring her sister's protests. "And you'd better listen."

"I don't want to," Nino replied resolutely, crossing her arms defensively. "Don't try to lecture me. I'm older!"

"This isn't a lecture," Miku retorted, her frown deepening. "It's advice. Now stop complaining."

Nino huffed in irritation, her eyes narrowing, but eventually fell silent.

Miku began, "You do realize this is a criminal offense, right?"

"Is that your great piece of advice?" Nino shot back, her exasperation evident. "Of course, I know! So what? Are you going to arrest me?"

"You mock too much for someone in your position," Miku whispered, her expression darkening. Nino's behavior was clearly testing her patience. "If your plan had succeeded, he could have sued you."

"Whatever!" Nino dismissed her, waving her hand. "It didn't work anyway. Just forget about it."

Miku's incredulity was palpable. "Forget about it?" she repeated, clearly disbelieving. "For you to try it again later? That's not an option."

Nino's anger flared, her face reddening as she clenched her fists. "I won't try again!" she snapped. "Stop making so many assumptions."

Miku's tone softened, though it remained firm. "I just don't want you to get into trouble. Is that so hard to understand?"

Nino hesitated, then shook her head and huffed. "I don't need you to take care of me."

Miku's expression remained steady. "We look out for each other. We're quintuplets."

Nino's lip trembled slightly at that, and she crossed her arms, taking a deep breath. "Ugh... whatever..." she murmured, her voice losing its edge. They lapsed into silence for a few moments before Miku spoke again.

"Will you stop causing trouble?" Miku asked, her tone surprisingly non-accusatory.

Nino glanced at her sister from the corner of her eye before sighing. "I will," she said, then added, "If Dad fires that tutor."

Miku frowned, her disapproval clear. "You know it doesn't work like that. Dad's not going to reverse his decision just because you want him to."

"Well, he should!" Nino shot back, her frustration palpable. "I'm his daughter!"

Miku's expression remained stern, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "That's not how it works," she said firmly, pausing briefly before continuing as she caught the suspicious look from her sister. "Besides, I'm not defending the tutor."

Nino's eyes narrowed, her suspicion deepening. "Why do I feel like you are, though?" she asked.

"I'm not defending anyone," Miku said firmly, her tone resolute. "I just don't want you physically harming someone."

Nino muttered under her breath, "You're overreacting..."

"Just leave him alone," Miku advised. "The situation will resolve itself eventually."

Nino raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in her voice. "What do you mean?"

Miku explained, "Apparently, only Yotsuba accepted him as a tutor."

Nino's eyebrows shot up. "Really? That's great." she said.

"But don't get your hopes up," Miku warned, her voice carrying a note of caution. "Even when he's eventually fired, the tutoring situation might not go away."

Nino's expression fell, her frustration evident once more. "Why not? None of us want a tutor!"

Miku frowned slightly, recognizing that Nino was exaggerating. She herself had reservations about the tutor, but her reasons were entirely different from Nino's.

Her expression darkened momentarily as she wrestled with her thoughts, but she quickly shook off the unease and tried to maintain her composure.

"Not everyone feels that way," Miku corrected. "Itsuki turned him down because she thinks a tutor our age is unsuitable."

Nino scoffed dismissively, then asked, "What about you?"

Miku paused, her eyebrows raising slightly as she considered her response. After a brief moment, she replied simply, "Same reason."

Nino huffed, turning her head away as she muttered, "Ichika?"

"She's too lazy to study," Miku replied flatly.

"And Yotsuba?" Nino asked.

"I already told you," Miku responded. "She accepted him as a tutor. In fact, I think they're studying together right now."

Nino's eyes widened in shock, and she shot Miku an exasperated look. "Alone!? You left that stranger alone with Yotsuba?"

A tired expression settled on Miku's face. "Nino—" she began, but was quickly interrupted.

"Don't 'Nino' me! We need to get down there right now!" Nino exclaimed, turning to leave the room. Miku swiftly stood up and grabbed her arm, holding her back.

"Hey!" Nino protested, glaring back at her sister.

"Stop it," Miku said firmly, clearly worn out. "You're overreacting."

"Overreacting?" Nino echoed, her voice thick with disbelief and frustration. "I'm just concerned about my sister!"

"And this is how you show you care?" Miku asked, frowning. "By being paranoid?"

Nino hesitated, her eyes locking with Miku's. "What do you mean by that?" she asked quietly.

"You know exactly what I mean," Miku replied. "Instead of channeling your concern into these wild accusations, why not use your words?" she suggested. "Or show affection in a more positive way?"

Nino almost scoffed at her sister's suggestion, disbelief evident in her expression. "Words?" she repeated derisively. "Protecting you is far better!"

Miku narrowed her eyes, her grip on Nino's arm tightening. "Don't be stupid," she said sharply. "Do you think words don't matter?"

"Of course not," Nino shot back without hesitation. "Words are something anyone can use!"

"But words can hurt," Miku said through gritted teeth. Nino paused, taken aback by the intensity in her sister's voice. Miku continued, "Or do you think I enjoyed how you mocked me downstairs?"

Nino was silent for a few moments, trying to recall what Miku was referring to. When she remembered, her face twisted slightly. "The cooking thing?" she murmured. "That was just a joke."

Miku's expression remained dark. "You know well enough I don't appreciate being mocked about it," she said sternly. "And don't try to tell me I'm being overly sensitive. I never mock your insecurities."

Nino swallowed hard, momentarily at a loss for words. A pang of guilt tugged at her, but she shrugged off her sister's hand. "Whatever you say," she muttered, turning her gaze away.

Miku stared at Nino for a few seconds, the disappointment evident in her eyes. With a deep sigh, she bent down to pick up her PE uniform from the floor. She straightened up, preparing to leave, and said quietly, "Just think about what I said."

Nino continued to avert her gaze as Miku moved toward the door. Once Miku had exited and the door clicked shut behind her, Nino let out a shaky breath. She turned back to her bed, her thoughts a tangled mess.

Words? She thought, a frown forming on her face. So now we're talking about words? As she rolled onto her stomach, she felt a bittersweet pang, a stark contrast to the earlier tension.

Her expression darkened further as she considered her sister's words. How can you expect me to know exactly what to say? You never open up to us!

"...How stupid," she muttered under her breath, though she couldn't quite convince herself of it.

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Sleep eluded Megumi Fushiguro once again.

Despite his best efforts to drift off into slumber, every attempt seemed futile. He shifted restlessly in bed, constantly adjusting his position, scratching at the persistent itch on his skin, and even attempting to soothe his mind with calming music. Yet, nothing seemed to bring him closer to the world of dreams.

For months now, Megumi had been grappling with insomnia, so the frustration of sleepless nights was hardly new to him. Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation that even after a day as exhausting as today, sleep remained stubbornly out of reach.

Propped up against the headboard, Megumi's eyes roamed around his dimly lit room—a small, sparsely furnished space. The room contained little more than a single bed with a mattress that left much to be desired in terms of comfort, a small corner table with two drawers, and a window set on the opposite side. His wardrobe, the only other significant piece of furniture, held the few clothes he owned.

In essence, the room was starkly minimalist.

Just like you.

He shook his head slightly, trying to push away the relentless inner voice that seemed to whisper incessantly, haunting his thoughts. He glanced around, though he was too weary to move much, and wondered what time it was. He could check the clock in the corner of the room, but the effort felt too burdensome.

