After returning to Japan, Shizuku spent her first few days reconnecting with her family and her best friend, Honoka. However, as soon as her schedule finally cleared, she made a beeline for Tatsuya's house. She had promised to share her stories from America at a later date; today, she was here on different business. Fortunately, Miyuki was away from home, tied up with Student Council duties.
"Hello, Tatsuya-san."
"Welcome back," Tatsuya replied, opening the door.
"Do you have a moment?"
Shizuku had already confirmed his schedule beforehand, but she asked again anyway, her eyes briefly scanning the house for anyone who wasn't Miyuki.
"I don't have any immediate plans, but is something wrong?"
"No, I just thought you might have company."
"Ah... This is Minami Sakurai, my cousin."
"I see."
After a brief introduction, Tatsuya decided to take Shizuku out for a walk.
"Minami, I'm leaving the house in your hands."
"Understood, Tatsuya-niisama," Minami replied, offering a respectful, deep bow.
As they walked away from the house, Shizuku spoke up, her voice slightly trailing. "Tatsuya-san, you really are popular with younger sisters. First Miyuki, and now her."
"That sounded rather pointed. Did something happen?"
"…Not really."
"Are you worried that something developed between Miyuki and me while you were in America?"
"How did you—?! …Oh."
Shizuku looked down, her face flushing. She was mortified that her pouting—and exactly who she was jealous of—had been seen through so easily. The thought that she had wavered in her trust of her boyfriend felt like it might crush her.
"I understand your anxiety, but have a little more faith in me," Tatsuya said calmly. "The person who managed to stir what little emotion I possess wasn't Miyuki or Honoka. It was you, Shizuku."
"I know… I do understand that. But you're so handsome, Tatsuya-san. And both Miyuki and Honoka have declared they aren't giving up on you yet."
Tatsuya and Shizuku had begun their romantic relationship before her study abroad program. They had informed those closest to them, though both suspected it would have become obvious regardless. Even though Shizuku was officially his girlfriend, Miyuki and Honoka didn't resort to bullying or cold shoulders—they simply refused to concede.
"There are so many strong rivals," Shizuku sighed. "Even Saegusa-senpai and Erika look like they're just waiting for a momentary lapse in your guard…"
"You worry too much."
Tatsuya reached out and gently stroked her hair—a gesture that, until a year ago, had been Miyuki's exclusive privilege. Now, Shizuku was likely the one receiving it more often.
"Besides," Shizuku continued, "I heard you received quite a lot of chocolates on Valentine's Day."
"Most of those were merely 'obligatory' chocolates, I assure you."
"If you say 'most,' that means you're aware that at least a few of them were 'true-feelings' chocolates, right?"
"…I made it clear that I couldn't return those feelings."
Tatsuya offered a quick defense as Shizuku's mood took a sharp dive. While she wasn't as explosive as Miyuki, a disgruntled Shizuku could still be quite troublesome to manage.
"Rumor has it even that foreign exchange student liked you…"
"I think it would be more accurate to say she was trying to take my life," Tatsuya remarked dryly.
"Is that so?"
"And what about you, Shizuku? I heard Raymond was quite persistent in his advances toward you."
"Ray is just an acquaintance," she dismissed him instantly. "He was a bit annoying, but he was useful for extracting the information you asked for."
Tatsuya let out a small huff of amusement. "You've become quite cold-blooded, haven't you? Have I finally corrupted you?"
Tatsuya's pragmatic, tactical mindset had clearly rubbed off on Shizuku; lately, she had developed a habit of saying rather ruthless things with a perfectly straight face.
"I just want to be properly recognized as your girlfriend," she said.
"There's no need to force yourself to be cynical for that. Miyuki and Honoka already recognize you as my partner."
"No, I mean everyone else. Ever since we started walking, everyone has been looking at us like we're siblings, not a couple."
Despite her more mature aura following her time abroad, Shizuku still looked somewhat young standing next to Tatsuya. Combined with their height difference, they often appeared to be brother and sister—ironic, considering people often mistook Tatsuya and his actual sister, Miyuki, for lovers.
"It doesn't matter what the world thinks. You are my girlfriend. That is the singular, objective truth."
"Mhm… Tatsuya-san."
"Yes?"
"You might not feel it because of your condition, but saying things like that is actually very embarrassing. For both of us."
"Is it?"
Tatsuya realized it only after she pointed it out, but Shizuku's face was now a deep shade of crimson. He recognized then that his previous statement must have carried significant weight.
Shizuku was indeed embarrassed, but the realization of how much Tatsuya cared for her made her happiness shine through the blush.
"Oh, right! This is late, but here is your Valentine's chocolate. Ray practically begged for it, but I saved it for you."
"Lina mentioned it too—it seems Valentine's Day is a significant culture in America as well."
"Lina? You mean that exchange student?"
"Yes. A former classmate who happens to be the granddaughter of Kudou Retsu's younger brother."
"Tatsuya-san… were you close with her?"
"No. She was Miyuki's rival."
Seeing Shizuku's mood begin to dip again, Tatsuya explained as much as he could about Lina within the bounds of secrecy.
"It's just rare to hear you use a nickname like that," Shizuku noted.
"Is it? I call Amy by her nickname as well."
"That's only because Amy has that kind of personality."
"Fair point."
Thanks to Amy's bright, friendly nature, Tatsuya had indeed fallen into the habit of using her nickname. Realizing this, Tatsuya and Shizuku shared a rare, genuine laugh.
"So, are you staying the night?"
"No, I'll be a good girl and go home today. I've given you what I wanted to give you, and I've heard what I needed to hear."
"I see… Since I've received a gift, it's only right that I give you something in return."
Tatsuya looked down at the chocolate in his hand and murmured.
"It's fine. I just wanted to give it to you. Besides, you'd have to spend so much money to get me a 'return gift' equal to this…"
Shizuku's voice trailed off, her expression becoming mournful at her own words. Seeing her look like she was on the verge of tears, Tatsuya scratched his head awkwardly and stepped closer.
"Tatsuya-san? …Wait—!?"
"…This is all I can offer you as a return gift for now."
Tatsuya pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. Shizuku's mind went blank. It wasn't that they had never kissed before, but it had always been at her request. This was the very first time Tatsuya had initiated it.
"Eventually, I'd like to be able to do this without having to worry about being seen in public," Tatsuya added.
"N-no… that would be too embarrassing for me, too…"
"Would it?"
"Yes…"
Though still occasionally bewildered by her unconventional boyfriend, Shizuku leaned back into his arms, a radiant smile lighting up her face.
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