In the cabinet returning to his station, Tatsuya mulled over Koharu's resolve.
(Hirakawa-senpai's set on quitting the competition. Getting her to reconsider dropping out entirely might be the best I can do.)
Koharu's determination to decline the representative role was unshakable, and Tatsuya knew it. Haruka likely did too, which is why she'd roped him into persuading her. Even Tatsuya couldn't dismantle someone's will.
(At least I should convince her to rethink it…)
No reward, no personal stake, yet Tatsuya found himself dwelling on Koharu's persuasion more than expected. Even close friends wouldn't notice his concern—he hid it that well.
(That Headless Dragon info cost more than the price tag…)
Sighing as he stepped off at his station, Tatsuya recalled the data he'd bought from Haruka during the Nine Schools Competition. Several women at the station stared, captivated by his pensive look, but Tatsuya, oblivious to such attention, lacked the sensitivity to notice.
"I'm home," he called.
"Welcome back, Onii-sama," Miyuki greeted.
No solid persuasion plan formed, Tatsuya entered, greeted by his sole family. He shifted gears.
"Are you struggling with Hirakawa-senpai's persuasion?" Miyuki asked.
"Can't hide it from you," Tatsuya said. "It's not my forte. Never was."
Direct persuasion wasn't his style—he preferred swift, behind-the-scenes solutions.
"I want you to do your best, Onii-sama, but don't overdo it," Miyuki said. "Many worry about you. Including me."
"I'll try not to worry anyone. Especially you," Tatsuya said, gently ruffling her hair, his rare softness surfacing.
Miyuki's face melted, her expression far from sisterly.
"I'm stepping out tomorrow," Tatsuya said.
"Where?" Miyuki asked.
"Persuasion. If this fails, maybe Ms. Ono will give up."
"I see…"
Miyuki, hoping to spend the weekend alone with him, frowned but acquiesced.
"I'll prepare dinner. Please wait," she said.
"Thanks. I'll be downstairs. Call me when it's ready."
At home, Tatsuya had uninterrupted space. But for Miyuki, so dependent on him, that wasn't enough.
Koharu, contacted by Tatsuya the previous night, was restless before dawn. The cause was unmistakably Tatsuya, yet she felt oddly unbothered.
"Onee-chan? It's early," Chiaki said.
"Did I wake you?" Koharu asked.
"Heard some noise…"
"Was I that loud?" Koharu reflected, chiding herself for her excitement.
"Where're you going, all dressed up?" Chiaki asked.
"Out for a change of pace. I was invited."
"By who?"
"Shiba-kun. He's so diligent, even spending his day off persuading me."
"…I'm coming too!" Chiaki declared.
"What? Didn't you plan to laze around all day?"
"Plans changed! Ask Shiba-kun!"
Fearing Koharu's scolding, Chiaki sought Tatsuya's approval through her sister.
"Fine…" Koharu relented, texting Tatsuya. His quick approval came—her persuasion was his only goal, so an extra person didn't matter.
"He's okay with it," Koharu said. "But don't cause trouble. Shiba-kun's burdened enough."
"Got it," Chiaki said, rushing to prepare.
Koharu felt a twinge of disappointment but hid it, mature enough to mask her feelings.
"Where're you meeting?" Chiaki asked.
"He's picking me up," Koharu said.
"Like a boyfriend," Chiaki teased.
Koharu overreacted. "N-no way! Someone like Saegusa-san suits him better!"
Everyone, including Koharu, saw Mayumi's affection for Tatsuya during the assembly, as Asano had pointed out. Naming Mayumi to deflect only unsettled her further—she denied her worthiness to stand by Tatsuya while imagining someone else in her place.
"Look in the mirror, Onee-chan," Chiaki said, holding one up. "Your face says you don't want to lose to Saegusa-senpai."
Koharu's reflection betrayed her feelings.
"My classmates say Shiba-kun's got a lot of competition," Chiaki added. "But you'd have to beat his sister to stand a chance."
Miyuki was infamous, even among Course 2 students. Tatsuya's fame as a Course 2 student was the real anomaly.
"Shiba-san… her devotion to her brother is intense," Koharu said.
"Total brocon," Chiaki scoffed. "Kinda creepy."
"I overheard Saegusa-san say they live alone together," Koharu said.
"What about their parents?" Chiaki asked.
"No idea. Even Saegusa-san didn't know."
As they chatted, Tatsuya arrived. Koharu's face lit up brighter than during their talk.
"Sorry for dragging my sister along," Koharu said.
"No issue," Tatsuya replied. "If it helps you relax, I don't mind."
"…Hey," Chiaki said curtly.
Classmates but barely acquainted, Chiaki kept her distance, wary. Tatsuya didn't push conversation either.
"Let's go," Tatsuya said. "Some shopping might shift your perspective."
"It won't change that easily," Koharu said.
Tatsuya knew as much but had to try, lest Haruka nag him later. Chiaki, unaware of his motives, glared, puzzling over why he'd invited her sister.
Note on Jealousy: Chiaki's envy is brewing, but Miyuki might join the fray, jealous of Tatsuya's time with Koharu. This could spark tension on both fronts.
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