Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo.
"Do you have everything?" Sumire asked in a concerned tone. "Pens? Pencils? A pencil sharpener? What about notebooks?"
After Tatsuo fell asleep, the night passed quickly. Waking up early, he went downstairs to get a little training out of the way. Then, he came back to his bedroom, took a shower, and put on his new school uniform. After that, he joined everyone at the kitchen table for breakfast.
Now, Tatsuo, in his school uniform with Kasumi and Ayane, found himself and Ayane being fussed over by Sumire while standing in front of the elevator with Kasumi. While Tatsuo was only smiling wryly at his mother's overprotectiveness, Ayane was clearly flustered. Apparently, she had never experienced such familial affection, and it was making her a bit uncomfortable.
"We've got everything, Mom." Tatsuo relied gently while taking hold of Sumire's hands. "Besides, it's only the first day. Other than introductions and the opening ceremony, there won't be anything to do. So, even if we forget something, we'll just make sure to pack it for tomorrow."
As soon as Tatsuo took her hands into his, Sumire's concerned expression melted into a wide, radiant smile. And as he spoke, she nodded her head vigorously in understanding.
"Tatsu-Kun's gotten really good at handling Sumire-Sama, hasn't he?" Mai whispered while leaning towards Tio.
"Indeed." Tio replied in a whisper, as well, while nodding in agreement.
At the same time, Ayane shot Tatsuo a thankful glance before turning around and pressing the call button for the elevator.
"Anyway, if we don't leave soon, we're gonna be late." Ayane said, trying her best to get away from the fluffy atmosphere.
And the last person in the room, Kasumi, only smiled at her half-sister's uncomfortable expression. Just seeing Ayane receive more love than she could handle made Kasumi very happy.
"Ayane is right, Sumire-Sama." Kasumi said gently, backing up Ayane's statement. "We really should get going soon."
"*Sigh* Fine..." Sumire said with a pout. A moment later, however, her eyes lit up, making it seem like she just came up with a brilliant idea. "Ooh! I know! Why don't I give you three a ride to school? That way, you won't have to worry about being late."
*Ding!*
At that moment, the elevator arrived at the penthouse. And as soon as the doors opened, Ayane grabbed Tatsuo and Kasumi before pulling them inside.
"I appreciate the offer, Sumire-Sama." Ayane said while pressing the button for the ground floor. "But I think it would be better if we got used to the route. You won't be driving us to school every day, after all."
Hearing Sumire's excuse, Sumire could only stand there with her mouth hanging open. She had so many things to say. Yet, she had no idea where to start. As a result, she never managed a rebuttal before the elevator doors closed in front of her.
Meanwhile, Ayane slouched against the back wall of the elevator and let out a tired sigh.
"That was kind of mean, Ayane." Kasumi said gently while trying, and failing, to suppress a smile. "Sumire-Sama was only worried about you and Tatsuo-Kun for your first day at a new school."
"This is even your first time going to a regular school." Tatsuo added, not even bothering to try and hide his teasing smile. "So, her concern made perfect sense, didn't it?"
"Shut up." Ayane said while shooting a glare at Tatsuo.
Hearing that, Tatsuo smile turned into full-blown laughter. Even Kasumi had to raise a hand to hide the smile that spread across her face. Meanwhile, Ayane only sharply turned away from them, a light dusting of pink coloring her cheeks.
'It hasn't been that long, but Ayane's changed a lot since she came to live with us.' Kasumi thought to herself while watching Tatsuo continue to tease Ayane. 'I think this is for the best. Though, I don't think Ayane would agree. She'd probably say something like she'll only go soft.'
Not long later, Tatsuo stopped his teasing when the elevator came to a stop. A moment later, the elevator doors opened. And standing in the open door, the trio saw Yusa Emi, wearing her job's uniform, waiting to head to the ground floor.
"Oh, it's Soramoto-Kun, Tenshin-San, and Soramoto-San." Emi said after recognizing the trio. "Good morning. I hope you're having a good day."
