Chapter 7

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"There are very few things that a human being cannot achieve," she said with a warm, encouraging smile, her eyes reflecting genuine kindness as she gazed at him. "Especially someone like you, Megumi."

Yet, to Megumi, her words seemed distant and hollow.

With a detached air, he shrugged off her reassurance. "I don't understand what any of you see in me…" he muttered.

Tsumiki, unfazed by his indifference, gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Don't you get it?" she asked softly. "You're strong."

Strong? Megumi frowned, the word feeling strange to him. Was that all it came down to? Strength? The idea seemed ridiculous.

"It's only because I have a powerful technique," he replied, pulling away from her touch. "If it weren't for the Ten Shadows, they'd treat me like anyone else."

The Ten Shadows— the sole reason why so many expectations weighed heavily on him. Words like blessed, lucky, destined were often thrown around, but not because of who he was—only because of the technique he'd inherited.

In truth, he longed to be seen as ordinary. Anyone else wouldn't have to bear the burdens that came with such a gift.

Tsumiki raised an eyebrow, a mix of affection and amusement playing on her face as she looked at her younger brother. "Ten Shadows?" she repeated, as if the term were foreign to her. "Who said anything about jujutsu, Megumi?"

He blinked, clearly confused. "You said I'm strong," he murmured, trying to make sense of her words.

Tsumiki's soft laughter filled the room, her smile growing as she held his gaze. Her eyes sparkled warmly. "I wasn't talking about your jujutsu," she said gently. "I meant the strength you show every day. It's not about power or techniques. It's about who you are, Megumi. The way you act and the way you help others. That's the true strength!"

Megumi's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and it took him a moment to process her words before he grimaced. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his confusion evident.

Tsumiki's grin remained as she playfully nuzzled his arm. "I'm not referring to your power but to how you wield it!" she said with a hint of amusement, making Megumi's eyes widen in slight astonishment.

"…What?" he muttered, his confusion deepening.

Tsumiki's expression softened, her gaze filled with affection. "What do you think someone evil would do if they had your power?" she whispered.

The thought of someone wicked possessing the Ten Shadows made Megumi instinctively knit his brows.

"…Bad things." he replied without hesitation.

"And why do you think that is?" Tsumiki asked, tilting her head slightly.

Though unsure where this was going, Megumi decided to answer. "Because they'd find it entertaining." he said simply. "Bad people are bad because they like being bad."

"Not quite," Tsumiki corrected, causing Megumi to feel lost once again. Noticing his confusion, she gently explained. "Bad people are bad because they're weak, Megumi." she said, her tone carrying the wisdom only an older sister like her could possess.

"Huh?" he muttered, now even more perplexed.

Tsumiki's expression softened further as she spoke with understanding. "You heard me. They're weak because their actions come from their insecurities and desires. They use power to control or hurt others because they're too afraid to face their own weaknesses."

Megumi furrowed his brow, struggling to grasp her point. "And what does that have to do with me?" he asked, still trying to connect the dots.

Tsumiki smiled softly, reaching out to ruffle his spiky hair with warmth. "Have you ever hurt anyone with your power?" she asked gently.

Megumi paused to think, then muttered nonchalantly, "Some bullies, yeah."

He hadn't used the Ten Shadows on them, of course, but his sorcerer-enhanced strength had done the job, so it sort of counted.

Tsumiki frowned for a moment, processing his answer, before letting out an exaggerated huff and giving him a light smack on the head. "What did we say about that?"

Megumi grimaced at the light tap. It wasn't painful, just unpleasant. "I was being honest…" he mumbled.

Her stern look lingered briefly before it softened into a chuckle. She returned to ruffling his hair. "I know you were, and I know you did it in self-defense," she said, her tone playful again. "But I wasn't asking about bullies. Have you ever hurt someone innocent with your power?"

Megumi's reply was instant. "No."

The smile that followed was gentle and warm as Tsumiki moved her hand to his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "And do you know why?"

"Because I have morals?" he guessed.

"That's part of it," Tsumiki replied with a nod. "But those morals come from your true strength, Megumi!"

Megumi looked at her, eyebrows raised, waiting for her to elaborate, and she soon did.

"You are strong because you have the willpower to control your actions and not let your power dictate them," Tsumiki explained, her expression warm and knowing. "I'm sure that with your abilities, you could do anything you wanted. Maybe not within jujutsu society, but definitely in everyday life."

He couldn't deny her logic. He could easily dominate his entire school if he chose to, but the thought never even crossed his mind.

"If you were evil and used your power to hurt others, to instill fear and manipulate people, you would be weak," Tsumiki continued. "Not in a physical sense, of course. But true strength comes from within, and it's that inner strength that guides your actions. If your actions are driven by selfish desires, then your strength is ultimately weak."

He began to grasp her point. If he wielded his powers for evil, he would indeed be weak—and a bad person. The logic made sense.

"But you don't do any of that, do you?" Tsumiki asked rhetorically, pride evident on her face. "Quite the opposite. You use your power to help others!"

Her gaze was so warm that Megumi felt a small smile tug at his lips.

"You save, you care, and you protect," she said, each word sweetly falling from her lips. "That's what makes you strong, Megumi. Not just raw power, but willpower."

As he absorbed her words, Megumi found himself agreeing. Slowly, he nodded. "I... get it."

Tsumiki's smile widened even more. "So, do you understand now why there are very few things you can't achieve?" she asked.

"...Because I'm strong?"

She nodded slightly. "Yes. Good people, strong people, they can do anything, Megumi. And you..." Her voice softened to a loving whisper as she poked his forehead lightly. "You are a strong person."

It made sense—complete sense.

Strong willpower → strong morals → good actions → good person → strong person.

Weak willpower → weak morals → bad actions → bad person → weak person.

Yes, Tsumiki was right. She had always been wise beyond her years.

Good people are strong because they stand firm in their convictions, while bad people are weak, swayed by their own flaws.

Years passed, and Megumi grew up believing this truth, taking his sister's words to heart. He witnessed how steadfast good people remained in their ideals while those who were corrupt fell short.

Yuji had believed it was his duty to sacrifice his own life for the greater good. He didn't weaken or falter, even when faced with overwhelming challenges. In the end, he died with a smile, a sense of fulfillment in his heart.

After all, Yuji was a good person.

Megumi believed it was his duty to protect those he deemed good and to eliminate those he considered a threat. He understood he wasn't a hero, but he didn't need to be a villain either. He would go to great lengths to protect those who deserved it.

At least, that was his belief.

But in the end, he had failed.

His willpower, the very thing that made him strong, had weakened. He had given up while others persevered for him, hiding away, overwhelmed by fear and sadness. People had died because of him. People he never believed deserved such a fate.

And his power, in the end, was used for evil. While he hadn't directly caused it, it still happened. The very thing he swore to use for protection was instead wielded to take away. His blessing had become a curse.

All because Megumi had failed. All because his willpower was broken.

Tsumiki's words now served only as reminders of his failures. He struggled to reconcile the idea that he had lost his way. His past failures and the deep-seated guilt that followed had distorted his perception of his own strength.

He had once believed that true strength lay in using one's power to help others, as Tsumiki had so eloquently stated. But now, that concept felt almost alien, overshadowed by his sense of inadequacy and the pain of those he could not protect.

In the end, he had become the very embodiment of what he had once despised:

A bad person.

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Megumi slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the monotonous, unchanging view of his room's ceiling. He wasn't truly asleep; it had been some time since he last drifted off. He had merely kept his eyes closed in the hopes of finding a semblance of rest.

His gaze shifted lazily to the clock on the wall, which read 6:35 in the morning. He had roughly two hours before school started, and the thought of attending filled him with a deep reluctance.

