Tokyo Ravens EX - Volume 2 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 — Silver-haired Underclassman

“……Will we be called on again today?” 
“……Ah, exactly that, well probably.” 
“……Ha ha……” 
“Stop it, it’s still early morning, you’re ruining breakfast.” 
“……Sorry.” 
Academy students rushed about their morning business in the cafeteria. And as new students flooded into the energetic environment, Tsuchimikado Harutora and Tsuchimikado Natsume sat there depressingly eating breakfast. 
Both students were miserable, due to their new Onmyouji underclassman that entered in spring, Dairenji Suzuka. She discovered Harutora and co’s secret, Natsume’s secret — The main family tradition where she, the heir, had to hide her gender, wear male clothing and live life as a male. And ever since then, they endured her ‘bullying’ to prevent the truth from being revealed. 
“……Whats going to happen today, in one year’s time when we are out of stories…….” 
“……How about this, we say, we are not really tired……” 
“……Do you only want people to run errands?” 
“……You’re probably busy, and it looks like you don’t have any friends……” 
They muttered and ate at the same time. If their classmate, Touji, was present, then perhaps this scene would be more positive, however he left the dormitory early alone because he lacked an appetite. Consequently, the two slowly continued their dreary breakfast with a heavy atmosphere. 
“……Natsume, pass the tea.” 
“……Nhh.” 
Harutora muttered, and Natsume extended a hand toward the teapot. 
Unfortunately, it appears that she wasn’t careful and one outstretched finger bumped into the chopstick container at the corner of the table. 
“Ah.” 
The chopstick container tipped, and in that moment they thought that it could fall from the table and scatter the chopsticks. 
“—Oh!” 
Fortunately, a passing student who lived at this dormitory grabbed the side of the container by reflex and scooped the near mess back into the container. 
“Whoa, sorry! Are you alright?” 
“Ya, ya, I’m fine……” 
That student replied in a near panic as he gently placed the container on the table. And even after Natsume apologized again, he was still startled. 
Finally, Harutora smiled and said: 
“Excuse us, Akito. You’re a great help.” 
That student was this year’s freshmen. 
He was taller than the other students of his year, and in comparison he was half a head taller than Harutora. 
But the most striking feature of that student was probably not his height, but his hair. 
His hair was silver. 
The new student, Akito Yakumo, had returned from living abroad in Germany. He was one quarter German with a German grandmother. 
“Did you have breakfast? Otherwise you can eat with us.” 
“Eh? I can?” 
“Ah, yup. Touji’s not here today.” 
At the same time, he deliberately glanced at Akito’s waist and said. 
“Even wearing ‘that’ is alright.” 
Harutora referred to the sword that hung at his waist. 
It was not a Japanese sword with its straight un-curved blade. And it wasn’t just a mere ordinary sword, even though it was completely sheathed in its hastily constructed scabbard, you could ‘see’ it and perceive that there was an unusual curse concealed within. 
Divine sword Utayomi. 
It had been an artifact worshiped for generations, that the Onmyou Agency determined to be a ‘First-Type’ powerful magical tool –––– Actually an extremely powerful magical tool. 
But the sword ‘Utayomi’ was more like ‘Cleansing’ and was incompatible with Touji. When Akito had moved into the building, Touji avoided him. That had been the cause for the state of their relationship. 
“Okay……Thanks.” 
After the exchange of pleasantries, Akito sat down with them at the table. 
He was slightly nervous because he does not normally have the opportunity to chat leisurely with his upperclassmen. This was the same with Harutora and the others because there were no clubs at the Onmyou Academy, there were few opportunities for interaction between students of different years. 
However, even though he just sat nervously, his posture was stiff and straight. Akito had returned to Japan for his kendo training. It certainly affected his posture. 
To their underclassman, Natsume gave a considerate look and spoke: 
“How is it? Are you getting used to life at the Onmyou Academy?” 
“Um, h-how it is? To tell you the truth…. Not yet.” 
“I know, I know. It’s the same for me. Until recently we both lived a life devoid of Onmyoudo.” 
“Ah, you’re right, as you said, it’s the life. I enrolled in the academy because of this sword.” 
As he spoke, Natsume glanced down at the sword at his waist. Akito said wearisomely with just the words, “Yes, that.” 
“Also in your situation, you just returned from Germany. It’s more difficult for you to adapt.” 
