"Mio's your little sister? You two don't even share the same last name—and you don't look alike at all."
When Airi learned that Mio was Takumi's younger sister, she couldn't hold back her curiosity. Honestly, with how different they looked, no one would believe it.
Watching Airi hop around in front of him with that pouty attitude, Takumi wasn't about to let it slide. After all, this little blonde was technically his niece. How could she act so bold before her elder?
He reached out, grabbed her twin-tails, and growled, "Ever heard of cousins? Not looking alike doesn't mean anything!"
"Eek—! Y-you pervert, stop pulling my hair!"
Airi yelped adorably, swatting at his arm with her tiny fists. He didn't go overboard—it was a public street, after all. After teasing her just enough, he let go.
The moment he did, Airi bolted, hiding behind her sister Marina, cheeks puffed out in humiliation. Her face was red, her lips trembling as she glared at him—looking for all the world like an angry little cream puff.
Unfortunately for her, glaring was all she could do. She stomped her foot once and dared not come near him again.
Marina just giggled, clearly amused by her sister's flustered reaction. "Airi, you kind of deserved that. You should show Takumi-san some respect."
"He's just our classmate now! Why are you still treating him like some big deal? He's so mean…"
Airi muttered under her breath, venting her frustration. But even as she pouted, she didn't dare go near him again.
Takumi sighed. "That's it? All bark and no bite…"
He'd planned to tease his golden-haired niece a little longer, but seeing her back down so quickly was a letdown. Still, his disappointment didn't last long—because another blonde had just entered his sights.
Eriri.
She'd deliberately taken a detour, but now she'd locked eyes with him—and instantly froze. Her twin-tails twitched like a startled cat's fur.
The malice radiating from Takumi's amused grin made her shiver. In a flash, the memory of their last encounter—that stolen kiss—flooded her mind. Her face turned red as an apple, and she darted off, practically sprinting away.
Takumi blinked. "…You came all this way just to run?"
He rubbed his temple, sighing in disbelief. I literally know where you live, you silly girl.
He watched her retreating figure with a helpless smile. "Guess I really do have to be the firm one—little blondes only listen when I'm strict."
Shaking his head, he continued toward school. But as they walked, he began to notice something strange—more and more girls appeared along the way. But no guys. None.
And the few he did see clearly weren't students—they were just passersby.
By the time he reached the gate, the truth hit him: He was the only male student at Kuoh Academy.
Dozens of girls were staring his way—some whispering, others blushing, some simply gawking like they were seeing a rare creature. Even a petite figure carrying a guitar in the corner peeked shyly at him from behind the crowd.
Meanwhile, Mio, who was still recovering from this morning's warm-up session, walked quietly beside him, her head slightly lowered.
When they reached the teachers' office to report in, they were greeted by a woman in formal attire.
She had long, glossy black hair and wore the academy's teacher uniform—tailored tight around her slim waist and shapely hips. Her stockings hugged her thighs just right, and the click of her heels carried a confident rhythm. Everything about her radiated mature allure.
When she looked up from the paperwork and smiled faintly, Takumi felt a shiver run down his spine.
"I'm Shizuka Hiratsuka, your homeroom teacher," she said, her tone calm but commanding.
She scanned their transfer files, then focused on Takumi.
"Our academy recently began the co-ed system, but… there weren't many male applicants to begin with. A few days ago, two of the male transfer students—Issei Hyoudou and Rentarou Aijou—died in separate incidents. After that news spread, our reputation took quite a hit."
Takumi blinked. Wait, what? Those names sound familiar…
Hiratsuka-sensei continued matter-of-factly. "Several other male students who were supposed to transfer in canceled their admissions. So, as of today… Takumi, you are the only male student in the entire academy."
She gave him a playful thumbs-up, smirking like she'd just delivered good news.
"…"
Takumi stared blankly. Was this because of his [Love Curse] messing with fate again? Seriously? One guy surrounded by hundreds of girls?
And the moment his gaze met Hiratsuka's again, a spark shot through his chest—that same electric jolt he'd felt the last few times. Oh, great. It's happening again.
He clenched his fists. "Calm down. Just… don't make eye contact with any more girls."
After giving them both a few parting instructions, Hiratsuka let Mio leave first. Then she handed Takumi a map.
"Since we're new to the co-ed system, some areas are still strictly female-only.
Girls' dorms, baths, and restrooms—please, don't go wandering into those."
"Why would I even—?!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Who knows? You could 'accidentally' get lost. That'd be troublesome for me, as your teacher."
"…You're enjoying this, aren't you?" He could only sigh and leave.
As he walked off, Hiratsuka sat down, touching her lips with her fingers. Her heartbeat was racing.
"That spark… what was that? Did I really just… feel something for a new male student? No, no, no! I'm a teacher! I can't just—ugh, get it together!"
She slapped her flushed cheeks and exhaled deeply. It's just because I've been single too long, she told herself. First male student, that's all. Just hormones.
But the more she told herself that, the more she found her mind drifting back to him. Frustrated, she grabbed his student file again and lit a cigarette, staring blankly at his name.
Meanwhile, Takumi walked down the sunlit path, dozens of curious gazes following him. He'd gone from feeling awkward to completely unfazed.
He'd been the center of attention before—but never surrounded by this many girls at once.
Studying his map, he noted the sheer scale of Kuoh Academy. Once a noble girls' school, it spanned an area large enough for a thousand soccer fields.
"Alright, Building Three should be this way—huh?"
Turning a corner, Takumi spotted a small figure crouched by the wall, seemingly unconscious.
...
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