He acknowledged that returning to school had been his own decision, yet by the third day, he already felt drained. The previous day's social interactions had sapped his energy reserves to the point of exhaustion. All he wanted was to sleep, but sleep never came.

He was aware that skipping school wouldn't provide him with the rest he craved, and he recognized that it was likely another sign of his weakening resolve. Nonetheless, Megumi resolved to stay home today. Just like that.

And that was perfectly fine. After all, no one seemed to care. There was no one waiting for him at school, and no one at home to reprimand him for shirking his responsibilities.

In the end, Megumi was alone, and perhaps that was simply how it was meant to be.

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Itsuki navigated the bustling school hallways, her gaze fixed firmly ahead. She couldn't afford to be late for class, with only a few minutes left before it started.

Beside her, Yotsuba was as animated as ever.

"I'm going to sign up for the basketball team after school today!" she announced cheerfully, adjusting the green bow perched atop her head as she tried to grab Itsuki's attention. "I can hardly believe it! It's going to be so cool!"

Itsuki offered a brief nod, her focus elsewhere as she lightly tugged on the strap of her bag. "That's great, Yotsuba," she replied, making an effort to acknowledge her sister, though her mind was preoccupied.

Yotsuba continued, resting her hand thoughtfully on her chin. "I'm thinking about trying out for some other teams too. What do you think I should go for?"

"I'm not sure," Itsuki replied hastily as they turned down another hallway, careful not to bump into any students. "What do you enjoy?"

"Oh, I really like tennis!" Yotsuba said, catching up to her sister's brisk pace. "And I also love volleyball! But I can't join too many teams..." Her smile faltered slightly as she frowned. "It might interfere with Fushiguro-san's classes..."

Still focused on getting to her classroom, Itsuki didn't immediately respond. She glanced at her watch, noting that classes would start in just three minutes.

"Speaking of him, have you seen Fushiguro-san around?" Yotsuba asked suddenly, her eyes scanning the hallway briefly. "I didn't see him at school today."

"I haven't seen him either," Itsuki replied absently. "He might already be in class."

"Oh, right." Yotsuba clasped her hands behind her back. "Do you know which classroom he's in?" she asked eagerly.

"Same as mine," Itsuki responded briefly, and Yotsuba's face lit up with excitement.

"Oh, so you're classmates!" she exclaimed. "That's really cool! I wish I could be in a class with one of you..." Her voice trailed off wistfully.

"Maybe next year," Itsuki suggested as she turned down the final corridor, spotting the door to her classroom in the distance. She let out a sigh of relief, glad to be almost there.

Yotsuba followed her for a few more steps before suddenly halting, her face showing a realization that she needed to get to her own class soon.

Frowning slightly, Yotsuba shook her head before calling out to her sister one last time. "I've got to go now, Itsuki!" she said, waving. "Say hi to Fushiguro-san for me!"

Itsuki nodded in acknowledgment, offering a brief glance at her sister before opening the classroom door. As she stepped inside, she noted that the room was nearly full of students.

Making her way to her seat, Itsuki focused on tuning out the hum of her classmates' conversations. She settled into her chair and placed her backpack on the table, methodically unpacking her materials. Notebooks, textbooks, and her pencil case were arranged with practiced efficiency. She mentally prepared herself for a full day of note-taking, knowing it was crucial to keep up with the lessons.

As she organized her belongings, she recalled Yotsuba's request to greet Megumi for her. She cast a quick glance towards the seat next to her, where Megumi usually sat.

To her surprise, the seat was empty.

Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion as she turned her full attention to the vacant spot. She hadn't anticipated that Megumi would be absent on just the third day of school.

Could he be running late? It wasn't technically late yet, with the class still two minutes away from starting, but Megumi had always been punctual, arriving well before the bell rang in the previous days.

Itsuki's frown deepened as she considered the empty chair. Maybe he was sick? A slight pang of concern tugged at her. Despite his aloof demeanor, which kind of creeped her out, Megumi was the only person in the classroom with whom she had meaningful interaction. While she had brief exchanges with her classmates, Megumi was the only one who had taken the time to engage her in conversation.

A day without him would likely mean a day devoid of dialogue, however short those exchanges usually were. She was acutely aware of the sidelong glances from her peers, but no one seemed willing to approach her or initiate a friendship. Yet, she reminded herself that her primary purpose at school was not socializing but studying and working toward her goals.

Determined to focus, she shifted her attention back to her desk. Opening her notebook, she retrieved a pen and adopted a serious expression. The bell rang, signaling the start of classes and cutting off the din of conversations around her. Itsuki took a deep breath, readying herself for another day of academic pursuit.

Even without a tutor, she thought resolutely as she watched the teacher enter the room, I will find a way to improve my grades. One way or another, she would achieve her goals.

Itsuki tightened her grip on the pen, closing her eyes momentarily as she steeled herself. When she opened them, her face was set in a determined expression, ready to tackle the day ahead.

"Good morning, students." the teacher announced as he walked to his desk and began arranging materials. After providing some brief information, the class commenced.

Itsuki was acutely aware of how far behind she might be compared to her peers. Despite her best efforts to keep up with the lesson, she still encountered several problems, the material often too difficult for her.

As the class progressed, she diligently wrote down everything the teacher deemed important, determined to review each note at home until she caught up. Her plan included supplementing her learning with online resources, like YouTube tutorials, to bridge the gap created by her absence.

However, yesterday had been proof that learning alone wasn't as straightforward as she'd hoped. The stress of studying in isolation had overwhelmed her, prompting her to seek fresh air for a moment of clarity.

She knew that having a tutor would be ideal, providing the guidance she desperately needed. But, unfortunately, that option was no longer available due to her father's decision.

This is why I need to push myself even more, she thought, her focus narrowing as she scribbled down the information the teacher was writing on the board. She could not afford to let her studies falter again, or she would risk reliving the struggles she faced at Black Rose.

Taking a brief pause, she closed her eyes again, allowing her expression to soften as a personal promise took shape. And that can't happen... because I have a goal.

Her eyes snapped open, burning with renewed resolve. For you, Mom, she vowed silently, For you...

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Yotsuba made her way to her classroom, her steps light and bouncy, a small smile playing on her lips. She eagerly anticipated joining the basketball team after school, the excitement of starting something new making her practically float through the hallways.

As she hummed a cheerful tune, her thoughts drifted, causing her to lose focus on her surroundings. She accidentally bumped her shoulder against something solid, jolting her back slightly. Blinking in surprise, she quickly turned to see what she had collided with.

Her eyes widened at the sight of a girl about her age. The girl had waist-length black hair, pale skin, and brown eyes, and she leaned back slightly from the impact, her expression wide with shock.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Yotsuba exclaimed, immediately noticing the startled look on the other girl's face. She quickly scanned the area around them, relieved to see that nothing had fallen. Despite this, Yotsuba felt a pang of guilt and looked up with a remorseful expression. "Are you hurt?"

The girl in front of her slowly shifted from shock to irritation. "Ugh… don't you watch where you're going?" she snapped sharply, making Yotsuba's heart sink as she swallowed hard.

"I-I'm sorry!" Yotsuba stammered, bowing slightly to show her sincerity. "I was just… lost in thought! I didn't mean to—"

The girl scoffed, narrowing her eyes as she looked down at Yotsuba with evident disdain, which soon shifted to a cool realization. "You're new here, right?" she asked dryly.

Yotsuba nodded vigorously, her nerves jangling under the girl's piercing gaze. This only prompted another scoff. "You come from Black Rose, right? I remember some girls with your face in that tacky uniform a few days ago," she remarked dismissively.

The harsh words stung Yotsuba, and although she tried to maintain her composure, the girl's taunting made her feel increasingly disheartened.