“Eh? Didn’t you say you attended middle school here as well? You sound like you’ve adapted to life in Japan, since you speak fluent Japanese.” 
“That’s true…… But many of the Omnyoudo classes are taught using classical Japanese literature. They are difficult to comprehend.” 
“Haha. Can’t do anything about that. Even I, a pure Japanese born and bred in Japan and never left the country, have trouble understanding the nuances of classical literature.” 
“……Harutora, you shouldn’t proudly say that in front of our kouhai.” 
Natsume gave Harutora a disdainful glance and reproached him for his inappropriate words of consolation. 
However, this exchange relieved their underclassman’s nervousness and Akito finally smiled. 
“To tell you the truth, I still don’t understand Onmyoudo itself. And even without the ‘Utayomi’ issue, it was my personal decision to enroll in the Onmyou Academy. I can’t use ‘I’m not accustomed’ as an excuse, I must do my best.” 
Akito said with a serious tone. The two upperclassmen said “Ohh” and praised him. 
“Are you listening, Harutora? Let’s assume we’re regular people, even they know the difference in work ethics.” 
“You can also say, Work as if you’re about to die. Ehrlich gesagt, wenn ich nicht hart trainiere, sterbe ich.” 
“Eh?” 
“Aah, nothing. It was nothing, really.” 
The underclassman smiled in a panic as the two upperclassmen tilted their heads in confusion. 
Just then, “Huh, that’s a rare sight.” Spoke a pair of students as they walked closer. 
“Good morning, Tsuchimikado-senpais.” 
“If Akito is with you, did he do something wrong?” 
Said a cheerful pair, a frivolous boy with long hair and a humorous youngster with nerdy glasses. They were underclassmen like Akito, Yoshino Youta and Nakahara Seiya. 
“I didn’t do anything.” replied Akito to the joking pair. These three were apparently classmates who also spent much of their time in the dormitories together. 
“Good morning, are you guys having breakfast too?” 
“Yes, good morning to you too,[1] Tsuchimikado-senpais.” 
“Touji-senpai isn’t here?” 
“Ah, he already left, that’s why we are eating with Akito. –––– You’re welcome to join as well.” 
After Harutora’s invitation, the pair sat down without a worry. 
“Aya ~~Doesn’t it feel like a long time since we spoke with our senpais? If Akito wasn’t here, we could talk with even more of them.” 
“What, no way! ‘Utayomi’ will absorb the negative aura.” 
“Just put that sword in your room, no one else can touch that sword except you.” 
“What, I can’t do that. ‘Utayomi’ is an important artifact entrusted to me. ……What will happen to me if I lose it…….” 
The underclassmen continued to noisily argue amongst themselves. 
You could certainly say that Akito behaved obediently while Youta and Seiya were carefree and lively. Hence, they stood out from amongst the other underclassmen. Normally, just the name ‘Tsuchimikado’ would keep others at a respectful distance, therefore this group of unorthodox underclassmen was very refreshing. But, the intimate interaction between the three boys slightly unnerved Natsume. 
After he noticed Natsume’s reaction, Akito apologized. 
“Sorry senpais, its embarrassing, we are so noisy.” 
“Ah, what, Akito, you’re too strait-laced.” 
“No, you should apologize because we are very noisy. Youta is an idiot, please forgive him.” 
“Nevermind Seiya! You’re[2] completely noisy too! Crafty!” 
“I say, you two should stop talking and start eating.” 
As the three argued, Harutora injected with a smile. 
“Alright, alright, Akito. Isn’t it good with the lively banter. We know that we were fairly depressed earlier, and this puts us in a better mood. Right, Natsume?” 
“True, indeed. Compared to before.” 
“Our senpais are fine with it! Did you hear, Akito?” 
“Aya, senpai, Youta will take advantage of you if you let to him.” 
“I don’t want to be spoken of like that by you Seiya.” 
As usual, the rowdy underclassmen remained respectful of their upperclassmen. Harutora couldn’t help but feel gladdened. 
“……Just like this, originally our kouhais should be like this.” 
“……Ah, that is because our closest ‘kouhai’ is very special.” 
Natsume has smiled tiredly to Harutora’s heartfelt words. 
“Well, then, it’s rare to live in the same dorm, if you have any problems then come to me. I will do what I can.” 
“Oh, senpais, you’re awesome! But, can you? Promising us that so easily?” 
“If you said that, won’t we be shameless?” 
