When Genichi awoke, the first thing he saw was Tsubaki's sleeping face.
Her long hair lay scattered across the pillow like black silk.
Her eyelashes were long, casting faint shadows beneath her eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, and her breathing was soft and even.
The blanket was pulled up around her shoulders. Without her usual cool and distant expression, she resembled a kitten curled up in the sunlight—soft and harmless.
Genichi stared at her in silence.
Of course, he knew what had happened the previous night.
He had realized what Sona was doing the moment she let Tsubaki take her place.
His eyes had been closed when the door quietly opened. He had heard approaching footsteps and the faint rustle of fabric.
He hadn't turned her away.
He had never claimed to be a saint.
If drawing closer to someone could bring both happiness and greater strength, what reason did he have to refuse?
Besides, Tsubaki was beautiful. She possessed a cool, refined temperament and a tall, slender figure. Her face was usually expressionless, but at certain moments, the faintest blush would color her cheeks.
What was the point of being transported to another world if he was going to insist on a strictly monogamous romance?
Yet as he watched Tsubaki curled up beside him, complicated emotions still rose within his heart.
She had placed her complete trust in him, even though he had never given her a proper promise.
Wasn't she afraid he might refuse to acknowledge what had happened?
Wasn't she afraid he would simply leave her behind afterward?
Tsubaki awoke shortly after he did.
Her eyelashes fluttered before her eyes slowly opened.
Her gaze was unfocused at first, but it quickly cleared.
When she noticed Genichi watching her, she instinctively curled up and pulled the blanket higher, hiding half her face behind it.
A trace of panic flashed through her eyes, making her resemble a small animal caught doing something wrong.
She was afraid.
Afraid that he would be angry, push her away, or look down on her.
She remembered how she had gone to him of her own accord the night before and entrusted herself to him.
But now that morning had come, fear began to set in.
Genichi saw how cautiously she was watching him and sighed inwardly.
"I won't abandon you."
His voice was calm, but his sincerity left no room for doubt.
Tsubaki froze.
She had expected him to be angry and push her away. She had even prepared herself for humiliation.
But he did neither.
He simply told her that he wouldn't abandon her.
The tension gripping Tsubaki's heart finally loosened.
Her eyes reddened slightly, but she held back her tears.
She merely nodded, her voice a little hoarse.
"Okay."
"All right, we should get up."
Genichi sat up.
"Next, I need to speak with Sona."
Tsubaki stiffened slightly, concern flashing through her eyes.
"Why do you need to see the President?"
Her voice was quiet, carrying a trace of tension that was difficult to detect.
She was afraid Genichi intended to blame Sona. She didn't want the President to be criticized because of her actions.
More than anything, she feared that everything she had finally gained would be destroyed by one impulsive decision.
Genichi noticed her nervousness, and the corners of his lips rose slightly.
"Relax. It's something good."
Tsubaki continued watching him with a trace of unease, but his smile allowed her to relax.
She nodded without asking anything else.
Then she rose and began helping Genichi dress.
"I can do it myself."
Genichi tried to stop her.
Tsubaki ignored him. She stubbornly picked up his shirt, held it open, and waited for him to extend his arms.
Her movements were gentle. As she fastened the buttons, her fingertips occasionally brushed against his chest.
When she adjusted his belt, she carefully smoothed every crease in his clothes.
Her expression was completely serious, as though she were carrying out an important duty.
Genichi watched her and stopped protesting.
He understood that this was her way of affirming her new place beside him and declaring that she belonged there.
If he rejected her help, she would become uneasy and wonder whether he needed her at all.
Once Genichi was dressed, Tsubaki began preparing herself.
Her movements were much slower than his. She paused several times, seemingly lost in memories of the previous night.
Genichi didn't rush her. He simply stood beside the window, gazing at the sky as he waited.
The two left the room together and headed toward Kuoh Academy.
Tsubaki remained silent along the way, walking quietly beside Genichi while keeping half a step behind him.
Sunlight fell across her, making her profile appear unusually gentle.
Whenever Genichi glanced at her, she would lower her head slightly, and the tips of her ears would turn faintly red.
Sona was sitting behind her desk in the Student Council office, processing documents.
When Genichi and Tsubaki entered together, her expression didn't change. She merely set down her pen and looked up at them.
Genichi walked over without exchanging pleasantries or circling around the subject.
"Are you willing to entrust your lives to me? In return, I'll reveal all my secrets to you."
Sona's expression shifted slightly.
She understood exactly what those words meant.
After a moment of silence, she answered.
"I am."
There was no hesitation in her response.
From the moment she decided to approach Genichi, she had known that she would eventually face this choice.
Now that she had come this far, she intended to see it through to the end.
She had never been someone who gave up halfway.
Tsubaki looked at Sona, then at Genichi, before nodding.
"I'm willing as well."
Her voice was quiet but equally resolute.
Warmth rose within Genichi as he looked at them.
He brought out a bottle of wine and several cups, then pricked his fingertip and let his blood fall into the wine.
The crimson drops spread through the liquid like blooming red lotuses.
Sona accepted the cup and drained it without hesitation.
The instant she swallowed the blood wine, she felt a strange power surge into her body and take root deep within her soul.
Tsubaki accepted the other cup and drank it as well.
Her movements were slower than Sona's, but her resolve was just as strong.
Genichi closed his eyes and sensed two new bonds taking root within his soul.
He could feel the unique rhythm of Sona's and Tsubaki's souls—one steady as a mountain, the other cool and serene as water.
"King of Shadows."
He opened his eyes.
"I recommend that both of you choose this magic. Its ability to keep you alive is more valuable than any offensive technique."
Sona considered his suggestion before nodding.
Tsubaki nodded as well.
Genichi inscribed King of Shadows into their souls.
Sona closed her eyes and felt its power circulating through her body.
She could sense that her shadow had changed. It would now obey her, protect her, and sacrifice itself in her place whenever her life was threatened.
Tsubaki sensed the same power.
Her shadow stirred faintly beneath her feet, seemingly responding to her summons.
"From today onward, your lives and deaths rest in my hands."
Genichi's voice remained calm.
Sona opened her eyes and looked at him.
"I know."
"Do you regret it?"
"No."
Genichi smiled.
He reached out and gently patted Sona's head.
Her face reddened slightly, but she didn't move away.
Tsubaki watched from beside them, the corners of her lips rising into a faint smile.
"All right."
Genichi withdrew his hand.
"I've said everything that needed to be said. Now it's time to attend class."
He turned and headed toward the door.
Just before leaving, he stopped and looked back at them.
"One more thing, Sona."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for last night."
Sona's face instantly turned scarlet.
She knew exactly what he meant.
Biting her lip, she turned her face away.
"You're welcome."
Genichi chuckled and left the office.
Only Sona and Tsubaki remained.
They exchanged a glance, each seeing the same relief and happiness in the other's eyes.
"President," Tsubaki said.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Sona smiled.
"What are you thanking me for? We're family."
Tsubaki nodded, something glimmering in her eyes.
Yes.
Family.
Starting today, they truly were a family.
(End of Chapter)
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