So, Megumi remained motionless, his back resting against the headboard as he stared vacantly ahead. The only sound accompanying him was the soft, rhythmic ticking of the clock.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

He wished desperately for some rest, knowing that tomorrow promised to be just as draining as today. The thought of facing another grueling day without the solace of sleep was daunting. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, what day in his life had ever truly felt bearable?

...

School officially began at 8:30 AM, but most students showed up around 7:50 AM to grab breakfast. Megumi, however, arrived at 6:40 AM, driven by the sheer lack of anything better to do.

After yet another restless night, Megumi had decided to disregard the usual schedule and head to school far earlier than necessary. One of the reasons he had returned to this place was to have somewhere to go during his sleepless mornings, after all.

The hallways of Asahi High School were deserted at this early hour, save for the occasional solitary student or staff member. Megumi made his way straight to the schoolyard, a pleasant change from the monotonous gray interior of the building.

The courtyard was... green. A verdant space with trees, patches of grass, benches, and even a fountain. It had a kind of relaxing atmosphere.

Megumi didn't pay much attention to it, though, as he walked around the area. Weary from a lack of sleep, he leaned against the trunk of a tree, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.

Despite the comforting stillness of the morning, he felt himself on the verge of drifting off—ironic, considering he could never manage to sleep soundly at night.

However, a familiar sensation crept up on him, like something—or someone—was sneaking closer. For a moment, he considered adopting a defensive posture, but when he detected a cursed energy signature behind him, Megumi quickly realized it was one of the Nakano sisters.

He couldn't help but wonder why she was at school so early. But judging by the stealthy approach, he figured she was trying to scare him.

Given the playful nature of the approach, it had to be either Ichika or Yotsuba. The other three didn't seem as likely to mess with him.

"Boo!" a voice called out, attempting to startle him, but Megumi remained unfazed. Slowly, he cracked open one eye and glanced sideways at the girl behind him. He spotted a green bow adorning orange hair—Yotsuba.

She stifled a giggle with her hand, clearly amused by her failed attempt. "Guess I should have expected that!" she said, still smiling.

Megumi was silent for a few moments, wondering why she was at school so early. Finally, he broke the silence. "It's not even seven in the morning yet... What are you doing here?"

Yotsuba paused as if contemplating her own early arrival, then shrugged and flashed a mischievous smile. "I could ask you the same thing!" she responded cheerfully.

Megumi regarded her with a neutral expression, acknowledging her point with a small nod. "Fair," he said.

"But if you're really curious," Yotsuba continued, her smile widening, "I came early because I promised to help the janitor with the cleaning!"

Megumi's eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion. The girl had barely started school, and here she was, on only the second day, already volunteering to assist with the staff's tasks.

He was quiet for a few moments, his eyes fixed on Yotsuba. Then, he adjusted his posture slightly and opened his other eye before asking, "Your sisters?"

Yotsuba took a moment to process his question before replying, "They're still at home," she said. "Ebata-san will take them to school!"

Megumi had no idea who Ebata was, but considering the extensive staff Maruo employed to make his daughters' lives easier, it was likely that Ebata was their private driver.

An awkward silence settled between them, more on his part. Megumi remained leaning against the tree trunk, while Yotsuba stood nearby, her face alight with a contented expression as she hummed softly.

Megumi watched Yotsuba as she stood there, seemingly content to remain in his company, despite the conversation lulling. He felt a growing sense of confusion as to why she hadn't left yet. After a few seconds of pondering, he let his gaze linger on her, his curiosity subtly intensifying.

It took Yotsuba a moment to notice his stare. When she did, she met his eyes with a puzzled expression, slowly becoming self-conscious under his scrutiny. "Is there something on my face?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.

Megumi raised an eyebrow slightly before shaking his head. "No," he replied, then elaborated, "You said you were going to help the janitor. What are you still doing here?"

Yotsuba blinked, momentarily taken aback by his words. But gradually, her nervousness gave way to amusement as she realized what he was getting at. "Already did!" she announced with bright cheerfulness, causing Megumi to raise his eyebrows in mild surprise.

Aready? he thought, slightly impressed. So she was here even earlier than I thought...

"...I see," he responded, his tone simple and unenthusiastic, as Yotsuba chuckled at his reaction.

"Shocking, right?" she said with a playful smile. "I bet you didn't expect me to have already done that!"

That's exactly what I implied, Megumi thought to himself, but he chose not to voice it.

"Anyway..." Yotsuba continued after a brief pause, her eyes scanning the courtyard before returning to him. "This school is huge, right?" she asked, hinting at a plan forming in her mind.

Megumi merely nodded, his gaze drifting away from her. Yotsuba's smile widened.

"I got lost a lot in the hallways!" she admitted, leaning in conspiratorially. "Does that ever happen to you?"

Silence. Yotsuba chuckled again, then leaned back, a twinkle of inspiration in her eyes. "I know!" she exclaimed. "Why don't you give me a tour of the school?" she suggested with a grin.

"I'm new here too," Megumi said flatly, hoping that would be enough to dissuade her.

But Yotsuba's grin only widened. "That's even better!" she said. "Let's explore the school together!"

"No," Megumi replied curtly, watching as her shoulders visibly drooped. He probably should have explained, but he wasn't in the mood for more social interaction or unnecessary wandering.

Yet, Yotsuba's dejected look quickly transformed into one of determination. She leaned in again, her enthusiasm undeterred. "Don't be so grumpy, Fushiguro-san! It'll be fun, I promise!"

He honestly doubted it.

Seeing his silence, she decided to push further. "Don't you think it's a good opportunity to get to know the school better?"

Megumi remained unmoved, giving her an unimpressed look. "I'll pass," he said flatly.

"Why's that?" Yotsuba leaned in slightly, trying to sound more persuasive. "Don't you want to learn more about the school? Asahi is huge! There must be so many cool things to see!"

"I just need to know where my classroom is and the nearest bathroom," Megumi responded, his tone as definitive as his tired self could muster.

Yotsuba's face fell into a pout at his complete lack of interest. "Aw, come on, where's the fun in that?" she argued. "With so many cool things to see, you can't pass up the chance!"

Megumi couldn't decide if her cheerful persistence intrigued or irritated him. Leaning towards the latter, he remained silent.

But every silence seemed to fuel Yotsuba's determination. Her face brightened with a new idea. "Do you like sports?" she asked, hopeful.

"No," Megumi replied, deflating her enthusiasm instantly.

"How can someone not like sports?" Yotsuba asked, incredulous. "They're so fun!"

Megumi simply raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Yotsuba was silent for a moment, trying to make sense of it. It was hard for her to believe anyone could dislike sports, but then again, Miku was the same way, so she shouldn't be too surprised.

Sensing that sports wouldn't sway him, Yotsuba quickly tried a new angle. "What about swimming?" she asked. "I know there's a pool here!"

"Swimming is a sport," Megumi said matter-of-factly, causing Yotsuba to pause.

"Is it?" she murmured, genuinely surprised. After a few seconds, her eyebrows rose in recognition. "Oh, you're right! There's swimming in the Olympics, so it can only be a sport!"

Megumi sighed internally, glancing sideways at her. Yotsuba chuckled at her mistake, but still, she wasn't ready to give up.

"Well, what about the clubs?" she suggested, undeterred. "There are so many cool things! I heard about a literature club. Do you like reading?"

Megumi hesitated, tired of the conversation. But he answered honestly, "I do."

Yotsuba's eyes lit up at this small connection. She clapped her hands excitedly. "That's great! Do you plan on joining the literature club?"

"No," Megumi denied briefly, cutting off any possibility of future questions. "I'm not joining any club."