“Hey, hey! Behave yourself––––” 
“Ha ha, it’s no problem, being a senpai has its own fun.” 
Harutora responded to Youta and Seiya’s humor with a smile. Because of Suzuka, his dignity as a senior was damaged. At least in the dorm, he wanted behave with the appearance of an upperclassman. 
“In short, if you want to ask something, just come to me. Especially Akito. There are many things you are not accustomed to, as well as the sword. Even Touji doesn’t hate you.” 
“Tha-thank you very much.” 
Akito gave a surprised thank you. Natsume glanced at Harutora then gave a small smiled. 
Then–––– 
“Ah, right, I’ll take your offer, I have a few things I’m worried about.” 
“What Akito, aren’t you being the most brazen one.” 
“It’s fine, it’s fine. ––––So, what is it?” 
“Yes. Tsuchimikado-senpai ––––Natsume-senpai, why are you living in the dorm?” 
Akito’s question was directed at Natsume instead of Harutora. Natsume, being suddenly asked, went “Huh?” and blinked. 
“Wha, what’s your point?” 
“Because, isn’t this the male dormitory?” 
Akito said in a pointless tone. 
“Natsume-senpai is obviously a girl, why are you deliberately living in the male dorm?” 
At that moment, the hearts of both the upperclassmen stopped. 
Both of them dropped their chopsticks with a ‘ka’ sound, dropped their jaws in shock. As if their faces died, completely stopped their movement. 
Among their friends, Touji, who was the most apt at handling these kinds of unexpected situations wasn’t present. And for Natsume, not being able to deal with this situation will lead to disaster. 
However, at this moment, the other two underclassmen inadvertently became Harutora and Natsume’s saviors. 
“…… Pfff.” 
“……Keh.” 
After a moment of silence, Youta and Seiya laughed at almost simultaneously after trying to hold it in. 
“—Pffff ha! Hahahahaha! Ah, Akito! Why did you say something stupid at this time!” 
“Ju-jus-just because this way your natural gentleman ability……! Saying this and that, aren’t you the one most lacking in manners!” 
“…… Eh? Eh? What……?” 
Aside from the embarrassed Akito, Youta and Seiya laughed loudly. So loudly that even the students at the other tables looked over wondering what happened. 
“Oh wow, your funny! Akito , did you really think Natsume-senpai was a girl?” 
“I-I’m wrong?” 
“Of course! Therefore that’s why he is in the male dorm. My stomach hurts from laughing!” 
“Ah? What – she’s a guy? Natsume-senpai? Really?” 
Akito’s expression remained completely incredulous as he stared at his laughing classmates. But then he appeared to have realized his serious misunderstanding and blushed. 
Then, because of their reactions paving the way, the two upperclassmen finally responded. 
“Ha, haha, haha, ha……!” 
As such, both made an awkward sound and Harutora forced a smile. 
“No no no, there’s no helping it right, right? Natsume? You’ve been mistaken for a girl, fre-frequently? Right?” 
Harutora said as he turned towards Natsume, while trying to control his expression and voice. 
Natsume trembled and tried to continue as if she were joking: 
“Ye-Yes frequently, Harutora. I (watashi) ––––Oops! I I I, ‘I’ (boku), I’m often mistaken for a girl……!” 
Sweat trickled down their forehead while they struggled. 
Harutora and Natsume’s voices quivered like scared children, but Seiya and Youta found this hilarious. Akito was too panicked to notice the abnormality in their voices. They were extremely lucky. 
“Ahhh, I can’t stand this.” 
Said Youta again as he laughed hard enough to cry. 
“Aya, it’s embarrassing to say this in front of him, but Natsume is as beautiful as an idol. He even has a slender figure and long hair.” 
“……Re-really……I’am……Ahh……” 
“Well, since we are freshmen, especially among the dorm residents, we may sometimes talk about senpai, like how he’s ‘cute like a girl’––––. Please don’t get angry, we don’t mean anything bad.” 
“…..This, this……really……eh hehe…..” 
While Youta and Seiya casually talked about their secret, Harutora and Natsume almost had a heart attack. They barely managed to conceal their panic. 
“But, you just said that to his face! Akito, you really have no tact!” 
“Although I generally don’t feel any special, but this place is where foreigners live and grow up ~ or I should say Japanese is not familiar with.” 
Both the underclassmen and upperclassmen laughed. 
Akito, red with embarrassment, bowed his head in apology. 