As she gave her greetings, Emi quickly stepped into the elevator. A moment later, she realized that Ayane was wearing the same uniform as Kasumi while Tatsuo was wearing a different uniform than she remembered.
"Good morning, Yusa-San." Tatsuo said with a smile. "Looks like you're not rushing to get to work today."
"You make it sound like I'm always late." Emi replied while smiling wryly. "Anyway, it looks like you changed schools. Are you all going to Yagami High now?"
With that, the elevator doors closed, and the four continued their conversation as the elevator descended. Then, just as the elevator reached the ground floor, Tatsuo changed the topic from school.
"Oh, by the way, Yusa-San..." Tatsuo said as the elevator doors opened. "We'll be moving soon. Mom bought a new house closer to the school and the renovations will be complete soon."
Hearing that, Emi's eyes widened in surprise. Then, a hint of envy showed in her expression as she smiled.
"Congratulations." Emi said, her tone hiding the envy she felt. "That sounds wonderful."
"We'll make sure to invite you over after we move in." Tatsuo said with a smile of his own.
"I'll be looking forward to it." Emi said as she and the other three stepped out of the elevator.
Now in the apartment building's lobby, the four continued to chat as they made their way out of the building to head to school and work, respectively.
'I wonder what she'll think when she finds out that Maou-San and Ashiya-San are moving into our old place.' Tatsuo said to himself while concealing a mischievous smile. "Not only them... I bet Maou-San's expression will be a sight to see, too. Too bad I probably won't be around to see either.'
"What are you up to, Tatsuo?" Ayane asked, suspicion apparent in her expression.
"Me?" Tatsuo asked, the picture of innocence. "Why would you think I'm up to anything?"
Deciding not to dignify Tatsuo's antics with a response, Ayane only rolled her eyes while Kasumi giggled behind her hand.
"Tatsuo-Kun, that innocent expression doesn't work on people who actually know you." Kasumi pointed out. "To us, it's obvious you're up to something."
Tatsuo put on an exaggerated expression of hurt at the insinuation, which was completely true. He then continued to play up the act as the trio made their way towards Yagami High.
Eventually, the group arrived at their school. When they did, they saw a students everywhere in the courtyard, though most of them were gathered in front of several boards, at the top of which was a class number.
"I've seen this place from a far, but it feels different up close." Ayane muttered while looking around at all the students dressed in the same uniform as she and her siblings were.
"A lot of places look different when you're not stalking someone." Tatsuo said before casually avoiding the backhand Ayane threw in response.
Seeing Tatsuo's and Ayane's antics, Kasumi could not help smiling happily. Seeing both of them getting used to normal lives truly warmed her heart.
"We should check and see which classes we're in." Kasumi said softly. "If it takes too long, we'll be late."
"Sure." Tatsuo replied while evading a barrage of attacks from Ayane.
"Fine..." Ayane said at the same time while throwing one more punch.
The little scuffle between Tatsuo and Ayane drew a lot of attention from the surrounding students. However, their close proximity to Kasumi, who was one of the most popular girls at the school, drew just as much, if not more, attention.
Naturally, that also included those standing in front of the board displaying the class assignments. Or rather, three girls standing among those gathered around the class assignments.
"Hey, that's Tenshin-San and Soramoto-Kun, right?" Mikoto asked while patting Eri and Akira on the shoulder.
"Yes, and it looks like Tenshin-San's sister has transferred into the school, as well." Akira replied in a calm, measured tone. "If I'm not mistaken, her name is Soramoto Ayane."
"I wonder why she took the Soramoto name after being adopted rather than keeping the same name as her sister." Mikoto asked curiously.
"That's not our business to worry about." Eri said. "Instead of trying to dig into their family business, we should greet them."
"Hey! I wasn't trying anything like that." Mikoto replied in a huff. She then shifted her expression into a friendly smile as she continued. "Even so, you're right, Sawachika. Let's go say hi."
Then, without waiting for a response, Mikoto started moving through the crowd, leaving Eri and Akira behind with Eri shaking her head at her friend's actions.
"There's no point fretting over it." Akira said calmly. "That's just how Suou-San is. Come on, let's follow her."