Yotsuba seemed once again caught off guard by his bluntness. Megumi's monotony was surprising her more and more.

Thinking he had finally ended the conversation, Megumi relaxed slightly. But once again, Yotsuba composed herself, giving him another smile. "Well then, why don't we just visit the places?" she asked. "You don't need to engage in anything, just keep me company!"

He raised an eyebrow, not understanding why this was so important to her. "I'll pass," he repeated simply.

Yotsuba sighed, her expression falling momentarily. But, in a pattern now familiar to Megumi, she quickly bounced back. "No literature?" she said with a smile that seemed permanently affixed to her face. "What about music then?" Her voice took on a melodic tone, as if she could draw him in with her enthusiasm. "Everyone likes music! Let's visit the music club!"

Megumi wasn't particularly fond of music, though he listened occasionally. His feelings toward it were too neutral to call it a passion. With that in mind, he responded bluntly, "Don't you have anything better to do?"

Yotsuba didn't seem deterred by his bluntness. If anything, her resolve only strengthened. "I do, but I want to do it with you!" she said with a surprising earnestness.

He couldn't understand her persistence. It was totally alienating that this girl, whom he'd just met, was so determined to keep him around.

...Is this how cheerful people always act? Megumi wondered, his expression softening slightly.

He shook his head to clear away the thought. "And why is that?" he murmured, trying to make sense of her insistence.

"Because it's more fun that way!" Yotsuba explained as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Having fun with someone is better than having fun alone."

Megumi frowned at that. "I'm sure you have other, better options," he said, trying once more to dismiss her.

Yotsuba shook her head vigorously. "Whether you think I have better options or not, you're definitely the one who needs to have some fun the most!" Her voice was firm as she beamed at him. "So, I'll stick with you!"

Megumi paused, momentarily speechless as he absorbed her words. His eyes scanned her face, trying to gauge her true intentions.

But all he saw was honesty and enthusiasm, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

Or rather, he used to know how. A long time ago, when he was always around someone just like her. His breath caught in his throat.

Unfazed by his silence, Yotsuba took it as a sign of hope. "So?" she asked. "Will you keep me company?"

Megumi hesitated for a few seconds, his mind racing. Gradually, his resistance began to crumble. Damn those people who always managed to soften him.

Pushing himself off the trunk, he gave Yotsuba a resigned look and muttered, "Fine."

Yotsuba's face lit up with a radiant smile, which widened even more as her efforts proved successful. She immediately turned toward the school's front door. "Then let's not waste any more time!" she declared, punching the air with enthusiasm. "Let the exploration begin!"

Megumi watched her for a moment before slipping his hands into his pockets and following her.

At least she's determined...

...

"Wow... Look at this place!" Yotsuba exclaimed in amazement as she took in the expansive swimming area of the school. The room was vast and bright, its high ceiling lined with a series of overhead lights that bathed the entire space in a warm glow.

To their left, a massive swimming pool stretched out, its crystal-clear water shimmering under the bright lights. The pool was bordered by pristine white tiles that glistened, and lane markings in vivid blue cut across the surface.

"I've never seen such an incredible place!" Yotsuba exclaimed with a dramatic sigh, her enthusiasm clearly exaggerated. Considering she lived in the Pentagon, it was obvious she was overplaying her excitement.

Megumi, on the other hand, surveyed their surroundings with a weary expression. The space was far too bright for his liking, and the strong scent of chlorine hung heavily in the air, making him feel slightly uneasy.

"I almost feel like going for a swim right now..." Yotsuba whispered as she gazed at the inviting water of the pool, a playful smile spreading across her face. She glanced down at her uniform and then back at Megumi, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I can't get my new uniform wet, can I?" she teased, hoping to catch his attention.

However, Megumi didn't respond. In fact, he didn't even hear her; his mind was elsewhere, his gaze drifting to some indistinct point in the distance. Yotsuba's smile faltered slightly as she noticed his lack of reaction.

"Fushiguro-san?" she called out, realizing that he wasn't paying attention. A small amused huff escaped her before she tried again, this time louder. "Earth to Fushiguro-san!"

He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, and turned to face her, his expression one of mild confusion. "Ah..." Megumi murmured, a bit disoriented. "Did you say something?"

Yotsuba chuckled softly. "I was talking about my new uniform, Fushiguro-kun," she repeated, gesturing to herself. "You noticed the difference, right?" she asked, a hopeful tone creeping into her voice.

Megumi gave her a brief glance before letting his eyes drift down to her uniform. Indeed, it was different from the black and white ensemble she had worn the previous day.

Now, she wore a green skirt paired with a yellow sweater vest, a green bow tie neatly fastened around her collar, and white high socks that completed the look. Besides the usual green bow in her hair.

"Oh..." Megumi murmured in acknowledgment. "Now I see," he said, his tone flat.

Yotsuba pouted slightly at his lackluster response, a small frown tugging at her lips. "You didn't notice before?" she asked, feeling a little dissapointed.

Megumi merely shrugged. He hadn't been paying much attention to people's clothes today. Or any day, for that matter.

Yotsuba attempted to hold a mock-offended expression, but it quickly dissolved into amusement as a chuckle bubbled up. "You have no tact, Fushiguro-san!" she teased, clearly not taking his indifference to heart.

Once again, Megumi remained silent, offering no response. Yotsuba glanced around, her gaze sweeping over the pool before returning to him. "The pool club must be pretty cool, right?" she asked, trying to start a conversation. "Do you know how to swim?"

"...Yes," he replied after a moment, casting a quick glance at the pool before focusing back on Yotsuba.

Yotsuba hummed thoughtfully, placing a hand on her chin. "Well, knowing how to swim can save lives," she said, though her tone hinted at something more. She shrugged and looked around. "I don't think there's much for us to do here, is there?"

Megumi took a moment before responding, "Yes," realizing that staying silent during her attempt at conversation would be rude, even though he wasn't particularly inclined to talk.

"I've been thinking," Yotsuba continued, turning her gaze back to him with a smile. "It might be fun to visit some clubs, right?"

Megumi met her gaze with a blank expression. "I'm not stopping you," he said.

Yotsuba tilted her head, eyes narrowing in thought. "Would you come with me?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of hope.

He didn't really want to, but he had already agreed to accompany her. What harm would it do? "I'm already here, aren't I?" he replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm.

Her face immediately brightened at his words. "Great, Fushiguro-san!" she said, turning on her heels and pointing toward the exit of the pool area. "Let's check out the literature club!"

Yotsuba suggested this club because it's the only activity Megumi has explicitly mentioned enjoying. Her priority is to make him happy.

Megumi frowned as he watched Yotsuba dash across the slick pool area. The wet floor made him uneasy, and he briefly considered warning her to slow down. But seeing her leave the area without incident, he sighed and resigned himself to follow.

As soon as Megumi stepped out of the pool area, he noticed Yotsuba standing still with her back to him. He raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright?" he asked.

Yotsuba slowly turned to face him, a sheepish smile spreading across her face as she awkwardly scratched the back of her neck. "Uh... I don't know where the literature club is," she admitted.

Megumi had anticipated this. She had mentioned before that she often got lost in the hallways.

"Any chance you know where it is?" she asked.

He didn't bother trying to recall the information. There was no point in wasting time on something he was sure he didn't know. "I don't," he replied.

Yotsuba's shoulders sagged slightly in disappointment, and she let out a small sigh. But she quickly shook her head, her determination returning.

"Then let's find it on our own!" she declared. Turning around, she gestured for Megumi to follow. "Come on, we still have an hour!"

