Well, Shiba-kun. It's about time for you to return to the stadium. Just
use the backup CADs for now. Since this kind of situation has
occurred, there's no need for further examinations. Speaking of which,
board chairman?"
At these sudden summons, one of the older gentlemen behind him —
that being said, he was still a dozen years younger than Elder Kudou
— hurriedly nodded his head.
"For such an unsavory individual to infiltrate the staff is a scandal of
unprecedented proportions. Afterwards, I would like to hear your
explanation."
The chairman looked ready to faint, but still managed to reply in the
affirmative. Elder Kudou turned from his band of followers and once
more turned a delighted gaze towards Tatsuya.
"Shiba Tatsuya-kun, I would like to speak with you sooner or later."
"Definitely, if the opportunity beckons—"
"Indeed, allow me to look forward to this 'opportunity'."
This was the first encounter between Tatsuya and Kudou Retsu.
◊ ◊ ◊
Upon returning to First High's pavilion, Tatsuya was acutely aware
that the looks sent his way had developed minute, yet definitive,
changes.
—Maybe, he should say they have "reverted to their original state".
The reason he said minute was because they were trying, but failed, to
hide their subtle glances. They felt guilty about seeing him in a
different light, yet could not suppress the wavering in their hearts.
Tatsuya was no fool.
His emotions were merely skewed in a certain direction, with one
particular half becoming especially sensitive.
Hence, he was slow to accept good intentions.
Yet very adept at picking up hostility.
Currently, he was very accustomed to reading the glances thrown his
way. It was the bewilderment, terror, and avoidance one experienced
when encountering an unidentified outlier.
"Onii-sama..."
Among them, one young lady did not shun him and approached him
with subdued voice and expression.
"Sorry, I made you worry."
That was the only gaze that plucked his heartstrings.
"How can that be! Wasn't Onii-sama enraged on my behalf?"
At the same time as she shook her head vigorously, her brushed hair
parted slightly.
"That was fast. Have you heard the details?"
Tatsuya gently adjusted the loose strands and caressed his sister's
head. Shyly, Miyuki dipped her head, but still answered her brother's
question clearly.
"No. That's because, whenever Onii-sama is actually furious... It's
always because of me..."
Her clear answer trailed off into a sob. Tatsuya used one hand to
stroke his sister's face and gently raised her head.
"...Exactly. I will only anger for your sake.
But, Miyuki. It is perfectly natural for an older brother to be furious
for a young sister.
In my heart, that is the last scrap of something 'perfectly natural'.
So, Miyuki, you don't have to be so sad."
Tatsuya released his right hand and pulled out a handkerchief, which
he used to dab at the tear corners of his sister's eyes.
"Besides... Wouldn't it be a shame for your tears to ruin such a
beautiful make up job? Today is an auspicious day when you will
ascend to the stage."
"Don't say that... Seriously, Onii-sama. I'm not the only one competing
today. This is called blatant favoritism!"
In spite of the wry smile, the brilliancy of Miyuki's smile was second
to none.
At least, that's how Tatsuya saw it.
Seeing his sister's smile restored, Tatsuya was satisfied and at ease.
His hands dropped from his sister's face to her shoulder as he directed
them inside. When he lifted his head to look at the pavilion, he
suddenly felt another subtle change in looks he was receiving. This
time, the change was in a more interesting direction.
Hidden within the secret glances in their direction,
Was a lukewarm gaze that was both irritated but unable to take their
eyes off of them.
"Ah, Tatsuya-kun."
Presently, as if the Student Council President spoke on behalf of all
the students present, Mayumi used an especially cold voice and gaze
to welcome Tatsuya.
"When I heard from the board that 'one of the students from your
school abruptly assaulted someone', I was at wit's end trying to figure
out what happened... So, apparently a certain sis-con brother flew into
a rage when someone attempted to act against his beloved little
sister!"
While this wasn't a very flattering way to describe the circumstances,
Tatsuya got the distinct feeling of someone in the path of a tornado
and feeling the cold wind nipping at him. Realizing that he was in a
completely inferior situation, Tatsuya helplessly chose to make a
tactical retreat.
Thus, he quickly retreated into the work room allotted for technicians.
This way, Tatsuya finally managed to avoid being ostracized within
First High, though whether this result was brought about by his own
will... Even he was not able to say.