"I'm really sorry again…" Yotsuba repeated, but the girl's disdain only deepened.

"You apologize too much," she snapped. "It's like a broken record. How pathetic…"

Yotsuba's heart sank with each cut of the girl's words, making her feel more out of place and unwanted. She shifted uncomfortably as the girl continued.

"And what's your name again? Nakano?" the girl sneered. "Yeah, Nakano. Your family is the talk of the school."

Yotsuba hesitated, unsure how to respond to the pointed remarks. She thought about apologizing again but, remembering the girl's previous words, decided to remain silent.

"You must think you're on top of the world, right?" the girl continued, leaning in with a condescending tone. "Snobby brats… always getting everything you want…"

Yotsuba involuntarily stepped back, her anxiety growing as she searched for an escape. The corridor was nearly empty, with only a minute left before classes started, and no one seemed to notice the confrontation.

The girl moved closer, her expression darkening as she pointed threateningly at her own chest. "But I must tell you that you're just a spoiled girl…" she hissed, her finger nearly touching Yotsuba. "And here at Asahi, you—"

"Hands off."

The harsh voice came from behind, cutting off the girl's tirade. Yotsuba looked up, relief washing over her as she recognized the tone and saw her sister standing there, arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"Nino!" she exclaimed, her smile returning despite the tension. But Nino's focus was solely on the other girl, her frown deepening.

The girl turned to Nino, her expression shifting from confusion to recognition. "Ah… another one of you." she muttered, glancing briefly at Yotsuba before looking back.

But Nino's patience was thin, especially given one specific detail. "Are you deaf?" she hissed, stepping forward and grabbing the girl's forearm. The girl's eyes widened in surprise as she was forcefully pulled away from Yotsuba. "Don't you touch my sister!"

The girl stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance from the unexpected force. She glared at Nino, regaining her footing with a scowl. "What's your problem!?"

"My problem?" Nino placed herself firmly between Yotsuba and the girl, her anger evident. "What's your problem?" she shot back. "I don't know what Yotsuba did, but you have no right to touch her, you bitch!"

The girl's face flushed a deep red as her anger peaked at the insult. "What did you just call me!?" she demanded.

"A bitch," Nino repeated firmly, stepping closer. "Do you hear me now, bitch?" she emphasized, her tone icy. "Or should I repeat?"

Yotsuba felt a mix of admiration for her sister's courage and embarrassment at the harsh words used. It was a little uncomfortable…

The girl looked furious, her fists clenched tightly as she trembled. "You… you…" she stammered, her anger causing her speech to falter.

"Me, what?" Nino demanded, her voice sharp as a knife as she stepped forward. "Do you have the nerve to answer me back?"

The girl fell silent, perhaps hesitating or simply too angry to speak. But whatever the reason, satisfaction flooded Nino's chest.

"If you have nothing to say, get out of here." Nino gestured for her to leave, then added, "And don't you come near my sister ever again."

The girl, her face twisted in fury, remained silent for a moment, clearly caught off guard. She glared at Yotsuba one last time before turning on her heel and storming away. "Ugh!" she groaned as she left.

Nino watched her go with a mix of satisfaction and lingering irritation before turning her attention back to Yotsuba, whose eyes were still wide from the encounter.

"Are you okay?" Nino asked, her voice softening as she approached her sister.

Yotsuba took a moment to process the question, her relief transforming into a broad, grateful smile. "Yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Nino in a tight hug. "Thank you so much, Nino! You're so cool!"

Nino huffed in mild discomfort but awkwardly returned the embrace, patting Yotsuba on the back. "You're welcome…" she muttered before frowning. "But what did you do to provoke that?"

Yotsuba pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Uh… I bumped into her." she admitted, her voice sheepish.

Nino rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "Of course you did, you clumsy idiot…" Her tone was more exasperated than genuinely angry.

Yotsuba's face reddened further, and she rubbed her elbow awkwardly. Nino sighed, shaking her head before speaking in a softer tone. "Pay more attention next time. I won't always be around to get your ass out of trouble."

Yotsuba's relief and gratitude were evident as she looked at Nino with a soft smile. "I will, I promise," she said earnestly, her heart still racing but feeling more at ease now. "I really appreciate you standing up for me… I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Nino waved her hand dismissively. "You never cause trouble." she said simply, causing Yotsuba's eyes to widen in surprise. Realizing she might have been a bit too soft, Nino quickly added, "I mean, you do… a lot."

Yotsuba's shoulders drooped slightly at the correction, but she managed a small, amused smile. Nino's expression softened again, and she said, "But your problems are mine to fix too, right?" Her voice turned gentler. "After all, we are sisters."

Yotsuba's face lit up again, and she couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Yeah… we are!" she replied with a bright smile.

Nino returned the smile briefly before mumbling, "But try not to cause so much trouble anymore. I really don't want to keep fixing things."

Yotsuba chuckled sheepishly at that. "I can't promise anything." she said.

Nino huffed, her expression warm. Before they could say anything else, the bell for class rang. Nino lifted her head momentarily before looking down at Yotsuba again.

"Well, let's get to class," she said, giving Yotsuba a pat on the shoulder, then instructing seriously, "And be more careful."

"Will do!" Yotsuba called out, giving a playful salute before heading toward her classroom.

Nino watched her sister go, her expression a mix of concern and affection. "And let me know if that girl bothers you again, okay?" she called after her.

Yotsuba giggled and gave a quick nod. "Roger!" she replied with a cheerful smile.

With that, the sisters parted ways, each heading toward their respective classrooms.

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Miku walked to her classroom in silence, her expression distant and contemplative. The constant hum of chatter in the hallways surrounded her, creating a backdrop of noise that grew increasingly irritating.

To escape the cacophony, she had plugged in her headphones, hoping they would create a barrier between her and the bustling activity around her. But the reminder that headphones weren't allowed soon came as the coordinator spotted her and ordered her to remove them.

With a resigned sigh, Miku reluctantly took off the headphones. However, once she was out of the coordinator's sight, she slipped them back around her neck, unwilling to part with them entirely. They provided a semblance of comfort in a world that often felt overwhelming.

Upon reaching the classroom, Miku opened the door and entered quietly, her gaze fixed on the floor. She made her way to her desk and took her seat without much thought.

As usual, her entrance went unnoticed. No one greeted her or attempted to strike up a conversation, which was perfectly fine with Miku; she preferred the stillness and solitude. Despite her undeniable beauty, she often remained in the background.

Unlike Ichika and Nino, who drew attention with their fashion sense, Yotsuba with her energy, and Itsuki with her cuteness, Miku felt... dull. Her shyness made her reluctant to engage, especially with those she didn't know well.

Social interactions were challenging for her. She had never been adept at making friends and found most exchanges difficult, particularly when it came to the universal rule of sharing likes.

Miku had no intention of sharing her tastes at all.

Whatever the case, she busied herself with organizing her materials in silence, preparing for the class that was about to begin. It was Wednesday, and she recalled that the first two periods were history, her favorite subject. That was somewhat pleasant.

Even though she was familiar with much of the content and found some of it less engaging, she looked forward to history more than other subjects she struggled with. The teacher's explanations, even if repetitive, were still preferable to the difficulties she faced in other classes.

Yet, as she thought about history, her mind drifted back to the previous day when Megumi, the tutor, had posed a question that resonated with her.

"Who was the greatest shogun in Japan?"

The memory made her breath catch slightly, and her grip on her pen tightened. She knew the answer: Tokugawa Ieyasu. She had been poised to answer but held back, paralyzed by embarrassment. Despite her extensive knowledge of Japanese history, she was reluctant to reveal it, even to her sisters.