It was almost surreal how swiftly she could shift from defeated to determined.

With nothing better to do, Megumi quietly agreed, falling into step behind her as his gaze wandered around the school corridors.

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Nino flipped the pancakes, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Despite her usual enjoyment of cooking, today's task did little to lift her spirits. Her mood had soured upon waking, and even the comfort of making breakfast couldn't distract her from the cloud hanging over her.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. Still an hour until school started. She was already dressed in her uniform: a black cardigan over her school shirt, a green skirt, and butterfly ribbons adorning her hair.

With a sigh that spoke of both frustration and exhaustion, she turned her attention back to the pancakes. She was making fewer than usual since Yotsuba had left home early. The thought of her sister leaving without breakfast made Nino frown slightly, a flicker of concern breaking through her irritation.

"Is it almost ready?" The anxious voice of Itsuki cut through her thoughts, making Nino's frown deepen.

Nino barely concealed her annoyance as she glanced over her shoulder. "Itsuki," she began, her tone flat, "shut up."

Itsuki's eager expression shifted to one of shock and offense. "Hey!" she protested, her cheeks flushing with irritation. "It was just a question!"

"You've asked the same thing three times in two minutes," Nino said curtly, refocusing on the pancakes as she stirred them in the pan. "Stop distracting me."

With a pout, Itsuki backed off, realizing that pushing Nino further wouldn't end well. She turned her attention to Miku, who sat quietly at the table, her expression as unreadable as ever.

"Hey, Miku?" Itsuki ventured, trying to spark a conversation. "What do you think about the new school?"

Miku arched an eyebrow slightly. "I don't know," she replied quietly. "It's only the second day."

"Yeah, but what about the school itself? The building, the classrooms?" Itsuki pressed, hoping for more.

Miku simply shrugged. "It's different from Black Rose." She answered simply, causing Itsuki to sigh in exasperation.

Nino, overhearing the exchange, couldn't resist a sarcastic remark. "Wow, such a deep conversation."

Itsuki grimaced at her sister's comment, shooting her a sideways look. "What do you mean by that?"

"Talking to Miku is like talking to a door," Nino replied, her tone dismissive. "Actually, a door might be more interesting."

Miku's eyes narrowed slightly as she met Nino's gaze. "We talked about being careful with your words, Nino," she reminded her quietly.

Nino scoffed. "You say that, but you barely use any words yourself," she retorted, setting the pan aside and grabbing some plates. "Just look at how you responded to Itsuki."

"Nino!" Itsuki interjected, frustration evident in her voice. "What's wrong with you today?"

"Nothing," Nino replied, brushing off the concern as she plated the pancakes. "I'm just being honest," she said, turning to her sisters with the pancakes in hand.

Miku glanced at Nino as she approached, her fists clenching slightly before she took a deep breath and looked away.

Itsuki looked between her two sisters, then sighed as she focused on the pancakes being placed in front of her. "Be a bit more understanding with Miku," she murmured. "It's just her way."

"Yeah, yeah," Nino muttered, her gaze shifting around the kitchen. "Where's Ichika, anyway?"

"Sleeping," Miku replied quietly, her tone flat as she reached for a fork.

"Of course she is," Nino grumbled, her frown deepening. "As usual."

"Ichika's been waking up later than usual lately..." Itsuki noted, a hint of worry creeping into her voice. "I wonder why?"

"Whatever the reason, she needs to get her act together," Nino replied as she turned to leave the kitchen. "She can't rely on me and Yotsuba to wake her up forever!"

Itsuki and Miku watched in silence as Nino left, the tension in the room thick even after she was gone. They exchanged a glance, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

"... Are you okay?" Itsuki asked softly, cutting into her pancake as she looked at Miku.

Miku hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "I'm used to it," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Itsuki gave her sister a sympathetic look, then sighed, turning her focus back to the pancakes. "... That's just how she is." she murmured, more to herself than to Miku.

But deep down, they both knew it wasn't always like that.

....

Nino entered Ichika's room without knocking, a habit she knew was rude but considered unnecessary since Ichika was still asleep. The moment she stepped inside, a look of disgust crossed her face.

"Ew..." she muttered, wrinkling her nose at the state of the room. Clothes and other items were strewn haphazardly across the floor, and the bed was a tangled mess. "Sometimes I forget how awful this place is..." she mumbled, her frustration evident.

Her gaze soon fell on Ichika, who was buried under a pile of blankets. Without hesitation, Nino flipped on the light switch and made her way to the bed, carefully stepping over the discarded clothes.

Once close enough, Nino narrowed her eyes and reached for the blanket. "Wake up," she commanded, yanking the blanket off Ichika.

Her sister didn't move at first, clearly still lost in sleep. Nino's face tightened when she noticed Ichika was naked, and with an exasperated sigh, she quickly threw the blanket back over her.

"You and your habits..." Nino muttered, her frustration growing as she patted Ichika's shoulder. "Ichika, wake up."

Ichika groaned, shifting slightly and pulling the covers closer. "Not quite..." she murmured, barely conscious.

"Not quite, what?" Nino mumbled, her impatience showing. She began shaking her sister. "Wake up, Ichika!"

Ichika squinted her eyes open and managed a small, playful smile. "Hm... who is it?" she asked, before quipping. "No, wait... by your brutality, I'm guessing it's Nino."

Nino snorted at Ichika's response. "It seems you're awake enough to make jokes, huh?" she said, crossing her arms.

Ichika chuckled, lazily stretching out on the bed with a carefree expression. "So I was right..." she murmured, opening her eyes fully to look at her sister. "Nino."

"Yeah..." Nino scoffed, surveying Ichika's messy room with exasperation. "How can you live like this?" she asked, her tone clearly frustrated.

"Déjà vu..." Ichika whispered with a grin, still drowsy as she sat up. "Well, I'm used to it."

"You shouldn't be," Nino said, narrowing her eyes. "Is this the kind of example you want to set for your little sisters?"

Ichika just grinned, tilting her head at her sister's words. "Oh... shall we get into that?" she asked, amused.

"Isn't being the oldest something you talk about the most?" Nino commented simply. "Act like the oldest." Despite the harshness of her words, there was no real hostility.

Ichika chuckled, bringing a hand to her mouth to stifle another yawn. "You're so bad..." she murmured.

Nino rolled her eyes slightly and turned to leave. "Put on some clothes and get ready for school," she said firmly, then paused. "And I made pancakes," she added over her shoulder.

"Chocolate syrup?" Ichika asked hopefully.

"No chocolate syrup," Nino said, narrowing her eyes. "You know very well that the syrup we used before wasn't good for you. You saw what happened to Yotsuba."

Ichika chuckled, a nostalgic look crossing her face as she recalled the day Yotsuba was hospitalized—because of syrup. "Oh, yeah... I did," she said.

Nino didn't say anything more, just waiting for her sister to start getting ready. Once Ichika began to prepare, Nino felt satisfied and turned to leave. Just as she was about to step out of Ichika's room, a thought struck her, causing her to pause. She remembered Itsuki's words:

Ichika's been waking up later than usual lately...

After some thought, Nino decided she shouldn't delay this conversation any longer. She turned back to Ichika.

"Ichika," she began, her gaze settling on her sister, who was now sitting up with a sleepy but curious look. "Itsuki mentioned you've been waking up later than usual. Is everything okay?"

Ichika blinked, clearly surprised by the question. After a moment, she let her shoulders slump. It was true—she had been waking up later, and it was only a matter of time before her sisters noticed.

But the reason for this wasn't something she was ready to share, at least not yet. So, she decided to act.