"Yeah, you're right." Eri replied with a nod before following Mikoto through the crowd.
By the time Eri and Akira caught up with Mikoto, she was already chatting enthusiastically with Tatsuo, Kasumi, and Ayane.
"You know, coming over here wasn't really necessary." Tatsuo said while smiling wryly. "I mean, we needed to check the class assignments, too."
Hearing that, Mikoto froze while Eri and Akira only shook their heads. Like Tatsuo, they thought something similar. However, before they could voice those thoughts, Mikoto had already run off.
"Regardless, it was nice they came to greet us." Kasumi said, a gentle reprimand in her tone.
"I didn't say it wasn't." Tatsuo replied with a shrug. Then, he spread his arms in a gesture that said "don't look at me like that" as he continued. "I was just pointing out that it was unnecessary. That's all."
Kasumi only shook her head in response.
"So, which class are you three in?" Ayane asked nonchalantly.
"Class 2-C." Akira replied. "We're all in the same class again."
"Yup! Just like last year." Mikoto added with a smile.
"Does that include Tsukamoto-San?" Kasumi asked curiously. "It would be terrible if the four of you were separated."
"No, Tenma is in class with us, too." Eri replied while shaking her head. She then turned to look at a certain boy in the crowd, and her lips curled up in a teasing smile. "And so is the guy she has a crush on."
"Unfortunately, from what I've heard, he's planning to transfer out before long." Akira added.
Hearing that, Tatsuo, Kasumi, and Ayane turned to look at the male student Eri was looking at. When they did, they saw a young man standing at about 5'7" with short black hair styled into a bowl cut and black eyes with an emotionless expression on his face looking up at the class assignments.
"It's hard to believe that noisy girl would be into someone who looks so quiet." Ayane muttered while scrutinizing the young man.
"I know, right?" Mikoto said with a giggle. "We've been telling her the same thing."
"You know what they say, right?" Akira said calmly. "Opposites attract. And there really is no one more opposite of Tenma-Chan."
"Yeah, he's quiet, composed, gets good grades, and he's good at sports." Eri added. "The complete opposite of that girl."
"Which girl are you talking about, Eri-Chan?"
Hearing that question from a familiar voice, Tatsuo, Kasumi, Ayane, Mikoto, Eri, and Akira all turned in its direction. When they did, they saw the person who they were expecting, Tsukamoto Tenma, walking through the school's gate with her sister, Yakumo at her side.
"Yo, what's up, Tenma-Chan? Yakumo-Chan?" Mikoto said cheerfully. "Honestly, I half expected you to be late. I guess it's a good thing Yakumo-Chan comes to the same school, huh?"
"Miko-Chan, that's so rude!" Tenma squealed. "I'm not late that often!"
While the group of four friends greeted and caught up with each other, Tatsuo found his attention drawn to Yakumo. And as it just so happened, she was looking at him, as well. Unfortunately, the atmosphere was a bit awkward. This was the first time they've seen each other since Tatsuo told her about the fact that he would have more than one lover in the future.
However, before they could break the ice, Tenma jumped forward with her eyes sparkling after noticing that Tatsuo, Kasumi, and Ayane were standing with Mikoto, Eri, and Akira.
"Tatsuo-Kun! Tatsuo-Kun! I'll be counting on you to help me study for exams this year, too!" Tenma said excitedly. "With your help, my grades were much better."
"I'm okay with that." Tatsuo replied with a smile. "Teaching helps me refine what I know, too."
"Awesome!" Tenma cheered. Then, she put on a sheepish expression while poking her index fingers together. "Could you cook for those study meetings, too?"
"So that was your real reason, huh?" Eri asked with her arms crossed. "You care more about the food than the better grades, don't you?"
"Don't act like you don't like Tatsuo-Kun's cooking, too, Eri-Chan!" Tenma shrieked in embarrassment at having her motive pointed out.
That started a round of bickering between Tenma and Eri while everyone else either laughed or smiled at the back and forth. With that, the group began moving towards the class assignment boards to check which classes Tatsuo, Kasumi, Ayane, and Yakumo would be in.