It seemed silly, even to her. She felt it was better to keep her interests to herself rather than risk being judged. Her stoic demeanor often masked the pain that came from such judgments.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and within moments, the teacher entered the room.

Sighing softly, Miku's expression softened as she tried to focus. Melancholy thoughts wouldn't help her now. She resolved to remain silent and attentive as the lesson unfolded, knowing that her only option was to make the most of the class time. After all, what else was there for her to do?

Miku waited and waited, the seconds dragging painfully as the clock seemed to tick slower than usual. Despite her love for history, her mind wandered aimlessly, unable to latch onto anything the teacher was saying. Maybe that was part of why her grades were poor. But it didn't really matter to her; tutoring could always fix things, right?

Inevitably, her thoughts drifted back to the idea of tutoring. She still couldn't fully grasp why her father had decided to hire a teenage boy to teach them, and honestly, she didn't care enough to figure it out.

Miku didn't know much about Megumi, only what she had observed during the brief time he had been around. He was quiet and stoic, traits she recognized in herself. But that left her uncertain about how to feel. She thought of herself as odd, so by that logic, she should think the same of him. Yet, she didn't. She held no strong opinion of him at all.

She remembered the first time they met when she had rashly accused Megumi of stealing, a baseless judgment that had left her embarrassed. To her relief, he hadn't seemed to hold it against her, and for that, she was grateful. But now, she found herself at a loss about how to approach him. Did she even need to? He was just one person in a sea of others—someone with pretty eyelashes and a detached demeanor, nothing more.

Yet, despite his reserved nature, something felt off. Not about him specifically, but about everything. Miku couldn't pinpoint it, but the feeling gnawed at her, growing stronger with each passing day. She had even mentioned it to Ichika the day before, though she struggled to articulate what it was that troubled her.

It wasn't fear, nothing like the cautious apprehension Itsuki exhibited. This sensation ran deeper—a nagging sense that something was going to happen, and it seemed to intensify with Megumi's presence. She didn't know if it was directly related to him, but the timing felt too coincidental to ignore.

Resting her face on her hand, Miku let her gaze drift out of focus, her thoughts becoming more distant. Where did this feeling come from? And how long would it last? She didn't have the answers, but the unease lingered, like a shadow she couldn't shake.

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Ichika methodically placed her belongings on the desk, but her mind was elsewhere. Beside her, a girl—Asaki Ueno, or something like that—chatted incessantly. Ichika barely registered the words, offering an occasional nod, a half-hearted effort to appear engaged, though her attention was far from the conversation.

Despite a solid night's sleep, a familiar drowsiness clung to her. It was almost amusing—no matter how much rest she got, it never seemed to be enough. It wasn't fatigue from overwork; it was just the way she was. Naturally lazy.

Lately, she'd even been exceeding her usual sleeping quota. But who could blame her? She needed all the energy she could muster to keep up with the routine she'd set for herself.

"Did you put on blush today?" Ueno asked, tilting her head as she scrutinized Ichika's cheeks. "You look so rosy!"

"Just a little," Ichika replied out of politeness, though her interest in the topic of beauty was nonexistent at the moment.

"Oh... you look beautiful!" Ueno added, her tone sincere. Ichika gave her a tight smile—more out of courtesy than agreement. As her classmate's attention shifted to the front of the room, Ichika relaxed, sinking deeper into her chair.

"Japanese class is next, right?" Ueno asked, frowning slightly. "I don't get why we have to study our own language!"

Ichika didn't bother responding, adjusting herself in her seat and letting her gaze drift across the classroom. A sea of faces, most of them absorbed in their own worlds, blurred before her—until her eyes settled on one. A boy with tan skin and brown hair was watching her. Maeda, if she recalled correctly, though his full name escaped her.

She'd noticed him staring a bit too often since she started at this school. Perhaps it was her imagination, or maybe it was just something that came naturally—she was aware of her own attractiveness, and people were drawn to beauty. But there was something unnerving about how frequently she caught his gaze.

The moment he realized he'd been seen, Maeda quickly averted his eyes, pretending to be engrossed in a conversation with a friend, clearly trying to cover up his earlier staring.

Ichika sighed, her gaze drifting elsewhere as she propped her chin in her hand. In moments like these, she couldn't help but wish she were back home. Sleeping or something like that.

She chose not to bring up the incident, but Ueno, noticing where Ichika had been looking, decided to speak.

"Ugh... did you see that guy?" she whispered, scrunching up her face in distaste as she shot a glance toward Maeda. "Total delinquent!"

A delinquent? Ichika mused, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She couldn't help but think of Nino, who had a thing for bad boys. Still, something told her that Maeda wasn't exactly her sister's type.

"He gets into fights all the time," Ueno went on, her voice laced with disdain. "He was suspended for a whole month once. Apparently, he broke some kid's nose!"

Ichika's interest piqued slightly. She shifted her attention a little more toward Ueno, her curiosity now engaged. "Really?" she murmured.

"Yeah, total punk!" Ueno confirmed with an emphatic nod.

"...Do you know why?" Ichika asked, doubting that someone would break a nose without a reason.

Ueno hesitated for a moment, pursing her lips as she tried to recall the details. After a pause, she nodded again. "Yes. It was a freshman. He accidentally spilled juice on Maeda's shirt during recess, and Maeda freaked out, punching him in the face!"

Definitely not Nino's type, Ichika thought with a frown. Nino might have a soft spot for bad boys, but only the ones with a good heart beneath the rough edges. Maeda sounded more like a bully than anything else.

Ichika sighed softly, her gaze returning to her desk. "That's... quite a situation." she murmured, her voice trailing off, unsure of what else to say.

Ueno nodded, resting her elbows on the desk before leaning in conspiratorially. "And I don't know if you've noticed, Ichika-san, but he's been staring at you a lot lately," she whispered, confirming what Ichika had already suspected.

So it wasn't just in her head.

Ichika remained outwardly composed, though she felt a small twinge of discomfort at the confirmation. She shrugged slightly, hoping to steer the conversation away from herself. "People stare. It happens."

Ueno hesitated for a moment before leaning back in her chair. "I guess... but he's not exactly the kind of guy I'd want staring at me," she muttered. "And if you want my advice, stay away from him," she added firmly. "He's nothing but trouble!"

Ichika knew better than to judge people solely based on rumors and appearances. Often, there was more to someone than met the eye. Still, she wasn't particularly inclined to get to know Maeda, even if there was more to his story.

"I'll keep that in mind." she replied noncommittally, her tone neutral. With that, the conversation naturally faded, their words hanging in the air before silence settled between them.

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

Itsuki couldn't suppress the frustration welling up inside her. She knew that struggling with the material was inevitable, but that knowledge did little to alleviate the disappointment she felt as the teacher's words flew over her head.

Her brow furrowed deeply as she scrawled notes in her notebook, but the effort was beginning to wear on her. Her motivation, which had already been dwindling, was now hanging by a thread. This was becoming unbearably exhausting.

She had promised herself she would jot down everything the teachers said, and for the first two days, she had managed to keep that vow. But now, her fingers throbbed with every stroke of the pen, and despite her efforts, the content remained as elusive as ever.

With a heavy sigh, she scanned the pages filled with her cramped handwriting, her expression growing more despondent. The words blurred together, forming a meaningless jumble. She had no real grasp of what was written there.

The rational part of her knew she should go over these notes at home, to study them thoroughly and try to make sense of it all. She had attempted this the last two nights, only to find herself trapped in a futile cycle of confusion. It was like trying to navigate a maze with no exit.

Don't let it get to you... she urged herself, squeezing her eyes shut in a vain attempt to clear her mind. It's only the third day, you can't expect to master everything overnight...

But no matter how many times she repeated this mantra, the nagging doubt persisted. Deep down, Itsuki couldn't shake the feeling that everything would be simpler if she had someone to guide her.