"I think it's just the change of schools," she replied casually, offering a smile. "You know, everything happened so suddenly."

Nino raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "The school year just started, and you had the whole summer break to prepare for it," she pointed out. "And this has been going on since before the break."

Ichika's expression faltered slightly at Nino's observation. She felt torn—on one hand, it was nice that her sister was so attentive and concerned. On the other, it was frustrating that it wouldn't be so easy to brush this off.

Trying to deflect, Ichika came up with an excuse. "...I've been having trouble sleeping. It takes me a long time to fall asleep, so I end up waking up late."

Nino scrutinized her for a few moments, trying to gauge the truth behind her words. Seeing no obvious signs of deception, her expression softened.

"How long has this been going on?" she asked, leaning against the door.

"A few weeks," Ichika answered simply.

Nino huffed, narrowing her eyes at her sister. "And you're just telling me now?" she demanded. Ichika offered a sheepish smile, which only made Nino more exasperated. "Seriously... Why can't you guys just talk about what's bothering you?"

"I'm telling you now, aren't I?" Ichika murmured, trying to calm her sister down. "I'm sorry it took so long..."

Nino rolled her eyes, but her expression gradually softened. She bit the inside of her cheek before offering, "I have some sleeping pills... if you need them."

Ichika hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly before she shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."

Nino narrowed her eyes but sighed, accepting Ichika's response. "Well, whatever. If it gets worse, let me know, okay?" she said, casting a last glance at her sister before leaving.

Ichika nodded, offering a small, appreciative smile that fell once Nino was out of view. She sighed heavily, standing up with a weighted feeling, and turned her attention to the clothes scattered on the floor. Kneeling down, she began to pick out something to wear, her mind still troubled.

That was close...

————————————————————————————————————————

They wandered around the school for several minutes, finding nothing but empty, uninspiring classrooms. With each passing moment, Megumi regretted giving in to Yotsuba's persistence.

But the monotony was soon broken when Yotsuba suddenly gasped, catching his attention. Megumi turned to her, puzzled, as she pointed ahead. "Look!" she exclaimed. "It's the gym!"

Megumi followed her gaze and saw a large open door leading to what was unmistakably a gym.

"Finally, something interesting!" Yotsuba said, glancing back at him with a grin while gesturing toward the gym. "Come on, Fushiguro-san! Let's check it out!"

Though his expression grew wearier at the thought, Megumi simply sighed. It wasn't as if he had anything better to do.

He trailed behind the girl, who practically bounced with excitement as she made her way to the gym. It was clear that gyms were right up Yotsuba's alley.

As they entered, Yotsuba's excitement only grew. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of the court. "Wow, look at this place! It's even bigger than the one at Black Rose!"

Megumi scanned the gym with a quick, casual glance. The court was spacious, with freshly painted lines and a pair of basketball hoops. The stands were sizable, indicating the gym could accommodate a decent crowd.

Yotsuba eagerly headed to the center of the court, stomping her feet a few times as if testing the floor's quality. She giggled, clearly delighted. "This floor feels amazing!" she said, her gaze darting around the room before landing on the basketball hoops. "And look at those basketball hoops!" she exclaimed. "They look so professional!"

Megumi glanced around with little interest. To him, it was just another gym, and Yotsuba's enthusiasm seemed a bit foreign.

Yotsuba moved toward the bleachers, running her hands along the metal rails as she admired the gym's features. "This place must be incredible during events..." she said, her voice full of wonder. "I can't wait for my first gym class!"

Her enthusiastic voice echoed off the walls, but Megumi remained indifferent. He focused more on the mundane aspects of the gym than on its potential to entertain.

Suddenly, Yotsuba turned to him, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "What do you think, Fushiguro-san? Isn't it amazing?"

He shrugged slightly, his gaze drifting to a few basketballs lying forgotten in a corner. "It's a gym," he replied. "It has the basics."

Yotsuba's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly shook it off with a soft laugh. "You really don't get excited about much, do you?" she said, playfully. "That's okay. I guess someone has to keep things grounded."

She turned her attention back to the court, stretching her arms wide as if to embrace the entire space. "I love how spacious it is," she said, her voice brightening again. "I could spend hours here practicing or playing!"

Megumi only hummed in response, his gaze distant as he focused on a ball haphazardly tossed onto the floor. His mind drifted back to a specific day in his life, recalling when someone he knew had 'broken the world record' for throwing a ball.

A low sigh escaped his lips as he slid his hands into his pockets.

The sound of a bouncing ball echoed through the gym, catching Yotsuba and Megumi's attention. "Glad to see you both enjoying the gym," a male voice called out.

They turned to see a man approaching, likely the physical education teacher. He was of average height, with a red cap perched atop his gray hair. His green eyes squinted slightly in the sunlight, and his tanned skin suggested long hours spent outdoors. He was dressed in a tank top, athletic shorts, and the same red cap.

The man offered them a warm smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Are you two new to the school?" he asked, holding the basketball in one hand.

Yotsuba returned the smile and nodded. "Yes, we just started here!" she replied. "It's only my second day, but this place... it's amazing!" she added excitedly.

The teacher chuckled at her enthusiasm, then shifted his gaze to Megumi, who remained silent and still. "And what about you, young man?" he asked. "Are you enjoying the school?"

It took Megumi a moment to realize the teacher was addressing him. When he did, he gave a slight nod. "Yeah..." he replied.

Not exactly enjoying: School was noisy and dull. But it wasn't unbearable. It was at least a change from his quiet, monotonous apartment, so it sufficed.

"That's good to hear," the teacher said, nodding in approval. "Are your classmates being welcoming?"

"Oh, they are!" Yotsuba chimed in, her smile growing wider. Even though her classmates hadn't been particularly warm or friendly, she chose to focus on the positives. "The people here are really nice!"

Megumi didn't respond, letting his gaze drift. He didn't pay much attention to his classmates, and they didn't pay much attention to him either. Sure, his looks might draw some glances, but in the end, no one really cared. He was just another face in the crowd.

"Glad to hear that," the teacher said with a nod. After a brief pause, he asked, "May I know your names?"

"Yotsuba Nakano!" she announced enthusiastically, raising her hand in a playful salute.

The teacher nodded with a chuckle, then turned to Megumi. "Fushiguro," Megumi replied simply.

"I see," the teacher said. "Fushiguro-kun and Nakano-san, my name is Tenzo Hashida, and I'm the school's physical education teacher."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hashida-san!" Yotsuba said brightly. "I love physical education, it's my favorite subject!"

Megumi couldn't help but frown slightly. Of course, the one subject he wouldn't be teaching her was Yotsuba's favorite.

Professor Hashida's smile broadened. "Oh, so I assume you like sports?" he asked.

If possible, Yotsuba seemed even more excited now, nodding her head quickly. "Yes! I love sports!" she declared with enthusiasm.

How surprising...

"Do you have a favorite sport?" the teacher inquired further.

Yotsuba paused, placing a hand on her chin, as if the question was the most important one she had ever been asked. After a few seconds, her smile returned, and she looked at the teacher with newfound determination. "I love all sports, but especially basketball and tennis!"

Megumi listened, though he wasn't particularly interested in the conversation. Still, knowing that Yotsuba liked tennis piqued his curiosity slightly. It was one of the few sports he also enjoyed. But in the end, it didn't matter much. He let his gaze wander around the gym, waiting for the conversation to end.

"Oh, basketball?" Hashida repeated with interest before nodding. "That's great. Do you play sports often?"

