Chapter Text
Spring break is over. Tatsuya and Miyuki have returned home after their three-day trip from Okinawa, and it has been over a month since then. Miyuki has been brimming with happiness since the beginning of the second year, and she still is to this day as she walks alongside her brother. They have already entered the school gate and are making their way towards their school building.
Glancing to the side at her brother's upper arm and taking in the eight-petal emblem adorning his uniform, Miyuki smiles giddily. She still feels like it's a dream, but the proof is right in front of her eyes and nothing makes her happier than that confirmation. Therefore, disregarding her surroundings, she closes the distance between them and wounds her arm around his tightly. Leaning against him, she presses her cheek there against his arm, as a sweet smile graces her lips. As they continue to walk in this way, the smile on her face only broadens, and then she lets out a little laugh, which makes her brother look down to his side at her face. She knows that she is being silly, but she can not find it in her to care.
Tatsuya might not have been all that surprised, if not for feeling two soft mounds pressing against his arm. But seeing Miyuki smiling happily, his eyes soften, and he finds himself being unable to admonish her. Thus, keeping his expression schooled, he swallows whatever he has wanted to say and leaves his arm as is. Even if he had said something, he wasn't really going to pull away from her. Besides, it's not like it's the first time she has done something like that, and frankly, he doesn't really mind. On the contrary, he actually likes it — the feeling of her soft body pressed up against him. Hence, he watches her for a few more seconds before turning his head to the front.
If he thinks back, he will realize that his surprise is unfounded, since she has been like that for a month now; and he is not sure when she will stop, but today his little sister is surely clingier than ever. Again, he does not mind it, as he finds her rather cute. Anyhow, aside from other days, he knows very well the reason for his sister's happiness today. Not only him, he is pretty sure that the whole school also knows it. OK, that's stretching it — not all the students are aware of the specific reason for today, save for maybe a few of them who are their close friends. Nonetheless, everyone definitely knows why she has been so happy from the beginning of this month, as it is so very obvious. Because starting from this year, Shiba Tatsuya is no longer a Course 2 student or a Weed. He is a Course 1 student now, just like Miyuki.
After the thesis competition, because of his excellent performance and meritorious contribution during the Nine School Competition as well as the Yokohama incident, which is known by only a handful of people, he was recommended by the ex-President of the Student Council, Saegusa Mayumi, ex-Chair of the Public Morals Committee, Watanabe Mari, and ex-Chair of the Extracurricular Activity Federation who's in charge of all club activities, Juumonji Katsuto. They had strongly appealed that he is more than capable of becoming a Course 1 student. Along with 'The Big Three', the current President of the Student Council, Nakajou Azusa and the current Chair of the Extracurricular Activity Federation, Hattori Gyoubushoujo Hanzou, also supported it. However, what everyone is unaware of is all along Azusa had another reason for doing so. In fact, that's her main reason because ever since the NSC, she has had a hunch that Shiba Tatsuya is 'Taurus Silver', the mysterious CAD engineer of FLT, though she has never dared to voice it or ask him upfront.
Surprisingly, their appeal has been approved by the school, and much to his chagrin, Tatsuya finds himself at the center of people's attention. Since every year, some Course 2 students become Course 1 students at the end of the first year, it wasn't supposed to be a big deal given he isn't the only one. But he shouldn't have underestimated Miyuki's reputation and, because of his identity as her brother, the situation has turned out like this. In the beginning, he had struggled a little to cope with it, but here he is sharing the same class as his dear sister. While her exuberance has made it bearable, unfortunately it was unable to improve the situation. Actually, even as a Course 1 student, he is not supposed to be in class A, but for some reason a student has dropped out of this class. Thus, he is placed here to fill in that vacancy, much to Miyuki's delight. His other friends, Honoka and Shizuku also seem very happy about being in the same class as him.