“I’m sorry! I was, I was rude!” 
Natsume grinned, then gracefully replied 
“So, it’s fine! Don’t worry about it!” 
As such, they continued to enjoy their breakfast time, but they were too distracted to pay attention to the food. 
 
“Hmm, that isn’t good.” 
Touji coldly voiced his dissatisfaction after listening to their story. 
Later at the Onmyou Academy, Harutora, Natsume and Touji held a secret meeting. They skipped their lunch and gathered at the emergency staircase to avoid the other students. 
“We were lucky this morning. I didn’t know what to do.” 
“……I was caught completely off guard…..and even if I think about what happened earlier now, I’m scared……” 
And as if to prove her statement, Natsume’s face was pale. Since everyone present knew of her secret, she returned to her ‘original’ manner of speech. 
“At a time like this, should I try using a simple shikigami to eliminate the suspicions? Like bathing?” 
“Ah, Natsume, your ‘male double’?” 
Natsume created a simple shikigami as a male version of herself when she first started living in the male dorm. It was thanks to this shikigami that everyone was certain that she was a male. However, the original attempt also created a major misconception. 
Although Harutora agreed with Natsume’s idea, Touji calmly objected: 
“––––No, you shouldn’t.” 
“Natsume has only used the bathroom since she began living in the dorm, it would be unusual now to enter the bathhouse just to show some nudity.” 
The male dorm bathroom had shower cubicles for use and Natsume often used invisibility while in the bathroom. And if what Touji said was true, it would be suspicious to deliberately use the bathhouse immediately after being suspected of being a girl. 
“But in short, Akito had a misunderstanding–––– so, can we muddle past the matter?” 
“Well we did this morning. Nevertheless, it’s hard to say if that guy would accept it or not.” 
“……That’s true. For the moment he apologized, but after everything, he ignored his breakfast and constantly stared at me.” 
Natsume said stressfully. 
Harutora felt from the beginning that originally there weren’t any issues with Natsume’s male disguise. But nevertheless, no one had any suspicions towards Natsume’s true gender, this deception was effective due to a few reasons. 
The first reason is that Natsume’s aura was altered using magic. 
Normally females have a yin aura, but Natsume gave off a yang aura. This was a secret Tsuchimikado technique, using Natsume’s servant shikigami, Hokuto, to mix its yang aura with Natsume’s yin aura to produce a yang aura. 
For onmyouji who have the spirit-seeing ability, particularly outstanding onmyouji, have a habit of relying of ‘seeing’ than observing through normal sight to judge objects. For this reason, if the aura was yang, then they won’t consider the possibility that the person is female even if they have a feminine appearance. This is how Natsume hid her true gender. ––––It is an important factor in deceiving the eyes of the Onmyou Academy teachers, especially the talented teachers. 
Then, others did not approach Natsume unless necessary, that is the other major reason. 
Ever since she started attending Onmyou Academy, Natsume spent most of her time alone. Nobody tried to befriend her because she was the next heir to the Tsuchimikado family and was surrounded by ‘ominous’ rumours. Also, Natsume originally had a shy personality and had poor interpersonal skills. She didn’t suffer from isolation, in fact, it was relaxing for her. Then, Natsume did not care for the attitudes of others, this drove others further away. 
If the opportunity to contact her fellow students was extremely small, then Natsume’s male disguise was used frequently. Even if she had a slight feminine appearance, it was insignificant compared to the distinctive identity she had. Natsume’s lonely position, add to that her male disguise ––––in terms of results ––––has this very important reason. 
But, since six months ago, Harutora transferred to this school, her position changed greatly. 
Nowadays, the people around Natsume weren’t only Harutora and Touji, but also their classmates, Kurahashi Kyouko and Momoe Tenma. But nevertheless, the deception still worked against those who held their impression of ‘Natsume when she entered school’. They have always thought of Natsume as a male and there had never been a case of anyone who considered ‘Isn’t he really a girl?’. 
However, the freshmen only met the ‘current Natsume’. They also never had the ‘hard to approach, heir to the Tsuchimikado family’ impression from before. Especially for originally ordinary Akito, to whom the name ‘Tsuchimikado’ held no special meaning. –––– For this reason –––– like Harutora –––– he had absolutely no prior misconceptions, ‘saw’ Natsume’s true character. 
They absolutely cannot underestimate the gravity of the situation. 
“But in the end, what should we do? Get Natsume to grow a beard?” 