"I would practice every day if I had the chance!" Yotsuba stated confidently.

The teacher hummed thoughtfully before smiling. "Well, today's your lucky day. There's a spot open on the girls' basketball team, and I wanted to know if you're interested."

Yotsuba's eyes widened with excitement, and her expression brightened even more as she let out an excited squeal. "Really!?" she exclaimed. "Of course I'm interested! I'd love to be part of the team!"

Megumi's gaze returned to Yotsuba at this, and he raised an eyebrow slightly. Was she forgetting about his tutoring sessions? Being on the team could eat into her time, but then again, it wasn't like he was particularly invested in teaching her anyway. At least she'd be having fun, right?

"Very well, that's great," Hashida said. "Just stop by after class to sign the paperwork. You'll start on the reserve team."

"Roger!" Yotsuba beamed, turning to Megumi with shining eyes. "You see, Fushiguro-san? I'm going to be on the basketball team!"

Megumi watched her for a moment, noting how she practically bounced with excitement. "Good for you," he finally said.

He wasn't trying to sound indifferent or dry; it was just that he didn't know what else to say. His words conveyed exactly what he thought—this was a good opportunity for her.

But then, suddenly, her expression fell slightly. Megumi almost thought it was because of his brief response, but she soon looked back at the teacher, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Uh... actually..." Yotsuba muttered, casting a quick glance at Megumi before turning back to the teacher. "I... I probably wouldn't have time." she admitted, her tone now tinged with sadness.

Hashida's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he took a moment to nod. "I see..." he said. "That's unfortunate. We really need a new member."

Megumi couldn't help but feel confused by Yotsuba's sudden change of heart. He assumed it had something to do with his tutoring sessions. Frowning slightly, he was about to speak up when she continued:

"I'm new to this school..." Yotsuba began, nervously scratching her shoulder. "There must be a lot of girls who want a spot on the team, right? They've been here longer." She sighed. "It wouldn't be right to take their place."

Both Megumi and the teacher were taken aback by her reasoning. Megumi's frown deepened. Was that really what she was worried about?

"Actually, there aren't many girls who play basketball here," the teacher explained. "That's precisely why we need new members, especially with the beginning-of-the-year tournament coming up."

Despite the teacher's words, Yotsuba still seemed hesitant. She glanced at Megumi, who met her gaze with a blank expression, before turning back to Hashida.

"But that's not the only issue," she murmured. "I... I have an appointment in the afternoon," she added, resigned.

So, it was his tutoring sessions after all. Megumi sighed inwardly. Couldn't this girl stop thinking about others for just a moment?

The teacher seemed ready to accept that she wouldn't be joining the team, but Megumi decided to step in. "Yotsuba," he said, catching both of their attention. "Don't worry about time. Just do what you enjoy."

Her eyes widened slightly, and her lips parted in surprise as she looked at him. "...Fushiguro-san..." she began. "But... your lessons..."

"It's only two lessons a week," Megumi replied calmly. "I'm sure basketball games and practices don't take up all five days. And even if they do, we can study on the weekend."

The sisters would probably never agree to study on the weekends—or any day, really—but that didn't matter right now. Megumi just wanted this stubborn girl to stop holding herself back and do what she loved.

It was frustrating for him to think he might be the reason someone gave up on something they enjoyed. He had been a burden to others before, and he had no desire to repeat that mistake.

Yotsuba's expression softened as she processed Megumi's words, her initial surprise slowly giving way to a look of relief. "Really?" she asked, as if she couldn't quite believe what he was saying.

Megumi simply nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes," he replied. "Don't worry about the schedule."

A warm smile spread across Yotsuba's face, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Fushiguro-san!" she exclaimed, her usual cheerful demeanor returning as she turned back to the teacher. "Then it's settled! I'll join the team!"

Hashida let out a subtle sigh of relief, a small smile forming on his lips. "Ah, that's great to hear," he said, clearly pleased. "We'll sort everything out. Be sure to come by sometime to pick up your team uniform."

Yotsuba nodded eagerly, a grin lighting up her face. "Alright!" she agreed, before pausing as an idea crossed her mind. She glanced at Megumi briefly, contemplating something, but quickly dismissed the thought, recalling his earlier comment about not liking sports.

However, it seemed the teacher had a similar idea in mind, as he turned to Megumi with a curious look. "And what about you, young man?" he asked, catching Megumi's attention. "Are you interested in any sports, like Nakano-san here?"

"...No," Megumi replied without hesitation. He had no interest in playing sports, even though he had a mild fondness for tennis.

Physically, he would probably excel in any sport, even if he was a bit out of practice. While the technical aspects might be a different story, Megumi was a quick learner and had the potential to become a great athlete if he ever chose to pursue it.

But that wasn't where his interests lay. So, he had no intention of participating in any extracurricular activities at school.

The teacher's shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment, but he nodded in acknowledgment. "Well, that's a shame," he said with a hint of regret. "There was an open spot on the men's volleyball team."

Yotsuba studied Megumi's impassive face for a few moments. She had anticipated that he wouldn't want to play sports, but she still wished he would allow himself to have a little fun.

But in the end, she knew it wasn't her place to push him. If he wasn't interested, she would respect his decision and not try to persuade him otherwise.

The teacher quickly shifted his focus back to Yotsuba. "Anyway, it's great to have you on board," he said, clearly pleased with the outcome.

Yotsuba beamed at him, her determination shining through. "I won't disappoint!" she promised enthusiastically. "You can count on me to give it my best!"

Even though her experience with sports teams at Black Rose wasn't the best, Yotsuba wasn't the type to dwell on the past. She believed in staying positive and pushing forward, no matter what.

Hashida had given her a chance, and she was determined not to let him down—or anyone else, for that matter. No matter how hard it might be, she wouldn't let herself be held back.

"I'm sure you'll do great," Hashida said, his smile returning as he glanced at his watch. "But you should head to your classrooms now; classes are about to start."

Yotsuba nodded, turning to Megumi with a grin. "Time passed quickly, right?" she said, her cheerfulness met with his usual silence. "Well, you heard Hashida-sensei. We can't be late for class!"

She waved a cheery goodbye to the teacher before turning on her heels and marching toward the exit. Megumi watched her for a moment before nodding slightly at the teacher and following her out.

As they walked out of the gym, Yotsuba's mind was already racing with thoughts of joining the basketball team. She could hardly contain her excitement. This time, it will be different! she thought, her smile widening.

But as they walked, her thoughts drifted to Megumi. She glanced back at him, taking in his detached, disinterested expression. Her smile faltered slightly.

...Why always that face? Yotsuba wondered, frowning a little. I've never seen you smile...

And it wasn't just today—it had been this way since they first met.

She slowed her steps slightly as the thought weighed on her. Despite her upbeat nature, Yotsuba couldn't help but feel a bit concerned. She didn't know much about Megumi, and she could tell he was closed off. She wanted him to relax around her, to open up a little. But how could she reach him? How could she repay him?

After a few moments of pondering, she decided to try a different approach. "You said you like reading, right?" Yotsuba asked, thinking that talking about something he liked might be a good start.

Megumi took a moment to register her question before nodding slightly. "Yes," he murmured.

Yotsuba nodded in response, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. It's a start, she thought. But then she realized something—she wasn't much of a reader herself. Sure, she enjoyed some fairy tales, but when it came to books, the reader of the group was Miku.

And Fushiguro-san probably isn't into fairy tales, Yotsuba mused, her confidence waning a bit. She bit her lip, trying to think of something else to say.