After a year spent as a Course 2 student and making friends there, Tatsuya was the least bit interested in becoming a Course 1 student. But having him there beside her, Miyuki is very happy, and her happiness being his top priority, he concedes. Even now, as he is taking his seat, Miyuki flashes a stunning smile at him before taking hers, which doesn't fail to dazzle those who have seen it, of course, him included. In fact, it in turn pulls a wry smile out of him, teasing his lips as well as softening his expression considerably. Anyhow, he figures it will be easier for him to protect Miyuki by staying in close vicinity to her, though distance has never really been a concern of his.
Shiba Tatsuya recognizes the fact that there are still a few male students and upperclassmen, who can hardly swallow the bitter pill of him being a Course 1 student now; not that he cares whether they accept him or not. But most of them, especially the female students, have accepted him wholeheartedly after witnessing his outstanding ability at calibrating CAD during the Nine School Competition as well as his performance in Monolith Code. After all, defeating Ichijou Masaki, the Crimson Prince who is a descendant of Ten Master Clans, is not an easy feat. Even that dude, Morisaki Shun, who has previously declared that he will never acknowledge him, has done so begrudgingly because he knows that he couldn't have done the same, though he will never admit it to the world.
There are also some female students (mostly 2nd years) who have made a fan club of his, much to his exasperation, though it is not official yet, which he thinks is fortunate. And, as one of the two Vice Presidents of the Student Council, he will see to it that it never gets the approval to be one, even if he needs to threaten Hattori, who is in charge of approving the formation of any club. Speaking of, he might not have learned about the existence of this absurd club, if not for one faithful day, when some members had approached Miyuki in his absence with the intention of recruiting her into their club and making her their club president. He really has to give it to them for choosing the right person to offer said position, given they are well aware of her reverence for her brother.
Honestly, Tatsuya hadn't really meant to eavesdrop, since he doesn't approve such tendencies. Hence, he could only blame his enhanced hearing for chancing upon them. He had been out for some work that day and was on his way to the Student Council to get Miyuki to go home together. But before turning around the corner, a familiar sweet voice along with some other female voices had entered his ear. Had it been any other time, he would have made his presence known at once. However, the content of their conversation had made him speechless to the point of rooting him to the spot, not to mention, his otherwise dull eyes had also widened in disbelief. Even so, he didn't have time in hand to process, given the direction in which their conversation was progressing, he was more than sure of their motive by then. Therefore, without further ado, he had moved and appeared beside his sister, which, as a result, had startled the crowd of girls. Taking advantage of their momentary stupor, he had cut into their conversation and whisked Miyuki away to prevent them from offering her the position, because, knowing his sister, he was certain that she would have accepted it without thinking twice.
Letting out a long-suffering sigh, Tatsuya leans back against his chair after their instructor has taken his leave. Today he has been too preoccupied to hear what has been said so far in the class, which is actually a first for him. Looking back on all the happenings this month, he reconfirms that he really does not want all that attention he is getting right now. From the beginning, all he had wanted was to lead a normal and peaceful high school life with his precious little sister. But seeing the current situation, it seems like a faraway dream. Well, it has not been really peaceful in the first place, if he considers the events that have taken place since last year.
The digital clock on the wall says that they still have some time before their next class, yet the elder Shiba wishes nothing but for it to begin soon. And why is that? It's because he is currently on the receiving end of something any guy around him will kill for — Miyuki's undivided attention. Since earlier, his beloved little sister has been staring at him as if no one else exists in this world except him. She has that worshiping look plastered on her face, and he suspects that if he just squints his eyes a little, he will be able to see flowers blooming around her. Aside from her, Tatsuya has also noticed or rather felt other gazes directed towards him; to say nothing of the fact that almost half of those are directed towards Miyuki. But his sister, on the other hand, seems completely oblivious to them, or it can be that she simply does not care.