“….Be-beard? How do we do that?” 
“This ……using a technique ……that way……” 
Natsume made an impression like a tortoise being ordered to do a handstand, therefore Harutora relented. 
Natsume frowned and said: 
“Earlier we established that going to the bathhouse was unusual, then the matter of changing my male disguise would be even more unusual.” 
“That’s true, it’s better not to suddenly alter your outer appearance.” 
“Then what should I do?” 
“Basically, there’s no countermeasure ……but saying that, the cards we can play, are innate.” 
“Innate?” 
“In short, you only need to act with a ‘man’s spirit’. And to do so naturally.” 
Because Touji’s proposal was simple but helpful, Harutora and Natsume high-fived. 
“So, so that’s the case!” 
“It’s not the outer appearance, but the innate masculinity. I got it! But, although I understand ……how exactly do I do that……?” 
Even though she understood the principle, Natsume was a girl. It was difficult for her to comprehend what the boys meant by manliness. 
Harutora crossed his arms and made an ‘uhhh, uhhh’ sound, then muttering. 
“Although for a common scene ……for example, to rescue someone being troubled by bad guys, etc.” 
“Compared to appearing ‘manly’, isn’t that more like an opportunity for getting girls to like you? In fact, it’s kind of like the Showa manga.” 
“But isn’t it manly?” 

“How about this, for example, helping with heavy luggage, with allowing women first.” 
“Even though that is more of like being a gentleman than being manly. But before that, Natsume can’t life heavy things.” 
“Then she can eat lots of rice …..or, or walk like a punk……” 
“Subtle. How about simply being irritable? Intentionally adopt a rude attitude and a rude manner of speech.” 
“How is that ……being a bully is manly, I don’t believe so. Compared to that, I feel that being properly gentle, open-mindedly tolerant is more manly.” 
“Isn’t that from a feminine perspective. Originally our opponent is Akito, our kouhai in the male dorms? You must be more direct and clear in your behaviour.” 
“Even if you are telling me that……” 
Natsume had a weak expression. Even though she normally dressed as a male, Natsume originally had a very feminine character. 
“Touji, did you think of anything?” 
Harutora turned and asked. 
In response, ‘Hmm’ as Touji rested his jaw on his hands 
Then, he suddenly drew close to Harutora’s ear, and whispered. 
While Natsume was dazed, Harutora spoke with an ashen face. 
“Ba, Baka! You can do that sort of thing!?” 
“Something like that, it’s better to be bullied by Suzuka!” 
“Really? Think about it from a different perspective. I honestly think it’s the best idea.” 
“Give me a break.” 
“……Whats going on, what are you guys whispering?” 
“Absolutely nothing!” 
Harutora awkwardly changed the subject when Natsume became suspicious. 
“Ah, I think……” 
Touji laughed a bit as he contemplated once again. A moment later, he smiled and grinned. 
“Well, in the end, the most effective way to be a man is……” 
 
“Oh, ah, Akito-kun! You’re back now?” 
“Ah, Natsume-senpai.” 
Akito returned to the dorm at the end of the school day and unexpectedly encountered Natsume at the entrance. He became embarrassed after seeing her. 
“Senpai, I’m terribly sorry for this morning. I gravely misunderstood.” 
“Ah, hahaha! Are you still worried about that? Its fine. Don’t fret over it.” 
“No, even if you say so, I still can’t. I was extremely rude. I’m very sorry.” 
After he finished sincerely speaking, Akito bowed his head in apology. 
Natsume laughed again and replied “Its fine!”. 
Then after a brief moment of tension: 
“––––Ah, Akito, you are really respectable. But, if you’re too uptight, won’t it be difficult for you to get a girlfriend?” 
She asked, then she deliberately moved the bag she held in front of her eyes 
“……Girlfriend? Uhh……” 
Akito echoed her, slightly confused. To be honest, he never expected Natsume to ask a question like that. 
“C-come to think of it, Akito, you don’t have a g-girlfriend, do you?” 
“I don’t.” 
“Really? But when you were moving in, didn’t some girls come to help you?” 
“N-no, that’s not it! I mentioned earlier, they were the shrine maidens who guarded ‘Utayomi’.” 
“Yes but, didn’t those girls also enroll in Onmyou Academy? What happened afterwards? Did you get closer with any of them?” 
“W-well, if you ask…… the relationships are better, but no girlfriends.” 