But even if she didn't share his interest in reading, Yotsuba was determined to find a way to connect with him. She just had to keep trying.

So, she tried to draw more out of him. "Do you like anything else?" she asked. "Like... um..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to come up with ideas. What could he like? She thought about Ichika and Itsuki and stammered, "Cinema? Or maybe a type of food?"

Megumi took a moment to consider the question. He had never been much into movies, even though Gojo often dragged him to see the wildest films imaginable.

Gojo was overly dramatic, crying during emotional scenes or sad endings—not because he was genuinely moved, but simply to embarrass Megumi. The sight of an adult over 25 sobbing in public next to him was something Gojo seemed to relish.

In horror films, Gojo would exaggerate his reactions, flinging himself at Megumi in mock terror, just to irritate him.

And romance movies? Don't even get him started.

For some reason, Gojo always targeted him with these antics and never tried to provoke Tsumiki.

Each cinema outing felt increasingly bizarre, and Megumi recalled one particularly unsettling trip when Gojo had taken him to see Human Centipede. The memory made him grimace.

Shaking his head, Megumi tried to push the memories aside. As for food... it made no difference to him. Everything was essentially the same.

He simply shrugged in response to Yotsuba. "I have no interest in any of that," he said.

Yotsuba pursed her lips, her eyes showing a hint of frustration, but she wasn't ready to give up. She thought for a moment before trying again. "What about fashion?" she asked. "Do you like fashion?"

She doubted he would be interested, having suggested it only because Nino liked it and it was the only thing she could think of.

"...Not really," Megumi replied flatly. Clothes were all the same to him; all that mattered was that his body was covered.

Yotsuba sighed and shifted her gaze forward. So, he wasn't into sports, cinema, food, or fashion...

Maybe she could find common ground with Miku's interests? They were both stoic and blunt, so there might be something shared there!

But then Yotsuba hesitated, her eyebrows rising as she realized she had no idea what Miku liked. Miku had never shared her tastes openly.

The girl bit her lip, a wave of frustration washing over her. Did she really not know her own sister's preferences?

Megumi noticed her tense shoulders and felt a pang of guilt. Was he causing her distress by being so indifferent?

Maybe he just needed to think harder. Megumi looked up, a contemplative expression forming as he tried to recall his own interests.

Two things came to mind, so he decided to mention the first: "I like writing."

Yotsuba paused, her gaze returning to him. Her dark blue eyes sparkled as she absorbed his words, a smile spreading across her face. "Really? That's such a nice interest!"

Megumi didn't respond. It wasn't a big deal to him, but it was something. Though he didn't write much, he enjoyed practicing calligraphy with Tsumiki and occasionally writing poems—though he found that a bit embarrassing.

It was a good starting point for Yotsuba. Now she had something more to work with. What she would do with this information, she wasn't sure, but it was a beginning.

Her expression became more confident and excited as they continued down the halls, and Megumi felt a small sense of relief. At least he hadn't ruined her good mood.

"Do you write a lot?" Yotsuba asked, hoping to spark some conversation.

"...No," Megumi replied, his tone clearly indicating he wasn't eager to talk.

Yotsuba hummed, not discouraged by his brief and unenthusiastic responses. She saw even a slight improvement as a win. After a moment, she tried again, fishing for more information. "Did you ever have it as a hobby?"

Megumi paused, considering his answer before replying, "Sometimes I practiced my handwriting."

"Ooh..." Yotsuba's smile widened as she looked at him with growing interest. "Do you still do it?" she asked, her attention fully on him even as the hallways grew crowded with students.

"No," he answered curtly. Megumi hadn't felt the urge to write or practice his handwriting in years, nor did he feel any particular interest in it anymore.

Yotsuba nodded, feeling a bit more encouraged. So he likes to write and practice his handwriting, she thought. That was a nice little detail to know.

For now, she decided that was enough. She sensed that he preferred silence, and she would respect that.

While she might not be an expert writer, she certainly knew more about it than just reading books. Her mind was already buzzing with ideas on how to use this bit of information to lift Megumi's spirits in the future. He clearly needed it.

He might not be an open book, but Yotsuba was determined to help him open up, one small step at a time.

...

Megumi sat at his desk, his gaze distant as he absentmindedly arranged his materials. The classroom slowly filled with students, each one finding their seat and settling in.

He placed his notebook on the desk and turned to look out the window. A light sigh escaped him as he rested his hand on his face, the weariness etched into his expression. Though he was used to sleepless nights, the toll they took was undeniable.

Earlier, in the presence of someone as energetic as Yotsuba, it had been easier to push aside his exhaustion, allowing him to momentarily forget it. But now, in the quiet monotony of the classroom, the fatigue returned with a vengeance.

In his peripheral vision, he noticed a familiar figure taking the seat next to him, casting a hesitant glance his way. Itsuki Nakano, unsure of how to approach him, hesitated, struggling to find the courage.

She recalled their brief conversation from the previous day and how understanding Megumi had been. He hadn't seemed angry or frustrated—just indifferent. This led her to believe he didn't harbor any negative feelings toward her.

Despite this, Itsuki couldn't shake the discomfort she felt about facing him now. If she had unintentionally upset him, she knew it was her responsibility to address it.

Summoning her resolve, Itsuki cleared her throat softly to get his attention. Megumi, lost in his own thoughts, didn't respond immediately. Frowning, Itsuki decided to be more direct.

"Fushiguro-kun?" she called gently, her voice barely audible over the low murmur of the classroom. It took a moment, but eventually, Megumi turned his gaze toward her.

Itsuki immediately noticed the exhaustion on Megumi's face and paused, debating whether to comment on it. After a moment, she decided against it and instead focused on what she needed to say.

"Good morning," she greeted politely, waiting for his response. Megumi gave a brief nod, and she took a deep breath, preparing to continue.

"And... um..." Itsuki hesitated, growing a little nervous. "I just wanted to apologize if I came off as rude yesterday. That wasn't my intention."

Megumi looked at her, a slight confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean?" he murmured.

Itsuki hesitated again before speaking. "The way I treated you might have seemed dismissive. I apologize for judging you based on your age," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.

"Oh..." Megumi hummed in acknowledgment, his expression thoughtful. So this was about yesterday. Honestly, he hadn't given it much thought. "Does this mean you'll be joining the next lesson?"

Itsuki's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and she felt a rush of embarrassment at how her words might have been misinterpreted. She needed to be clearer.

"Uh... no," she replied nervously, meeting his gaze. "I won't be participating."

Megumi took a moment, then nodded slightly. "I see," he said before turning his gaze forward.

Itsuki blinked, her brow furrowing as she waited for him to say something more. But he remained silent, much like he had the day before—indifferent and unreadable.

"I'm not finished yet..." she murmured, prompting Megumi to refocus his attention on her. Itsuki straightened up, her tone becoming more formal. "I hope this won't affect our time at school."

Megumi glanced at her briefly before giving a casual nod. "It won't," he said. "I'm not upset."

His response brought Itsuki some relief. She didn't want to have a strained relationship with him. Nodding slightly, she continued.

"As much as I doubt your suitability as a tutor," she began cautiously, trying to express herself without sounding offensive, "I don't hold anything against you. I hope we can become friends."

Megumi paused at the word "friends," casting a sidelong glance at her. Friends? He wasn't sure if he was in a place to form new friendships. He shook his head slightly, muttering a noncommittal "Sure" before turning his gaze back to the window.

Friends... he thought, a bittersweet reflection lingering in his mind.