If he so wishes, he can easily ignore those harmless, envious gazes, but he is unable to do so when it comes to this specific one that's so very dear to him. Basically, Tatsuya refuses to do so, not when those cerulean eyes are filled with nothing but boundless affection for him. He wouldn't have minded her attention all that much and might have even partaken in the pleasure of teasing her, had it been just the two of them, since he likes her attention as much as she likes his. But unfortunately, they aren't alone now, and with the surrounding audiences as well as under their watchful eyes, he finds it somewhat unnerving; not to mention, something about her eyes felt different this time. Therefore, being unable to tolerate the heat of Miyuki's gaze, he finally snaps and turns to his right to face her. Keeping any emotion from surfacing on his face, he asks her in his usual monotonous voice, "What's the matter, Miyuki?"
"Eh?" Miyuki jolts as if the spell she was under has been broken upon hearing her brother's voice, and seeing her expression, Tatsuya confirms his suspicion that she really hasn't heard his question. Exasperated, he can only let out a sigh and repeat his question, which causes her to flush red. As such, after stuttering out, "I-I'm sorry, it's nothing," she quickly turns away from him.
While Tatsuya is glad for the reprieve, he didn't really mean to embarrass her. Thus, as he watches her back, his eyes soften without him knowing. Ever since that incident in Okinawa, Miyuki's behavior towards him has taken a turn of 180 degrees, and to this day it hasn't changed, not even a bit. At that time, it wasn't a deliberate act on his part to gain her acknowledgment because what he had said to her that day wasn't a lie. He really would have kept her in the dark if there was an option. But incidentally — or should he say (un)fortunately? He didn't know — she had learned the truth surrounding him and then… well, the rest is history.
True to his word, Tatsuya wouldn't have minded if she had stayed aloof as before, but somehow, despite his limited emotions, it had stung whenever she had treated him coldly or looked away from him. While it's true that his feelings in other respects are nothing but logical or, for lack of a better word, almost bordering on robotic, they are quite extreme when they come to her. It may be because all of his feelings have been concentrated on this single entity that the extremity of his feelings for her has turned into obsession. Still, whatever the case, he doesn't seem to mind that and thinks it's for the best. Anyway, from then on, along with Miyuki's treatment towards him, his life has also changed for the better, and he has no intention of letting anyone disrupt it.
Nevertheless, he isn't ignorant enough to not notice the gradual changes in her behavior, where she has turned quite submissive towards him, and as a potential candidate for the next Yotsuba heir, this conduct is not acceptable, yet having this knowledge doesn't mean it will enable him to change the situation. Therefore, for a while, he was worried and blamed himself for letting her know the truth, but after their last trip to Yotsuba village, she had put his worries to rest. Unlike before, she hadn't shied away from calling him "Onii-sama", not even in the presence of Yotsuba Maya, yet she was still able to maintain her dignity, which didn't fail to please him or make him proud. Therefore, despite the displeasure of some people, nobody was able to say anything about it, not like their thoughts really count — what count was Yotsuba Maya, and she seemed fine with it. Seeing that, his taut nerves had relaxed a bit. Also, by then, he had realized that Miyuki's sentiment and everything that she had done for him so far had been from her heart. None of them were self-imposed, and that knowledge had allowed the last shred of concern in his heart to melt away. Consequently, he had stopped worrying and decided to simply enjoy her warmth.
Unlike the first 13 years of his life in which he spent this specific day in solitude, and just like any ordinary day, the following few years have been quite different. When she surprised him with a celebratory party — a private one with just the two of them — for the first time, he was clearly dumbfounded, since it was something foreign to him. But, after passing his initial puzzlement, what he found more endearing was the effort she had put in and the look of anticipation on her face. In the end, he actually enjoyed himself. Since then, she has always worked hard to make this day special for him. And, just like those years, this year probably isn't an exception, given how she has woken up earlier than any other day, and greeted him at his door. The breakfast that followed was also nothing short of extravagant, and from what he could see, it's only the beginning. Tatsuya is no fool to not understand anything from those, but honestly, he doesn't feel like there's any need to make such a big deal out of it. 'Though Miyuki might beg to differ,' he thinks wryly.
