Watching Honoka's race from the stands, Tatsuya looks uneasy.
"I might've done Honoka a disservice," he mutters.
"What do you mean, Tatsuya-san?" Shizuku asks, her expression mirroring Miyuki and Azusa's.
"Her skill didn't need the flash tactic in the prelims. It draws attention, and she'll be targeted," Tatsuya explains.
Miyuki deduces, "So in the semifinals, with three per race, it could become two against one?"
Tatsuya nods, hand on chin, lost in thought. His expression captivates Miyuki and Shizuku, though he's oblivious.
"No need to worry," Azusa chirps confidently.
"Nakajou-senpai? Why's that?" Tatsuya asks, puzzled by her assurance.
Azusa blushes under his gaze, unused to male attention beyond Hattori and Isori. "W-Well…" she stammers, feeling pressure from behind. "We're already marked, so a tighter focus won't change much."
"Really?" Tatsuya questions.
"Yes! No need to feel down, Shiba-kun!" Azusa reaches to pat his head but can't reach, waving awkwardly. Miyuki and Shizuku smile warmly; Tatsuya looks exasperated.
In the players' area, Honoka, fresh from her race, practically tackles Tatsuya. Her enthusiasm sours Miyuki's mood.
"I won, Tatsuya-san!" Honoka beams.
"Y-Yeah, I saw. Congrats," Tatsuya replies, slightly overwhelmed.
Shizuku's mood sours too. "I've never won races like this… Today's thanks to you, Tatsuya-san!" Honoka confesses.
Her words startle him. If true, he'd need to recalculate scores and might be roped in to help. Glancing around, he catches Shizuku silently mouthing, "(Elementary school stuff.)"
"(Elementary school? Why bring that up now?)" he thinks, relieved his concern was misplaced but confused by Honoka's outburst. He maintains his poker face. "Thanks, Honoka. But it's just the prelims. The real fight's ahead."
"Yes! With your strategy, I'll win the finals and dedicate it to you!" she declares.
"Uh, sure… Do your best," Tatsuya says, masking his unease.
At First High's tent, Mayumi, Mori, Rin, and Katsuto review results, troubled.
"Morisaki got second, but…" Mayumi starts.
"The rest's a disaster," Mori finishes.
"Boys and girls flipped results," Mayumi sighs.
Rin offers, "We've got a lead from the girls, so no need to be too pessimistic."
"True, but moping won't help," Mori agrees.
Katsuto adds, "The boys' slump isn't just Speed Shooting but Battle Board too. If this continues, it'll hurt next year."
"Like a losing habit?" Mayumi asks.
Katsuto nods. "We might need to bolster the boys."
"But how? It's too late to change staff or players," Mayumi points out.
Katsuto falls silent, stumped.
Tomorrow (technically today, past midnight), Miyuki's up. Tatsuya must stay vigilant for sabotage. Returning to his room, he senses someone despite his robotic roommate. "Who's there at this hour?" he demands.
"Sorry!" Miyuki stands, bowing.
Tatsuya softens, chuckling. "I'm not mad, but a girl wandering alone at night? Not ideal. Plus, you've got a big match tomorrow. Even you could slip up if sleep-deprived."
"Sorry…" Miyuki repeats, her tone softer.
Unable to stay stern, Tatsuya offers to walk her back. "Onii-sama, can I have a moment?" she pleads.
"Just a moment," he relents, indulgent as always.
"You declined the Index honor?" she asks.
"Not formally."
"Why? Your name could be known worldwide!"
"That's the problem. 'Silver' is shielded by the Yotsuba, but 'Shiba Tatsuya' risks exposing our ties. The university's scrutiny isn't like high school background checks."
"But Aunt Maya would be thrilled…" Miyuki counters, knowing Maya adores Tatsuya and grants his wishes.
"Even if she's fine with it, the Yotsuba wouldn't be. A shadowed Guardian in the spotlight? They'd hate it," Tatsuya explains gently.
Miyuki clings to him, face buried in his chest. "I'll always be on your side, Onii-sama."
"Thanks. Time to head back," he says, hugging her briefly before escorting her. She clings to him the whole way.
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