Megumi rested his hand on his face, his gaze settling on the blackboard. He watched in silence as the teacher entered the classroom and began speaking, his words unremarkable and uninteresting to Megumi.

Taking a deep breath, Megumi rested both elbows on the desk, attempting to appear engaged in the lesson while his mind wandered.

How much longer can he keep up the pretense of being content with this mundane existence?

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Ichika Nakano had only been at the school for a few days, yet she had already become the center of attention in her classroom. Her natural beauty, coupled with her easy-going personality, attracted the gaze of nearly everyone around her—both boys and girls.

Among those captivated by her was Maeda, a tall, tan boy with brown hair slicked back. Standing with his friend, a shorter boy with short black hair, they both quietly admired Ichika from a distance.

"She's so beautiful..." the black-haired boy whispered, unable to take his eyes off her.

Maeda, who usually maintained a tough, bad-boy demeanor, had a dreamy look on his face as he responded. "She is..."

Their gaze followed Ichika as she sat with two other girls, casually chatting and jotting down notes. The girls surrounding Ichika seemed just as taken with her, though their admiration was more focused on her style and appearance.

"Are you going to talk to her, Maeda?" the black-haired boy asked, nudging his friend.

Maeda hesitated, his expression darkening slightly. "I don't know... I don't have the best reputation at school."

"But she's new here," his friend pointed out. "She probably doesn't know about your reputation."

Maeda considered this, a flicker of hope crossing his face. "You're right... She doesn't know anything about me!" But as the words left his mouth, his expression faltered again, this time with a more melancholic tone. "She doesn't know anything about me..."

Understanding what his friend meant, the black-haired boy gave him a sympathetic look. "Oh... yeah, I get it. Maybe you should get to know her better before trying anything."

Maeda nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing with ideas on how to get closer to Ichika. But little did he know, Ichika wasn't interested in romance. Despite her teasing and playful nature, she had bigger dreams she was focused on, and romantic entanglements weren't part of her plan.

Meanwhile, back with the girls, Ichika was growing increasingly uncomfortable with all the attention. Flattery wasn't just coming from the boys—her female classmates were just as captivated.

"What product do you use on your hair?" one of the girls asked, her eyes filled with admiration as she gazed at Ichika's pink locks.

Ichika smiled nervously, reaching up to play with a curl, trying to maintain her composure. "Moisture cream," she replied calmly, even though she felt a bit awkward under the scrutiny.

As she fiddled with her hair, her painted nails caught the other girl's attention. "Wow... and look at that nail polish!" the girl exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "Your nails are so perfect!"

Ichika chuckled quietly, withdrawing her hand and placing it behind her notebook. "It's no big deal..." she mumbled, trying to downplay the attention.

Despite her discomfort, Ichika managed to maintain a polite smile, masking the unease she felt inside. In truth, all she wanted was to be left alone, or at least receive compliments that felt genuine rather than so... empty.

She didn't resent the girls for being curious about the beauty products she used. After all, they were young and growing up in Japan, where beauty held significant importance. Yet, this superficial attention made her feel uneasy, like a doll admired for its appearance rather than a person with depth and substance.

Compliments were always nice, but some seemed hollow, almost insincere. She appreciated praise, of course—who wouldn't? But there was a limit, a line where the flattery felt more like a burden than a blessing.

Ichika was accustomed to this kind of treatment. She wasn't delusional; she knew she was beautiful, and denying it would be absurd. Still, the constant attention often left her feeling uncomfortable. Sometimes, she found herself daydreaming about what it would be like to have someone appreciate her for her inner qualities, for who she truly was beyond her looks.

A sudden throat-clearing snapped Ichika and the girls out of their conversation, drawing their attention to a new arrival. One of the girls gasped in surprise.

"Two Ichika-san's?" she blurted out, eyes wide as she stared at the newcomer—a girl who looked identical to Ichika, though with longer hair and a pair of headphones resting around her neck. Her expression, however, was unreadable.

Ichika's eyes lit up with recognition as she saw who it was. Relief washed over her as she stood, eager to escape the superficial conversation. "That's my twin," Ichika explained with a forced smile, placing her hands on Miku's shoulders. "What brings you here, Miku?"

Miku remained silent for a moment, her gaze shifting from the girls to Ichika. "Class is over," she said simply.

Ichika paused, eyebrows lifting in genuine surprise. "Is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"It's been ten minutes," Miku replied matter-of-factly. "Nino is already tired of waiting for you."

Ichika huffed softly, a genuine smile breaking through her facade. "Of course she is..." she murmured, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Well, I can't keep my little sisters waiting, can I?"

Miku offered no response, and Ichika turned to the two girls with an apologetic smile. "It seems like I have to go now!" she announced, relief evident in her tone. "Bye-bye!"

Before the girls could respond, Ichika grabbed Miku's wrist and swiftly pulled her out of the room, not sparing a glance for the two boys who watched them leave. Once they were a safe distance away, Ichika released Miku, exhaling a sigh of relief.

"Are you okay?" Miku asked, noticing the way her sister's tension seemed to melt away.

Ichika shook her head, a weary smile tugging at her lips. "Just the usual," she replied simply.

"Oh," Miku responded quietly. She understood what Ichika meant.

A contemplative look crossed Ichika's face as she glanced at her sister. "And you?" she asked, her tone softening. "Is it happening to you too?"

Miku hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting away. "Just a few glances," she muttered quietly. "I usually go unnoticed."

Ichika's expression softened with sympathy, and she gently patted Miku on the shoulder. "You have no idea how much I wish I could go unnoticed," she whispered.

Miku merely shrugged, the corners of her mouth barely lifting. She too preferred to stay out of the spotlight, disliking the attention. But there was a bittersweetness in being overlooked—sometimes, it hurt that no one took the time to talk to her.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Miku shifted her focus to Ichika, her gaze narrowing with concern. "Has anyone been bothering you?" she asked, her voice low but serious. "I noticed the way those boys were looking at you earlier."

Ichika hesitated, her eyes growing a bit more distant as she pondered the question. "They haven't tried anything yet," she replied, her tone calm but tinged with unease.

Coming from an all-girls school like Black Rose, the transition to a co-ed environment had been jarring for both of them. The presence of boys brought a new set of discomforts they were still trying to navigate.

A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the sound of their footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. After a few moments, Miku spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have a bad feeling," she admitted, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Ichika's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion. "Did something happen?"

Miku didn't answer immediately, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong—only that a sense of unease had taken root inside her, growing stronger with each passing day.

"... I don't know," she finally confessed, her gaze distant as she looked at Ichika. "Maybe it's all in my head."

Ichika frowned, worry creasing her brow as she studied her sister. "If something is bothering you..." she began, her voice gentle, offering support.

Miku nodded, cutting her off. "I'll let you know," she promised, though the heaviness in her chest lingered.

A tense quiet settled over the hallway, the air feeling heavier than before. Ichika let her eyes wander briefly, scanning their surroundings as if hoping to shake off the strange mood. Then, a memory surfaced, and she tried to lighten the atmosphere. "You mentioned Nino was getting impatient," she recalled, her voice taking on a playful tone. "We'd better not keep her waiting."

Miku nodded again, more slowly this time, and without saying another word, she turned on her heel and started walking toward the school exit. Ichika quickly fell into step beside her, both girls lost in thought, yet choosing to keep those thoughts to themselves for now.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of small, white-furred creatures with glowing red eyes observed them silently from the shadows.

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A/N: September 2nd, today would be my sister's birthday. Her name is Ana. Can you send her a happy birthday in the comments?

Happy Birthday Ana.