After turning away from Tatsuya, Miyuki looks down at her interlaced fingers in her lap. Feeling extremely embarrassed about being caught like that earlier, she berates herself internally. Even then, someone making his way towards her doesn't go unnoticed by her. In fact, she needn't have to look up to know that it's none other than her beloved brother. Again, she doesn't need to think twice to know why he is coming over. But for the time being she would rather not meet his eyes; well, not for a few minutes at least. Because her embarrassment from earlier has somehow reminded her of that time when she had almost kissed him in their living room while he was resting with his eyes closed. Therefore, she keeps her eyes down and tries hard to calm her erratically beating heart because she fears that if he sees her now, he will see right through her and notice everything.
Unaware of her internal turmoil, Tatsuya can only see her hunched back, and to him, she looks like a kicked puppy. Not being able to bear the sight, he leaves his chair and crosses the short distance between their seats. Stopping in front of her, he watches her downcast face for a while before exhaling in defeat, 'I really am putty in her hands.' Placing his left hand flat on her desk, he wordlessly extends his right hand and places it on her head. Stroking her head gently, he tries to coax her. As he has expected, it does the trick, and doesn't take long for her to look up at him. Taking the chance, his hand slides down while his left hand comes up to join his right to cup the other side of her cheek. They grow warm as he caresses them, and Miyuki almost coos and closes her eyes. Leaning into his touch, she enjoys the warmth of his hands sipping into her, and exhales a pleased sigh.
"Miyuki…"
In spite of her reluctance, Miyuki opens those pretty eyes of hers and looks up at her brother upon hearing him call her name softly. Having those tender eyes of his on her, her heart flutters, and she feels like melting then and there. Miyuki would have preferred a place where there was no one around them, since she is unwilling to share this side of her brother with others. Because, those soft eyes and that gentle voice have always been reserved only for her, and no one other than her has ever seen or heard Shiba Tatsuya like that. However, with him staring at her like that, she can't bring herself to care about her surroundings for the moment. Instead, her lean elegant fingers go up, and she presses them over his larger ones on her cheek. "Onii-sama…" her voice comes out breathy, but unlike last time, Miyuki doesn't close her eyes and keeps staring at him. Still holding her gaze, Tatsuya also continues his previous action of caressing her cheeks.
From the onlookers' point of view, it seems like they are in their own bubble and have completely forgotten that they are still in the classroom, as they are drowning in the depth of each other's eyes. And their classmates, who have had their eyes trained on them, start to feel embarrassed just watching those awfully close pair of siblings. Even someone like Shizuku, who's used to seeing their antics on a daily basis, feels her cheeks heating up. And Honoka? Well, she is on the brink of losing consciousness from overheating, so Shizuku moves to her side to support her. But what surprises everyone is how very unlikely it is for those siblings… like, they can't believe that they are still unaware of their gazes, especially that Shiba Tatsuya. Or, could it be that they are aware of their stares, but have decided to stop caring about them? They can't really dismiss that possibility, and their conjecture is proven true when Tatsuya speaks next.
Seeing that her mood has recovered completely, Tatsuya finally opens his mouth, "I didn't mean to embarrass you earlier, Miyuki." His thumb brushes very lightly over her lower lip, and he enjoys its softness and slight tremble, before leaning in to whisper the rest in her ear, "… but if you give me that much attention and keep staring at me that way, everyone will start to hate me you know, specially the guys," saying so, he tilts his head to the side to indicate the surrounding students, who have been pricking up their ears to eavesdrop on them. While Tatsuya has leaned in as if to whisper the rest, he hasn't really bothered to lower the volume of his voice. Therefore, from the corner of his eyes, he watches in amusement as the guys who have been listening flush red at his not-so-subtle comment.
Frankly, Tatsuya is the least concerned about whether they hate him or not, but the way his sister has been giving him that love-struck look, he has to do something to stop her there. He does not want those around them, especially the guys, or more accurately, anyone to see her like that, because he believes that only he is allowed to see that expression on her face. It could be because of his defective emotions that he thinks it's normal, but what he does not realize is how possessive that thought of his is!