“What are you doing ~you’re a guy, a guy. Don’t be a wimp. Those girls are so cute too, it’s such a w-waste…. You have to be more proactive.” 
” …………” 
Akito stared downwards at Natsume. Natsume looked away with a small smile, but her forehead was drenched with sweat. 
“…….About that, senpai? How about you?” 
“Eh, what?” 
“Because if you get a girlfriend now, you’ll be considered a man……” 
“B-baka! Of course guys are interested in girls, it’s natural. That’s obvious! I-I’m a ‘male’, so it matters.” 
Natsume pretended to smile ––––as if she were a reliable upperclassman here at the dorm–––– as she replied, she even deliberately hit the chest of her underclassman with her bag. Like the first time Akito saw natto[3], when it was served by someone smiling, he gave a German impression. 
Hopeless. 
“…..incidentally, senpai, your bag……” 
“Eh? Haha, this?” 
Natsume had an expression that said ‘so you finally asked’ as she excitedly replied. Her cheeks were tinged with a blush as she slowly pulled out an object to show Akito. 
“I just bought this magazine! The back has a special section on girls, I’m looking forward to it!” 
Akito accepted this recommendation like eating natto for the first time with a German expression. At the same time, he silently stared at Natsume and the magazine she held. 
Because of her underclassman’s lack of reaction, Natsume felt that she wasn’t making much of an impact. She pursed her lips in displeasure and began flipping through the pages. 
“Quick look, look, look at her chest! H-Her waist! Aren’t they great? I-If you’re a guy, you’ll love it!” 
She pressed forward with her best effort despite being completely red with embarrassment. But compared to her efforts, she was about to give up in despair. 
“……Uh huh.” 
“Why ‘Uh huh’! Do you dislike this, Akito-kun? That can’t be, others will mistake you for a girl, you need to act like a guy! In fact, I’m more ‘manly’ than you!” 
“…………Uh huh……” 
“I-I look like this, and I’m very quiet ––––but I very much like pretty girls.” 
“………………Is that right……” 
Being overwhelmed by Natsume’s desperate struggle, Akito couldn’t help but nod and respond. Seeing that the small and slim upperclassman was almost to tears as she gripped the magazine. 
Then–––– 
“W-what, Natsume! You’re back~” 
Harutora suddenly emerged from inside. Looking heroic and excited, as he approached Akito and Natsume. As if he was an assistant rushing to toss in a towel for a beaten boxer. 
He gave the magazine a glance, obviously trying to figure out what to say: 
“Oh, that was published today. Did you know, Akito? Natsume was looking forward to reading it. This guy has a poster of that idol on wall in his room.” 
“……That’s awesome……? Is it?” 
“Hey, hey, Harutora, don’t tell everyone that~” 
“Ah, ah ha, sorry, sorry, usually that’s a secret~” 
“………..” 
Akito was getting a headache. Not only Natsume, but also Harutora was acting strange. 
If it was a secret, then why did he deliberately say that? Even though he lived in Japan for three years, he still couldn’t understand? Or is it that he is still unaccustomed to the culture in Onmyou Academy. 
Akito was very troubled and stood motionless, then –––– 
“Ah? Akito, and senpais.” 
“What are you guys doing here?” 
While they were engrossed in their discussion at the entrance, Youta and Seiya returned to the dorm. 
“Oh”. Harutora looked embarrassed, Natsume was scared frozen. However, the two sharp eyed students spotted the object in Natsume’s hands. 
“Aya, senpai, that’s unexpected.” 
“Natsume-senpai reads that too?” 
Youta and Seiya both excitedly asked. 
In an instant, Natsume clenched her jaws like she was trapped in an impossible dilemma. 
But then, it appears the she composed her mind, she took a deep breath and said: 
“Ah, ah ha! Hahaha! Wait, what, everyone, what were your impressions of me? It’s expected that I would have one or two magazines. In fact, I like them! It’s not wrong––––!” 
“Oooo”, Harutora uttered in response to Natsume’s proclamation. ‘Well said, good effort’, even though Harutora had a look of admiration towards Natsume, his true thoughts were unclear. 
With the opposite side, Youta and Seiya were suspicious and after combining everything Natsume said. 
“Really! However, is it really like that? I know! Although it seems to be something difficult to say, but to put it simply, it’s exactly that way.” 
“Aiya, even though you lectured me, I don’t care, I feel happy! In addition, I really didn’t expect hear that from Natsume-senpai. My impression of senpai has changed, in a good way!” 