Her gaze drifted involuntarily toward the empty seat where Megumi usually sat, but she quickly averted her eyes, shaking her head as if to dispel the thought. No, she had to stick to her principles.

If only father had taken the easier route and hired a renowned tutor, none of this would be happening... she thought bitterly.

She knew she could be a bit of a nag, but it wasn't like the boy seemed to care much about her opinion of him as a tutor anyway.

With a deep sigh, she forced herself to refocus on the lesson, her expression hardening with determination. She needed to concentrate.

Still, the persistent pain in her hand was a constant reminder that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't making the best choices right now.

But despite the frustration gnawing at her, Itsuki knew she had to keep pushing through. She couldn't let these distractions get the better of her. Ignoring the dull ache in her hand and the fatigue pulling her down, she forced herself to pay attention in class again, even if the words sailed over her head.

As the hours crawled by, the day seemed to stretch endlessly. Even during the lunch break, when she ate her tray of food, there was no real relief. All she could think about was how soon she'd have to return to class, the very hands now holding her utensils soon to be back at work, scribbling notes until the end of the day.

And so she wrote. And she wrote. With every passing minute, it felt as though the skin on her hand was growing thinner. The more she wrote, the slower her hand moved, and the harder it became to keep her writing legible.

It wasn't just a matter of overworking herself or the physical toll it took. It was the stress.

Why do things have to be this way? she thought, a wave of frustration washing over her.

Finally, the bell signaling the end of the third day of school rang, and with it came a profound sense of relief. Itsuki set her pen down with a weary expression, massaging her sore hand and taking a deep, calming breath.

"God..." she whispered to herself, the noise of her classmates leaving the room buzzing around her as she tried to gather her composure.

Her eyes drifted back to the pages of her notebook, filled with lines she barely understood. She knew she'd have to study it all when she got home, but at that moment, all she wanted was to reunite with her sisters and maybe treat herself to a meat bun.

"Itsuki?" came her sister's familiar voice from the doorway. Peering inside, Yotsuba spotted Itsuki, who seemed to be one of the last students remaining in the classroom. "Hey, are you done?" she asked, stepping in and approaching her.

Itsuki nodded slowly, sighing as she began to gather her materials. "Yes, Yotsuba." she replied, glancing at her sister with evident exhaustion. She briefly considered asking Yotsuba for help with her things but quickly dismissed the thought, remembering how overwhelmed Yotsuba already was, constantly helping everyone who asked her for something.

However, Yotsuba noticed the tired expression on Itsuki's face and couldn't help but feel concerned. "Are you okay?" she asked, gently placing a hand on Itsuki's forehead. "Your face looks a little red!"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Itsuki's lips at her sister's touch, and she instinctively leaned into Yotsuba's hand, seeking that familiar comfort. "I'm fine..." she murmured, closing her pencil case and sliding it into her bag. "Don't worry."

Yotsuba didn't seem entirely convinced. "Are you sure?" she pressed, leaning in closer. "Your hands are shaking..."

Itsuki paused, her gaze shifting to her trembling hands. Only then did she realize how much they were indeed shaking.

"Oh, this?" Itsuki murmured, closing her trembling hands into fists before reaching for her notebook and tossing it into her bag. "I'm just a bit worn out. I ended up writing so much today."

"I see..." Yotsuba responded, her eyes shifting to the blackboard cluttered with notes. "You're really dedicated, Itsuki." she added, casting a glance back at her sister filled with both admiration and concern.

Itsuki managed a soft smile at Yotsuba's words. She finished packing her things, swung her bag over her shoulder, and stood up. "Thank you, Yotsuba," she said warmly. Her gaze then swept around the room. "By the way, where are the others?"

Yotsuba took a moment before answering, her eyes scanning the classroom thoughtfully. "They're waiting for us at the exit," she said. She then paused, her expression shifting to one of contemplation as she searched for something. Or someone.

Noticing Yotsuba's distracted demeanor, Itsuki asked, "Is something wrong?"

Yotsuba glanced back at her, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Has Fushiguro-san left yet?"

Oh, so that's what's on her mind... Itsuki shook her head, a thoughtful expression settling on her face. "He didn't come to class today." she replied.

Yotsuba's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" she murmured, disbelief coloring her tone. "But it's only the third day!"

"I thought the same thing," Itsuki said, adjusting her backpack. "But maybe he's unwell."

This response made Yotsuba's eyes widen even further. "Oh no! That's bad!" she exclaimed. "Is it something serious?"

Itsuki raised an eyebrow, recognizing that her choice of words had alarmed her sister. "I don't know," she said, moving toward the door. "It could just be a small flu."

Yotsuba still looked a bit disheartened, visibly upset by Megumi's absence. She followed Itsuki out of the classroom. "I hope he's okay..." she murmured.

"Did you want to talk to him?" Itsuki inquired as they walked together through the corridor.

"Yes," Yotsuba confirmed with a nod. "I wanted us all to go to the gym after class, including him."

Itsuki paused for a moment, trying to recall Yotsuba's plans for the gym. She then looked at her sister with curiosity. "So, are you planning to sign up for the basketball team now?"

Yotsuba's face brightened at the question, her mood visibly lifting. "Yes! I'm excited to start playing as soon as possible!" she said enthusiastically.

Itsuki smiled in return, pleased to see her sister's spirits lifted. She then turned her attention forward. "Well then, let's head out."

"Alright!" Yotsuba exclaimed with a bright smile, reaching up to clasp her sister's hand. Her excitement was palpable. "I think they're in the cafeteria!" she added, starting to pull Itsuki along with her.

Itsuki allowed herself to be led, careful to keep her footing as she adjusted her pace to match Yotsuba's energetic strides. "Cafeteria?" she echoed, her tone thoughtful. "That's convenient. I was actually considering stopping by there."

Yotsuba let out a soft chuckle at her sister's words, throwing an amused glance over her shoulder. She held back from making any further comments, noticing how Itsuki's expression shifted.

"Don't even think about it..." Itsuki murmured, her brow furrowing in a warning.

"I didn't say a word!" Yotsuba responded with a teasing grin.

...

"Basketball, basketball!" Yotsuba hummed excitedly as she skipped through the school hallways, a huge grin lighting up her face.

Trailing behind her were four girls who looked nearly identical—her sisters, of course.

Miku watched Yotsuba move, feeling a spark of happiness at her sister's joy.

Nino, however, didn't share that sentiment. While it was nice to see Yotsuba so happy, another thought nagged at her. "Yotsuba," she called out, prompting her sister to stop and meet her hard gaze. "What did we say about being careful?"

Yotsuba paused, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. She glanced around before focusing back on Nino. "But... we're the only ones here."

Nino raised an eyebrow. "So what?" she muttered, unconvinced. "Bumping into someone isn't the only danger, you know. What if you step on a wet floor and fall? Then you could get hurt and miss out on basketball."

Yotsuba gulped at Nino's logic, her gaze instinctively shifting to check the floor.

"Come on, don't fill her head with worries," Ichika chimed in cheerfully, placing a hand on Nino's shoulder. "It's a happy day, let her be happy!"

"Nino's right, though," Itsuki said, standing next to Miku but looking at Yotsuba. "Jumping around isn't a good habit, Yotsuba..."

With reprimands coming from two sisters, Yotsuba could only manage a nervous smile. "Uh... sorry?" she mumbled, rubbing her head. But just as quickly, her focus shifted back to the basketball team as she turned and gestured for her sisters to follow. "Well, let's go! I don't want to waste time!"

Nino narrowed her eyes for a moment but sighed, deciding to let it go. The five sisters walked in comfortable silence.