A "Huh?" escapes her mouth upon hearing her brother's words, yet Miyuki almost pouts because of missing his touch on her cheeks. Still, despite her displeasure, she isn't disrespectful enough to ignore him for a second time. Therefore, tearing her eyes away from him, she finally looks around, only to have her eyes widen in shock, as she realizes only now that she has forgotten the fact of them being in the classroom. Reflexively, her hands move up fast to cover her red face, but before her mortification can get the better of her, something catches her eyes. She notices then that all the students in the class look more abashed than her — some pretend to talk like discussing something important while others act as if they are busy doing something, yet all of them are sporting a pair of red cheeks. Seeing that comical sight, despite her embarrassment, her face cracks into a smile, and she ends up chuckling in amusement and not-too-long after, Tatsuya joins her.
By recess, Tatsuya and Miyuki are free of work. They were out doing fieldwork today. So they return to the Student Council first to report as well as collect Honoka before leaving for the cafeteria since they have agreed previously to have lunch with the gang today. But not finding her there, they figured that she has gone ahead of them. Upon stepping into the cafeteria, they spot their friends easily, for they are sitting at their usual table and calling their names while waving at them. Seeing Erika and Leo waving energetically at the same time bickering among themselves, the corner of Tatsuya's lips twitches. Miyuki, on the other hand, chuckles despite herself, and waves back at them.
Since the beginning of 2nd year, this group of friends hasn't had much time to hang out together. Other than Leo, Erika and Mizuki, all of them have joined either the Student Council or the Public Morals Committee, and because of joining the Mountaineer club, Leo is also busy and not always present. So it's just Erika and Mizuki most of the time. Earlier, they had thought that with the addition of Tatsuya as the second Vice President of the Student Council beside Miyuki, the workload would lessen. But who would have guessed that, contrary to their expectations, it would increase instead? The Public Morals Committee isn't doing any better either. Thus, they didn't get the chance to gather at lunch or go home together. So today marks the very first day for them to have lunch together, after quite some time. Hence, it's obvious why Erika and Leo are so enthusiastic. In fact, all of them looked very happy.
Having collected their meals, Tatsuya and Miyuki make their way to their table and settle down. Following by a round of wishes, Leo puts down the glass of his orange juice on the table after taking a sip and asks Tatsuya good-naturedly, "How's your new class, Tatsuya? How does it feel to be a Course 1 student?"
"Nothing special. Course 1 isn't all that different from Course 2 other than the addition of a Course Instructor," he replies matter-of-factly, "… But, if I have to mention any difference, that is, Miyuki is in the same class as me," saying so, Tatsuya glances to his right where Miyuki is sitting, and smiles at her gently while rubbing her head. She, in turn, smiles back at him sweetly and leans closer.
"And here we go again!" Erika exclaims loudly in an attempt to break their bubble before it suffocates them; she does so to interrupt this pair of lovey-dovey siblings from getting lost in each other's eyes because, having first-hand experience of their mushiness, she prefers to do something to avoid it. Seeing that, others can only smile wryly since they have already gotten used to it. While nobody has said anything about Tatsuya's remark earlier, it doesn't mean it's forgotten, or they are not thinking about it. On the contrary, they can't stop thinking about it because they find it hard to believe that having an instructor isn't a big deal for this guy. What's really important to him is Miyuki being by his side. Well, that's Tatsuya for you — they come to the same conclusion.
Miyuki then extends her congratulations to Mikihiko for becoming a Course 1 student again, to whom he expresses his gratitude. Though everyone has done so already via message in their group chat, she has wanted to congratulate him again in person. Tatsuya, from her side, then comments that he looks quite happy, which Mikihiko denies readily. Still, he can't hide it from his eyes, which speak otherwise — they sparkle, and he looks light. It's like after so long a burden has been lifted off of his shoulders.
