SWNOVELXO Chapter 15: Chapter 14: Seemingly Different, Actually the Same
Tatsuya's Perspective
April 6, 2095. Japan's cherry blossom season. First High's entrance ceremony goes off without a hitch. Miyuki, standing in for the top admit, delivers a flawless response speech, her words carefully bridging the gap between Course 1 and Course 2 students. I watch calmly, noting how perfectly she suits the role.
She might feel the same, but I'm curious about that person, I think. The top admit, a Ten Master Clans member, wrote a speech dismissing Course distinctions with what seems like genuine sincerity. I'm wary but intrigued. I want to meet them.
Miyuki's Perspective
Public speaking's second nature to me, and the speech's message hits home, sparking curiosity about its writer. I open the handwritten draft, and a wave of déjà vu hits. This handwriting… Yugen's?
"Shiba-san, something wrong?" Mayumi asks.
"Nothing," I reply, brushing it off. The handwriting matches Yugen's, but I'm interrupted.
"How was reading it?" Mayumi inquires.
"Relatable, though bold. I was nervous," I admit.
"I want you and 'Yu-kun' in the student council," Mayumi says.
I piece together that "Yu-kun" is the male top admit, likely a fellow Ten Master Clans member known to Mayumi. Before I can ask, Course 1 students, led by Morisaki Shun, swarm me with flattery. I force a smile, but Mayumi steps in.
"Don't you have a meeting with your brother?" she hints.
"Yes, thank you," I say, grabbing the escape. I leave the gym with Mayumi, ignoring the trailing Course 1 students.
"How'd you know about my brother?" I ask.
"Met him during rounds. His top theory score tied with 'Yu-kun,'" Mayumi explains.
On par with Onii-sama? "The top admit's impressive," I say.
"Yeah…" Mayumi trails off, her tone guarded.
Why's she so reserved? I sense complex emotions—maybe personal—tied to the top admit. The vice president behind Mayumi signals to recruit me, but she ignores him, knowing the top admit's council invitation is delayed.
Tatsuya's Perspective
Post-ceremony, I collect my ID card when Erika and Mizuki approach. "Tatsuya, wanna check out homeroom?" Erika asks.
"Thanks, but I'm meeting my sister," I decline.
"The response speaker, Miyuki Shiba?" Mizuki asks.
"Are you twins?" Erika adds.
"Nah, I'm April-born, she's March. Good guess," I say.
"Your auras are similar," Mizuki notes.
Spirit radiation sensitivity? "Sharp eyes," I say, dodging further scrutiny.
Miyuki arrives with Mayumi and a glaring male student—probably the vice president. "Onii-sama, a date already?" she teases.
"That's rude to them and me. They're classmates," I scold.
Miyuki apologizes, introducing herself to Erika and Mizuki, who respond warmly. The crowd, especially Course 1 students, whispers about my Course 2 status versus Miyuki's. "Second-place's brother is a Weed?" they sneer.
Miyuki holds back to avoid trouble, but I step in. "Miyuki, the student council's waiting."
"Just a greeting today," Mayumi clarifies.
"President?!" the vice president protests.
"No rush," Mayumi says, leaving with him. He glares at me, and I'm puzzled.
Erika whispers, "That's the vice president. Probably loves Mayumi and sees you as a rival."
"Ridiculous. We just met," I say.
"You're oblivious to your looks," Miyuki teases, making Mizuki chuckle.
Cafeteria
At the cafeteria, Erika asks Miyuki, "Always stealing the spotlight?"
"It's gotten worse lately," Miyuki says.
"Probably her crush," I tease.
"No, Yugen's not…" Miyuki falters.
"Yugen? Yugen Mitsuya?" Erika asks.
"You know him?" Miyuki replies.
"Childhood friend, along with 'Miki.' He trained at our Chiba dojo," Erika says, denying romantic feelings. Miyuki looks relieved.
"Is he that great?" Mizuki asks.
"Beyond great—swordsmanship and magic," Erika says. "But it's weird. He said he's attending First High."
"No sign of him," Miyuki notes.
"He sent me proof," Erika says, showing a doctored admission certificate. I confirm it's authentic.
Erika's Perspective
Back at Chiba's annex, I slip into casual clothes and call Yugen. His voicemail grumbles about Miki. "Be serious," I snap.
"Serious talk?" Yugen replies.
"You weren't at the ceremony. I waited," I say.
"Sorry, I'm in Hokkaido for family stuff. Forgot to tell you," he says.
"Rough. Cake set as apology," I tease.
"Deal," Yugen agrees.
"Tatsuya and Miyuki know you," I say.
"Met through Grandpa. Who read the response?" Yugen asks.
"Miyuki. Why?" I ask.
"That speech had bold words," Yugen says.
"Like it was yours?" I press.
"Exactly. I wrote it," Yugen admits.
"What?!" I gasp. Realizing he's the top admit, I ask, "Who are you, 'Yugen'?"
Yugen sighs. "Keep this from Tatsuya and Miyuki. Yugen Mitsuya's my real name, third son of Gen Mitsuya, this year's top admit. Your dad and brothers probably know."
"My idiot family knew?!" I groan. "Two cake sets, and treat my friends."
"Fine," Yugen laughs.
I confirm with my brother Kazuya, reeling that my friend's a Ten Master Clans member.
Yugen's Perspective
Still stuck in Hokkaido, I'm cooling off after that ridiculous "demo" that cost me First High's ceremony. Erika's call catches me off guard. I didn't expect her to piece together that I'm the top admit, but I trust her to keep my Mitsuya identity quiet from Tatsuya and Miyuki for now.
I wrote that speech hoping Miyuki would read it, blending sincerity with a subtle challenge to unite Course 1 and 2. Hearing she delivered it makes me smile, even if I'm still playing catch-up from this battlefield. Kazama-san and the division commander owe me big—my wooden bear prank's just the start.
Maya's letter about living with Tatsuya and Miyuki is a bright spot, but it's a tightrope. Balancing [Taurus Silver], First High, and clan politics while keeping Shina safe is no small feat. My siblings' First High legacy looms large, and the Saegusa sisters' chocolates still linger in my mind. Miyuki's bittersweet one especially.
Tatsuya's CAD programs for my Valkyrie and Odin are flawless, and our [Taurus Silver] partnership is stronger than ever. But First High's a new stage—clan rivalries, Mayumi's curiosity, and Miyuki's feelings are all in play. Okinawa changed us, and I'm not sure where this road leads. For now, I'll get to Tokyo, join First High, and stay one step ahead of the clans circling me.