Yotsuba's excitement was nothing new, but today she seemed to radiate joy. She could hardly believe she was joining the basketball team; the thought thrilled her.

However, the silence was soon interrupted by a question from Itsuki. "Do you know where the gym is?" she asked, glancing around the unfamiliar hallway. "I'm not familiar with Asahi's layout yet..."

Yotsuba nodded eagerly. "Yeah! I visited the gym with Fushiguro-san yesterday!"

Nino grimaced slightly at the mention of Megumi, the memory of yesterday still fresh in her mind.

Yotsuba continued, her voice brimming with childlike excitement. "It's huge! The court is so big! Everything looked so professional! I can't wait to play there!"

Ichika chuckled, her gaze shifting to Miku. "Sounds thrilling to ya?" she teased, fully aware of her sister's views on P.E.

Unsurprisingly, Miku's expression darkened as she glanced at her older sister. "Not in the slightest."

"I'm glad you're excited..." Itsuki said politely to Yotsuba. "But I'm a bit surprised you got a chance on the team just three days into school."

"Yeah, me too," Yotsuba admitted, though her smile remained bright. "The teacher said there aren't many girls interested in joining, which is why there are so many open spots."

"Really?" Ichika asked, now intrigued. "I thought basketball was a popular sport."

"It's more popular with the boys." Yotsuba replied, recalling that the teacher mentioned the boys' basketball team was already full.

Just then, the door to the school gym came into view. Yotsuba's eyes sparkled, and she quickened her pace. "We're here!" she announced, glancing back at her sisters. "Come on, let's go!"

The sisters exchanged looks before picking up their pace to keep from falling too far behind.

As they approached the gym, the sounds within indicated it was in use. They could hear sneakers squeaking against the court and the rhythmic bounce of a basketball.

Yotsuba, as expected, was the first to enter the gym. Her eyes quickly scanned the large space before settling on the court.

There, five girls in basketball uniforms were playing—likely the school team.

From the number of players, it was clear they were short on participants; if this was the full team, there were no reserves.

On the edge of the court stood a gray-haired man in a red tank top, a whistle hanging from his mouth. Yotsuba instantly recognized him as the teacher, Hashida.

With a beaming expression, she approached him, followed closely by her sisters.

Miku grimaced slightly as she stepped inside. It was easy to forget why she disliked P.E. so much.

The gym felt stifling, making it hard for her to breathe. Combined with the physical exertion she dreaded during P.E. class, it left her feeling nearly faint.

"This place is really big," Ichika remarked casually, her eyes wandering around the gym. "Maybe even bigger than Black Rose's."

Itsuki nodded slightly. "I didn't expect that... considering Black Rose is an expensive high school, unlike Asahi." she murmured, glancing around.

"This place reeks of sweat." Nino remarked, wrinkling her nose.

Ichika chuckled, shooting her sister an amused look. "Well, this is a gym," she said, nudging Nino. "What did you expect?"

Nino rolled her eyes, opting to remain silent.

"Sensei!" Yotsuba called out as she approached Hashida, who turned to her immediately upon hearing her voice.

A smile spread across the man's face as he fully turned to face her. "Ah, Nakano, you really came," he remarked casually, stepping off the edge of the court to meet her. His gaze shifted beyond her to the four familiar faces behind her. "They must be your sisters?" he asked, though it was already clear they were related.

Yotsuba glanced back and nodded eagerly. "Yes!" she exclaimed, pointing at them. "These are Miku, Itsuki, Ichika, and Nino!" She listed each sister with enthusiasm.

Hashida chuckled lightly in response. "I suppose it will be easier just to call them all Nakano." he said.

Yotsuba laughed along before refocusing on him. Trying to sound composed, she asked, "So... the offer still stands?"

"Of course," Hashida replied with a nod. "Let me just get the paperwork..."

Yotsuba nodded again, her gaze fixed on the teacher as he walked toward a door in the gym. She then turned her attention back to the court and its players.

As previously mentioned, five girls were practicing there. They wore red tank tops similar to Hashida's, embellished with numbers and accents in black and white, paired with red shorts and socks.

Yotsuba watched as a girl with brown hair tied in a bun, wearing the number 8 jersey, passed the ball to her teammate, a blonde with a short haircut reminiscent of Ichika's.

A smile returned to Yotsuba's face as she observed her future teammates training. She couldn't wait to join them.

The blonde girl passed the ball to another player—a tan girl with black hair tied in a ponytail, sporting jersey number 23.

As Yotsuba watched the game, she caught the blonde's gaze. They exchanged a glance, and the blonde offered her a friendly smile.

Yotsuba, naturally, smiled back, her excitement growing even more.

"Seems like the people here are friendly," Ichika commented casually, noting the brief exchange.

Itsuki nodded in quiet agreement, her expression softening.

"They better be..." Nino muttered darkly. "If what happened to her at Black Rose happens again, I swear..."

Ichika sighed, casting her a knowing yet amused look. "Don't be so pessimistic, Nino."

"I'm not being pessimistic," Nino huffed, looking away. "I'm just..." Her voice trailed off for a moment before she added, "Cautious."

Ichika grinned, patting her sister lightly on the back. "It'll be different here, I'm sure of it."

Nino said nothing, her gaze drifting off towards the stands.

"I'm back," Hashida's voice interrupted, drawing the sisters' attention. He approached with a notebook and a pen in hand.

He flipped through the notebook as he neared Yotsuba, who was watching him eagerly. Finding the right page, he handed it over, along with the pen.

"You'll need to write your full name here," he instructed, pointing at the top of the page. "And let me know your clothing size, plus any health concerns, like diabetes or past injuries."

Yotsuba nodded, concentrating as she began writing.

Hashida's gaze shifted to the other four sisters, now standing closer. He smiled warmly at them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Tenzo Hashida, the P.E. teacher here."

Ichika was the first to respond, a friendly smile on her face. "Nice to meet you, Hashida-sensei. I'm Ichika." She nudged Nino lightly.

Nino glanced at her sister before muttering, "I'm Nino." out of obligation.

"My name is Itsuki," the youngest introduced herself with a slight bow. "Pleasure to meet you, Sensei."

That left Miku, who hadn't quite realized what was happening. A gentle nudge from Itsuki prompted her to mumble, "Miku."

Hashida's smile didn't waver as he listened to their introductions. He probably wouldn't remember who was who, but it didn't hurt to pretend. "It's great to see so many new faces here at Asahi. I hope your reception has been good."

Nino had to bite her tongue to avoid saying, "It could be better." It wasn't this man's fault, so it wouldn't be fair to take it out on him.

"Anyway, are any of you interested in sports?" he asked. "You've probably noticed the basketball team could use some new players."

"I'll pass," Ichika said with a wave of her hand, not giving it much thought. "Thanks, but I don't have much free time."

Nino raised an eyebrow at her sister's words. Not much free time? That had to be a joke.

Hashida hummed, his gaze shifting to the others. "What about the rest of you?"

Itsuki shook her head politely. "I'm not really into sports."

"Me neither." Nino added, keeping it brief.

Miku didn't need to say a word. Her expression made it clear that joining a team was out of the question. Hashida, with his experience, easily recognized someone uninterested in sports just by their demeanor.

"Well, that's too bad," he said, smiling. "But if any of you change your minds, I'll be here after school."

"I finished!" Yotsuba's voice cut through their conversation as she announced her completion. Hashida turned to her, accepting the notebook she eagerly handed over.

"Hmm..." His eyes scanned her handwriting for a moment before he nodded and looked up at her with a welcoming smile. "Very well, Yotsuba Nakano. Welcome to the team."

Yotsuba's smile widened, her expression radiating joy as she clasped her hands together. "Thank you so much for this chance, Sensei!" she said, her excitement overflowing.