As their conversation progresses, Miyuki teases Mikihiko and Mizuki when she notices them glancing at each other whenever they thought that no one is watching. Not wanting to let the chance slip by, Erika also joins her in the fun, and taunts Mikihko mercilessly. Leo, as always, comments from the other side of the table that she is a cruel woman, though he does not make any attempt to stop her. Lastly, Shizuku also joins in by throwing bombs in her usual cool voice, which only fuels the duo's embarrassment, and renders them into blushing, stuttering mess. The only person who tries to stop the girls is Honoka, and for that Mikihiko is grateful, but unfortunately, with all of them overpowering her, all her attempts end up being futile.
It has been a long time since they have sat together like this. Hence, the guys don't intervene or get in the way of the girls having some fun, and just watch them from the side in amusement. While Mikihiko, the poor guy, with the same thought in mind, tolerates and responses in kind for the sake of humoring them, it doesn't mean he is OK with it. Still he endures. But when he notices Mizuki getting more and more embarrassed, he throws hateful glances at Tatsuya and Leo for not helping her, and drinking their beverages nonchalantly.
Contrary to what Mikihiko thought, Tatsuya actually has been keeping his eyes on them from the start to make sure that they wouldn't go too far with their jokes and, from what he can see, Miyuki has been doing the same. Because, other than covering her mouth to laugh here and there, she hasn't said anything for a while now and has been keeping her eyes trained on Mizuki. Seeing the girl getting redder by the seconds, they both come to the same conclusion that it can't go on. Anymore and she might explode. Therefore, after exchanging looks among themselves, Tatsuya puts his foot down and comes to her rescue, which effectively stops them all as well as spares Mizuki to cool her crimson face. Mikihiko, also being grateful for the reprieve, exhales in relief.
Afterward, Miyuki apologizes to both of them for she is the one who has started it earlier. Seeing the way it has escalated, she regrets her action. But Mizuki and Mikihiko don't let her continue and interrupt her mid-sentence, saying there's no need for that, and just brush off her words. Understanding their kind intention, Miyuki also refrains from talking about it. Not long after, they all go back to their lunch, and the corner of the cafeteria they are occupying gets noisy again as they converse about various stuff; yet before they realize it, recess comes to an end, cutting their lively time short. So, with reluctance, they all part.
Tatsuya and Miyuki have planned to meet up with the gang again at the end of school to go home together, because they are not needed at the Student Council today. But unexpectedly, they are met by a teary-eyed Azusa, who has been standing outside their classroom, waiting for them. As soon as she sees them, before they have the chance to inquire, she bursts into tears saying she requires their help with some last-minute work. Being Vice Presidents, they couldn't find it in them to refuse their helpless President, and thus they decide to stay behind. Azusa, after calming down, also apologizes profusely for making them work over-time, and thanks them for their assistance. When they are finally done with their work, it has already gotten dark outside.
Tatsuya has already left a message in the group chat beforehand to notify his friends about the fact that he and Miyuki won't be able to make it after school because of their work at the Student Council, and asked them to leave first. Honoka, as a fellow Student Council member, has offered to come back to help them, but Tatsuya's simple response was, "We got it covered, so there's no need." Despite that, after getting off work, as they near the school gate, they come across a group of six people or rather six students of First High School standing there. Needless to say, they are none other than Leo, Erika, Mikihiko, Mizuki, Honoka and Shizuku. They have turned a deaf ear to Tatsuya's words, and decided to wait for them instead, which was actually more or less within his expectations. Therefore, he doesn't seem all that surprised.
While the sight of them waiting for more than two hours warms their hearts, and they feel grateful and blessed for having them as friends, it still doesn't stop Tatsuya from reprimanding them, given he has an inkling as to why they have done so. Regardless, from the look of it, he is certain about the fact that they are not taking his rebuke to heart as well, for they know that there's no real heat behind his words. Understanding their intention, in contrast to Tatsuya, Miyuki doesn't say anything but only expresses her sorrow for the delay, which is met with several responses like "It's OK!", "No need to apologize!", "Chill!"
