Monday followed a hectic Sunday. As Tatsuya waited for Miyuki to emerge from the cabinet, he noticed classmates in the vehicle two cars behind theirs. The boy and girl, seated side by side, gaped in unison when they caught his gaze.
"Onii-sama, something amusing?" Miyuki asked, stepping gracefully from the cabinet and following his line of sight.
"Oh," she murmured.
Beyond the windshield of the other cabinet, Erika and Leo flashed awkward smiles.
"Why're we out so early?" Leo grumbled as the four walked together toward school, his tone sour.
"This week's packed. Morning's full of commitments," Tatsuya replied, unfazed by Leo's mood. "What about you?"
It was an hour earlier than usual. Tatsuya had the thesis competition to prep for, but objectively, Leo and Erika being here at this hour was odder.
"Erika, you're up early too," Miyuki added, cutting in before Tatsuya could press further.
"I'm usually up early," Erika shot back.
"Oh? So it's Saijou-kun who's the early bird today?" Miyuki's murmur stopped Erika in her tracks. Ignoring such a jab wasn't her style.
"Hey, Miyuki! Stop making it sound like I drag him out of bed every morning!"
"Yeah! If anything, I'm up earlier!" Leo's retort backfired spectacularly.
Silence fell. Erika glared at Leo, Tatsuya and Miyuki kept poker faces, and Leo blinked, clueless.
"What's with this vibe?" he muttered.
Erika, flushed and teary, looked away. "Why's everyone quiet?"
"Early bird gets the worm, right?" Tatsuya said, sparing her further torment. Miyuki hid a confused smile, while Leo tilted his head, oblivious. The contrast was almost comical.
As class time neared, Tatsuya returned to find Mizuki desperately soothing a still-pouting Erika.
"Tatsuya!" Mikihiko called, his tone pleading. Tatsuya instantly grasped that Mizuki had stepped on a landmine, and Mikihiko had fanned the flames.
"Erika, snap out of it," Tatsuya said, lightly tapping her cheek with a warm canned cocoa.
"Hot! What's that for?!" she yelped.
"Here." He slipped the can into her hand.
"Hot!" she repeated, juggling it with a different tone, her confused eyes meeting his.
"Sweet drinks calm you down, they say."
"Hmph. This won't fool me," she muttered, popping the cap and sipping. Her cheeks softened, and Tatsuya's eyes crinkled with amusement.
"What?" Erika stepped closer, her tone still sulky but lighter, almost coy.
"Chiba's whole clan was training Leo for new magic, right? No one's assuming anything weird, so cheer up." Tatsuya ruffled her hair, earning a startled look.
"Clairvoyant, Tatsuya-kun?"
"No remote viewing here. Just noticed Leo's energy's drained, but his magic's buzzing."
"Energy? Magic? Don't say that like it's obvious… Never mind." Erika, enjoying the hair-ruffling, pulled away, blushing.
"By the way, heard yesterday was rough?" Mikihiko asked.
"Yesterday? Oh, you're quick. What about the day before?" Tatsuya countered. Mikihiko and Mizuki flushed, drawing Erika and Leo's curiosity.
"What happened?" Erika pressed.
"Spill it, Mikihiko," Leo urged.
Tatsuya, diverting their attention, thought of Sekimoto. He'd already tasked Kyoko, the "Electron Sorceress," with digging into Sekimoto's background. She'd promised results in a day or two, and he trusted her efficiency. Still, Tatsuya was curious why Sekimoto targeted him. Visiting Sekimoto in the special detention center would require the Disciplinary Committee Chair's authorization. He planned to ask Kanon after school.
"Tatsuya-kun!" a voice called from outside.
The classroom buzzed, and Erika's mood dipped again. Tatsuya knew the voice instantly.
"Something up, Watanabe-senpai?"
"Impressive, recognizing my voice."
"It's distinctive. About yesterday… you okay?"
Mari looked mildly surprised. "You already knew?"
"I've got my sources."
"Fair. Tomorrow, Mayumi and I are visiting Sekimoto. Want to come? You were the target; you deserve to hear the truth."
"I can join?"
"Of course. Plus… Mayumi alone isn't enough firepower."
Tatsuya caught her meaning and gave her a look—just say it outright. "Your boyfriend, Chiba Shuji—his injury okay?"
"He's fine… though the nurses chewed him out for getting hurt at a hospital."
"Fair point."
Tatsuya agreed to join them after school tomorrow. As the bell loomed, Mari hurried back to her classroom.
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