As Hashida began explaining the basketball team's schedule and the expectations, Yotsuba listened intently, fully engaged. Meanwhile, her sisters observed the scene from the sidelines.

"Heh... she looks like a little kid," Ichika commented warmly, watching the way Yotsuba's face lit up with happiness. "I'm almost jealous I can't make her smile like that."

"You can," Miku murmured quietly. "Just say you love her. The smile will be even bigger."

"Ha! True." Ichika laughed.

Meanwhile, Itsuki stood silently, fingers fumbling with the bag containing the meatbun she had brought along. She bit her lower lip, growing impatient. She'd originally planned to eat it at home, but the wait was becoming unbearable.

Nino noticed her younger sister's restless behavior, raising an eyebrow before commenting, "You better not open it here. The sweat particles flying around this stinky place will hit your food."

"Hey!" Itsuki frowned in disgust, giving Nino a sharp look. "Are you trying to make me lose my appetite?"

"Of course not," Nino retorted, her expression tightening slightly. "That's objectively impossible."

Itsuki's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but she huffed, clutching her bag protectively. "You're so dramatic..." she muttered.

Before Nino could retort, Yotsuba came bounding over, her excitement palpable. "I'm officially on the team!" she announced, her energy radiating as Hashida returned to supervising the training.

"Congrats, Yotsuba," Ichika said with a grin, ruffling her sister's hair. "Guess that means you'll be here pretty often, huh?"

Yotsuba nodded eagerly. "Yes! Practice is after school every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And we have games on weekends!" Her eyes lit up even more as she asked, "You'll come watch me, right?"

Ichika threw an arm around her. "Of course, have I ever missed one of your big moments?"

Miku nodded. "I'll come too." Leaving the house wasn't something Miku enjoyed, but for Yotsuba, she'd make an exception.

Itsuki smiled, her hunger forgotten. "We'll all be there. Right, Nino?"

Nino hesitated, her eyes scanning the gym before finally resting on Yotsuba's hopeful face. Her expression softened. "...Maybe," she muttered vaguely.

But that was enough for Yotsuba, who threw her arms around Nino in a tight hug. "Great! You'll all be there!"

Nino grunted as Yotsuba squeezed her a bit too tightly. "Ugh... Yotsuba!" she complained, struggling to free herself.

Ichika stepped in, placing her hands on Yotsuba's shoulders and gently pulling her away. "Careful there. Nino can't come to your games if you choke her first." she said, amused.

Yotsuba chuckled sheepishly, letting go. "Hehe... sorry, I got a bit carried away."

"You think?" Nino grumbled, rubbing her back.

Ichika squeezed Nino's shoulders lightly, smirking. "Good to see your athlete strength is already being put to use... crushing your sister's bones." she teased.

Yotsuba giggled, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I promise I won't squeeze too hard next time!"

Nino rolled her eyes in response.

"If no one has anything else to do, can we go home?" Itsuki asked suddenly, glancing toward the gym exit before looking back at her bag. "My meatbun is getting cold..."

"Oh, sure! I have nothing else to do," Yotsuba replied, casting one last glance at the court, her smile broadening. "Well, let's go!"

"I'll call Ebata-san," Miku said, reaching for her cell phone as they began walking toward the exit.

As they left the gym, Yotsuba couldn't contain her excitement any longer. "I can't believe I'm really on the team!" she exclaimed, practically skipping.

"Well, we believe it," Ichika replied with a grin. "You've been bouncing around like a basketball since you signed that paper."

"If I didn't know you better, I'd worry you'd burn out before even playing for the first time," Nino chimed in from further back. "And stop this skipping!"

Yotsuba immediately complied, shooting a sheepish look at her sister. "Eh... sorry. Guess it really is a bad habit, huh?"

"Don't tell me," Nino muttered, frowning.

"Okay, no more skipping, no more arguments," Ichika said, placing a hand on each of their backs. "Let's hurry home before Itsuki-chan faints from hunger."

"I won't faint!" Itsuki protested, but Ichika waved off her complaint.

The quintuplets continued on their way to the school exit, eager to be picked up by their private driver.

What a nice day.

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

Megumi lay in bed for hours, unable to find sleep, a scenario that had become all too familiar for him. The issue, however, was that this time it was daylight, and the afternoon sun had already begun to cast long shadows across his room.

He found himself staring at the clock, which now read 4:20 PM. He had gone to bed just before ten the previous night, meaning he had been confined to his bed for nearly twenty hours without any significant rest.

His fatigue was compounded by the fact that he hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch. A gnawing thirst accompanied his weariness as well.

It wasn't that he felt more depressed than usual; rather, he simply lacked the motivation to move. It was as if his body had anchored itself to the bed.

Yet, he knew he needed to break this cycle. With a reluctant sigh, he forced himself to get out of bed, immediately regretting the effort. His body felt like lead, and his back protested with each movement. A grimace of discomfort spread across his face as he managed to sit up.

You're pathetic.

He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, feeling the weight of exhaustion in his eyes. Ignoring the heaviness, he pushed himself to stand up. Every muscle in his body protested this action, and he paused momentarily to reacquaint himself with the simple act of moving. The whole process felt pitifully sluggish.

Intending to adhere to his routine, he shuffled to the bathroom. The ritual was as monotonous as ever: avoid the mirror, brush his teeth, wash his face, and leave. This unchanging cycle persisted even in the face of his struggle to rise from bed.

In the kitchen, he prepared a simple breakfast of toast. As he ate, the flavor was nonexistent, each bite as bland and unsatisfactory as the last, akin to chewing on paper.

After finishing the toast in mere moments, he moved to the living room and sank onto the couch. He knew he should have prepared a more substantial meal, but he lacked the energy or will to do so.

What do I do now? he wondered, searching for something to occupy his time. But as he contemplated his options, he found himself drawing a blank.

Resigned, Megumi let himself sink deeper into the couch, the weight of monotony pressing down on him. No matter how he tried to break the cycle, it seemed he was destined to drift back into the same dreary routine.

It was pathetic of him to falter and skip school on only the third day—a school he had chosen to attend of his own volition. But then again, what does he do that isn't pathetic?

Good for nothing…

He allowed himself to stay there, motionless, as the seconds dragged on interminably. He knew he should be doing something productive, anything to shake off the suffocating lethargy that had settled over him. But what? What did he have to do?

Whether he liked it or not, spending his days in this monotonous, purposeless way was another form of wasting the sacrifices made for him. That realization stung, cutting deeper than he wanted to admit. He knew he should change, but the question lingered, heavy and unanswered: How?

He had nothing.

With a resigned sigh, Megumi closed his eyes, exhaling a deep, heavy breath that seemed to carry the weight of his despair. The more time passed, the more suffocating the air around him felt, pressing down on him, making it harder to breathe. He could feel the emptiness seeping into him, a void that threatened to consume him whole.

Do something…anything.

His eyes flew open as Megumi suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to report the events of the last class to Maruo. He grimaced at his own lack of commitment to what he considered his obligation.

He glanced around, searching for his cell phone, but found nothing. It was probably in his room.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to move his weary body once more.

In just over a minute, he was back in his room, his gaze fixed on the end table next to the bed. There lay the electronic device he called his cell phone.

Megumi picked it up and dialed, determined not to delay any longer. He sat on the bed while searching for Maruo's contact information.

It didn't take long—after all, he only had five contacts: Gojo, Maruo, Tsumiki, Yuji, and Kugisaki.

Naturally, only one of them was likely to answer.

With a resigned sigh, he pressed the call button and held the device to his ear, waiting for a response.

Calling a doctor like Maruo in the middle of the afternoon might not be the smartest idea, but he was past caring.

Within seconds, the call was answered. "Fushiguro-kun," Maruo's voice came through the line, not waiting for a response. "I presume this is about the lessons?"