As they walk down the road towards the station, Tatsuya casually asks his friends whether they want to get dinner before heading home, to which they all shout "Yes!" in unison. After that, for some reason, the atmosphere becomes livelier as they chat among themselves. They didn't needlessly bother to discuss choosing a place since their destination is already decided; their usual hangout place — Café Einebrise. Once inside the establishment, they sit at a large table because of having relatively more people in their group before ordering their food.
The friendly café manager, who is already quite familiar with them for being his faithful patrons, greets them with a warm smile. After exchanging pleasantries, he asks Tatsuya and friends from over his counter about their long absence. Being acquainted with him for a year now, Tatsuya doesn't hide anything either and informs him the reason briefly. For the record, Erika and Mizuki have actually dropped by twice. But without their group around, they didn't feel like coming alone again. As such, they didn't stop by anywhere else aside from those two visits and went straight home. In any case, their talk with the manager continues for another few minutes, and before long their food is served. Seeing the food in front of them and taking in their aroma, they are suddenly hit by the realization that its late and they are quite hungry. So, without further talking, they dug in.
It doesn't take long for them to polish off their food and afterward they are seen sitting there leisurely and sipping on their drinks. Miyuki, having finished her tea, politely excuses herself, saying she needs to use the restroom. When passing by Tatsuya's back, she throws a meaningful glance at the girls, who get her signal. Erika then subtly nudges Leo and Mikihiko to remind them of time, and cues them to get ready to execute the plan. With a stroke of luck, their exchange somehow goes unnoticed by Tatsuya, courtesy to Honoka and Mizuki, who have engaged him in a conversation. It's not like they have anything extravagant planned, because none of them believes that Tatsuya is unaware of their motive. So all they want is to throw him off guard.
Not long after, Tatsuya turns around feeling Miyuki's presence behind, and as he does so, he finds her sauntering towards him, with a beautiful smile, while holding a chocolate cake in her hands. Not really surprised by it, he smiles wryly, and moves out of his seat to go meet her halfway. In fact, he has intended to wait for her at the table, but before he realized it, his body has moved on its own accord. It's actually like a reflex, since he always does so to help her, whenever he sees her carrying something. So when he comes to his senses, he finds himself already standing in front of her. Seeing him there up close, the smile on Miyuki's beautiful face only broadens. It makes her look even prettier, if that's even possible, and Tatsuya suspects that if anyone else has seen that smile they will faint for sure.
Miyuki's wish comes in a sweet whisper, "Happy birthday, Onii-sama!" and seeing her happy face, his eyes turn gentle. While taking in her pretty smile, he notices that she has applied light make-up, which makes him think, 'Maybe that's why she took a while there.' He would like to complement her, but with her standing there with the cake, he decides to thank her first so that she can sit down, "Thank you, Miyuki," who in turn throws another dazzling smile at him before moving past him. He also turns around to follow her back to their table, only to have his face bombarded by confetti instead. His friends have timed it perfectly, and the colorful streamers blocked his sight for a moment before falling down at his feet.
"Happy birthday, Tatsuya!"
"Happy birthday, Tatsuya-kun!"
"Happy birthday, Tatsuya-san!"
His friends' wishes come one after another, and he finds them grinning from ear to ear. Even the café manager is also there, standing behind them and smiling. Noticing their eyes sparkling in anticipation, Tatsuya lets out a chuckle and admits, "That was quite a surprise." As if they have been waiting for that confirmation, they cheer loudly with delight, and Erika and Leo high-five. What makes Tatsuya not know whether to laugh or cry is the fact that they all choose to clap at that moment, not to mention, the way they are acting. It's like they have done something impressive, and he can't find anything more comical than that. Still, he refrains from saying anything despite wanting to call them out for their action, since they have been acting like a group of kids. Though, it makes him wonder whether he's that stiff in front of them. Anyway, he's thankful that there are no other customers tonight in the café. Otherwise, they could have caused quite a disturbance.
After Tatsuya has blown the candles, another round of clapping follows, and he inclines his head to hide the twitch of his lips, as he thinks that they have clapped at the right moment this time. Miyuki then takes it upon herself to cut the cake into equal pieces and serves everyone, including the café manager, on disposable plates. She brings Tatsuya his plate to him at last, but doesn't pass it to him like she did to everyone else. Instead, she grabs the fork and cuts out a small piece. As she takes the piece towards his mouth, and inquires with her eyes if it's OK, he can feel her nervousness just from watching her. So, following her lead, he also uses his action in lieu of answering her verbally by closing the remaining distance between them, and taking the bite. His answer is clear, that it's OK. Seeing that, despite the rosiness of her cheeks, the smile she gives him this time doesn't lose to any previous ones.
Tatsuya then takes her plate which she has left on the table, and cuts out a small piece with a fork, like she has done for him just now. Bringing the piece to her mouth, he asks her to open up, which causes the redness of her cheeks to deepen. Still, she doesn't refuse him and opens her mouth to take the bite, given it isn't an everyday occurrence where Tatsuya feeds her. As she chews and relishes the feeling, she hears him say, "You have some cream on your mouth, Miyuki," which makes her gasp, and her hands move up to cover her mouth. Seeing how she has fallen for the same trick again like on her birthday and reacted the same way as he has expected, he lets out a chuckle saying, "Just kidding!" His words, for some reason, give her a sense of déjà vu and before long she realizes why. Thus, with mild indignation, she exclaims, "Really! How could you, Onii-sama?" and pouts her red lips.
Finding her unbearably cute, Tatsuya has this strange urge to take a bite from her puffed cheeks. But of course, he isn't shameless enough to do so, knowing it's inappropriate. Maybe he could have gotten away after doing so had it been just the two of them here — not like he would ever do something like that outside the four walls of their house. But regrettably, they aren't alone now. Hence, he settles on poking her cheek instead. A while later, when she still refuses to look at him yet doesn't show any sign of moving away from him, Tatsuya almost smiles. Because he knows that she isn't truly angry. In fact, she has never been able to stay angry at him for anything, not since that Okinawa incident. Therefore, he knows without a doubt that even if she is angry now, she won't be able to stay like that for long.
Tatsuya cuts another small piece from her cake and holds the fork out near her mouth. But unlike earlier, she doesn't open her mouth readily. Well, she eventually does after her brother has coaxed her enough, and seeing her taking the bite, the corner of his mouth moves upwards. After she has finished eating, he places the plate back on the table and leans over her. Feeling his hot breath fanning her ear, not to mention, his lips brushing against her sensitive lobe, a shiver runs down her spine, and Miyuki has to do everything in her power to forcefully suppress her body from shuddering. What's more, she can't help wondering whether he did it deliberately or not, not like she minds. But she isn't given much time to think about it, because of the words he whispers in her ear next, "The cake was delicious, Miyuki." Realizing his meaning, her eyes widen, and she asks him, "How?" But she doesn't get any satisfactory answer, since he just responds with, "I just know," without any explanation.
Miyuki almost pouts again and, knowing about her dissatisfaction, Tatsuya does whatever he can to placate her — he brings his hand up to cup her cheek and caresses it tenderly, which works like magic, just like this morning. Frankly, he isn't trying to be mysterious or hide anything from her, but he himself doesn't know how to explain it. It's just as soon as he has touched the cake, even before taking a bite himself, he knew that Miyuki is the one who has made it. And no, he hasn't used any magic to clarify, it's purely based on his feeling.
While they were immersed in their world, their friends weren't oblivious of it. Still, they haven't tried to interrupt them until now. But seeing that they are not intending to get out of their bubble any time soon, they decide to cut in. Besides, it's getting late, and they need to go home. So some of them clear their throats loudly and, lucky for them, it works. Erika, without wasting another second, pulls them over to take some pictures and, not long after, the party comes to an end. When everyone finally exits the café and bids farewell, Tatsuya has this strange inkling that it's still not over. But he never could have guessed that the events that followed after would change his life forever...