"Yes." Megumi replied quietly, his eyes fixed on the bedroom wall—his only point of focus.

"Um." came Maruo's brief response, waiting for him to elaborate.

"...It wasn't productive." Megumi admitted. He wouldn't mention that they had ended up studying hiragana and writing poems; that would be worse than admitting he simply couldn't teach.

"I see..." Maruo murmured, his tone devoid of surprise. "Do their feelings still stand?"

"...Ichika wanted to join the class." Megumi replied after a moment of thought.

"Ichika-kun?" Maruo echoed, momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected Ichika to be the second one to take on a sense of responsibility. "...That's... surprising."

Megumi remained silent. After a moment, Maruo spoke again. "I assume the others are still against the idea?"

"Yes." Megumi responded vaguely.

Maruo hummed thoughtfully, the sound vibrating through Megumi's phone. "This needs to change as soon as possible."

"...Indeed," Megumi replied, lacking conviction. "But... how?"

"Don't you have any ideas?" Maruo asked.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Megumi shook his head. No, he hadn't. "...Not at all."

Maruo sighed, falling silent for a moment, deep in thought. After a few seconds, he finally spoke again. "My daughters may be stubborn, but they aren't delusional." He made Megumi raise an eyebrow. "Perhaps demonstrating their need for a tutor is the best way to convince them."

"But how would I do that?" Megumi asked. If they weren't convinced after their poor results last semester, what chance did he have?

"A test." Maruo suggested simply, leaving Megumi more confused.

"A... test?" he repeated.

"A test on the material covered so far, Fushiguro-kun," Maruo clarified. "Even though it's the beginning of the school year, include content from last quarter too."

The idea didn't sound particularly convincing to Megumi, but if Maruo was suggesting it...

But doubt soon crept in. "...What if they refuse to take the test?" Megumi questioned. "They're not even accepting my lessons."

Maruo was silent for a moment, then his voice came through again. "Make them want to take the test."

Megumi frowned. This was making no sense. "How?" he asked.

"Offer them something they want as a reward for passing the test."

Megumi's eyebrows shot up at the suggestion. Something they wanted? What could he possibly give them that they didn't already have?

"Like what?" he asked, still trying to grasp Maruo's logic.

Realizing the boy was clueless, Maruo decided to be direct. "Your resignation."

Megumi paused, letting Maruo's words sink in, and then he finally understood what the man was implying.

"I see..." he said. "That's risky."

"Maybe," Maruo acknowledged, then added, "But do you have any better ideas?"

Megumi fell silent for a moment. He had to admit, he didn't have anything better.

With a shrug, he agreed, "Alright, I'll give them a test."

Maruo hummed in response. Silence enveloped them for a moment, as if the man expected more information from Megumi. When none came, he finally said, "I have to go now."

"Okay." Megumi replied curtly. And with that, the call ended. No goodbyes; neither of them were particularly talkative.

Megumi held his cell phone for a moment, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. A test tied to his resignation... it had disaster written all over it.

But whatever. He dropped the phone back onto the end table and slowly got up from his bed. At least he had managed to accomplish something minimally productive today, if that offered any comfort.

Now he was left with a few hours of absolutely nothing before he tried to sleep again, likely failing once more.

How thrilling.

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A man who appeared to be in his late twenties, with oak-brown hair tucked beneath a brown cap, approached the large Pentagon building. His small purple eyes and somewhat large nose gave him a distinctive appearance. He was clad in a bright orange uniform with a conspicuous label reading "Pest Control Team," and he carried a large bag slung over his shoulder, which seemed to contain various tools and products related to his work.

As he approached the building's entrance, he was halted by a security guard—a bald man with a stern demeanor.

"Excuse me," the security guard said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I need to see your identification."

The pest control worker, unfazed by the request, reached into his pants pocket. "Just a moment." he said, his accent clearly marking him as from another region of Japan. He grimaced slightly as he fumbled for his card before finally retrieving it and presenting it to the guard.

The guard took the card and scrutinized it with a meticulous gaze. After a few moments, he looked up at the worker's grinning face, then examined the card once more before handing it back.

With a curt nod, the security guard wrote a number on the panel behind him. The automatic door slid open with a soft whoosh. "You may enter." he instructed.

The worker tipped his cap in acknowledgment before stepping into the building, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the grandeur of the lobby.

"Wow..." he muttered, his voice tinged with awe. "This place is huge."

Despite his amazement, he reminded himself to stay focused. Approaching the reception desk, he addressed the staff member there.

"Hey, hey. Good afternoon," he said cheerfully, drawing the attention of a woman with blonde hair neatly tied in a bun. "I'm from the pest control team. Which area needs attention?"

The woman adjusted her glasses and took a moment to process his request before responding. "You're needed in the men's bathroom," she said, pointing in a general direction. "Please head there and wait."

The man glanced at the sign indicating restrooms, then nodded. "Alright, thanks." he said, turning to make his way to the designated area.

His footsteps echoed off the luxurious flooring as he walked, each step resonating with the hollow sound of high-quality material. Upon reaching the bathroom door, he grasped the handle and took a deep breath before opening it and stepping inside.

"Here we go..." he muttered under his breath as he entered, scanning the room to ensure he was alone. Once satisfied, he shut the door behind him with a firm click.

His expression shifted to one of seriousness as he placed his bag on the sink and began unzipping it.

"I hope this thing doesn't smell too bad." he grumbled to himself, recalling the previous unpleasant experience of having to scrub his hands for two weeks to get rid of a lingering odor.

He retrieved a large glass jar from the bag, its contents visible through the transparent sides. Bringing the jar closer to his face, he grimaced at the sight of the small, grotesque creature inside.

"Ugh..." he muttered, his face contorting in disgust. "What an awful thing..."

The creature, smaller than his hand, resembled an unnervingly malformed embryo. Its sickly, translucent skin revealed a network of dark veins beneath, while tiny, misshapen limbs and a grotesquely distorted head, with large, cloudy eyes, completed its appearance.

Placing the jar on the sink, he took out a microcamera with a pointed end from his bag. "I hate my job..." he muttered, shaking his head as he prepared to handle the creature.

Opening the jar, he was immediately assaulted by a rancid odor. He turned his face away slightly as he removed the lid. "Ugh... damn it," he grumbled, his voice thick with irritation. "I hate these stinky experiments."

Resolute to finish the task swiftly, he tipped the jar over, allowing the creature to fall onto the sink. He positioned the microcamera close to the creature's head, his face a mask of concentrated effort.

"Sorry, little guy," he said quietly, trying to brace himself as he maneuvered the camera into place. "This is going to hurt."

With a deep breath, he pressed the camera into the creature, its malformed form squirming in response. The creature emitted a muffled screech, its vocal cords incomplete. The man gritted his teeth as a greenish liquid began to drip from the creature onto his hand.

"Fuck..." he muttered through clenched teeth, feeling a slight burn from the liquid. "At least the pay's good..."

The creature's twisted limbs continued to writhe helplessly as he completed the process. The man's focus remained on the camera, ensuring it captured every necessary detail. After positioning the device correctly, he let out a sigh of relief, though the stench persisted.

As the camera settled, he let out a sigh of relief, though the stench persisted. He quickly wiped his hand with a towel from the dispenser, though the burning sensation lingered.

"Disgusting little thing," he muttered, casting a disdainful look at the creature before letting it fall to the floor. "You're probably going to die soon, so you better do something useful."

He retrieved the empty jar, replaced the lid, and packed it back into his bag. Leaving the creature twitching on the ground, he exited the bathroom without a second glance, his job complete.

Unbeknownst to him, the creature's acidic secretions had begun to eat away at the camera.

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