Because of the pairs response, Natsume’s face unknowingly lit up. As for Harutora, he gave a sign of relief. 
However. 
“Oh right senpai! It’s a rare opportunity, come to my room now! If senpai is the only person showing what it means to be a man, then my pride as your kohai suffers.” 
“Ah, great. After all, It’s a rare opportunity. Let’s go have a discussion in the male dorm or….. We can show off our collection! How about that, Akito?” 
“Eh, I-I don’t have anything like that……” 
“Hey hey, don’t be a drag!” 
“Come-on senpais, this guy’s room is a mess, but please, please ––––” 
“Eh, eh? Eh?” 
“No, not that……!” 
Okay, okay, Youta and Seiya smiled at the beaten Natsume and panicking Harutora. Although the two of them wanted to decline, but their situation made it impossible for them to refuse. 
Akito deeply frowned and mumbled: 
“……No idea. (keine Ahnung)” 
“……Then he ran away midway.” 
“……show some restraint with erotic books and comics…… but does everyone really need to look at porn together…….” 
Harutora moaned wearisomely. 
 
The boys in the male dorm cafeteria were extraordinarily lively. Harutora sat with Touji in a corner and whispered to each other. 
Earlier, as a consequence, Harutora and Natsume were dragged into Youta’s room, where they were forced to enjoy their underclassmen’s ‘collection’. Of course, Natsume couldn’t bear such uncouth activity. She disappeared at the beginning of the session, her face crimson, moaning “uh”, “ah” and looked ready to faint. Furthermore, deciding that Harutora couldn’t fall any further and using the excuse of bad influence ––––Harutora’s defensive shikigami, Kon, who is still a young girl–––– escaped as well. 
However, Harutora’s judgment was lacking. Although Natsume hurriedly fled Youta’s room, she took refuge in Harutora’s room. There, she sat against the wall with her head between her knees, muttering quietly to herself for quite some time. Words like ‘shame’, ‘die’ and ‘humiliation’ could be heard from time to time, as if she was under severe mental trauma. She lost her appetite today. 
“Really, those guys are a pain to deal with.” 
“Well, did we eliminate their suspicions?” 
“With Youta and Seiya. However, having said that, they never had any suspicions to begin with. In fact, in the end they felt on their side that we were comrades.” 
Even though they had no malicious intentions, but from Harutora’s perspective, they had a good attitude towards their upperclassmen. However afterwards, the day that Natsume can have a normal conversation with the two was in doubt, if that was still possible. 
“But, our plans may have had the opposite effect on Akito. He may have gotten more suspicious.” 
“……In this case, we will have to use our last trump card.” 
“Ha? Is that what we discussed at lunch?” 
“Isn’t it better than having the truth exposed?” 
Harutora gave a strained expression as his bad friend smiled unconcernedly. 
However, interestingly, they were not summoned by Suzuka today, therefore they had some time after school which they wasted. In that case, according to Touji, they had to move as soon as possible. 
At that time –––– 
“Ah, Harutora-senpai.” 
Akito saw Harutora after entering the cafeteria and trotted to his table. Since he had expected to meet Touji, he did not bring “Utayomi” with him. 
“Sorry about earlier. Everything had a strange feeling.” 
After Akito finished speaking, he bowed his head in apology. 
After seeing the appearance of both his upperclassmen at the time in Youta’s room –––– Or specifically, Natsume’s appearance, he apparently felt responsible. 
“You don’t need to apologize.” Harutora replied languidly to the apologetic Akito. The underclassman was very morally upright. And because of that, he could not let his suspicions of Natsume die. 
Touji casually asked: 
“Yo, Akito. I heard that you seem to think that Natsume is a girl?” 
“Y-You don’t need to mention that subject anymore.” 
“What? You not suspicious anymore?” 
“O-of course……” 
Even though Akito replied immediately, his words were still vague. Harutora and Touji glanced at each other, untrusting of his answer. 
“Huh? Since we are on the topic, where’s Natsume-senpai? Normally he is together with you guys.” 
“Ah, that guy……” 
While Harutora was trying to think of an explanation. 
Natsume herself appeared in the cafeteria. 
Because she did not have the chance to change, she still wore her uniform. Her steps were unsteady but her countenance looked better than earlier. 
After Natsume saw Akito’s figure, she gave a panicked look. But, she didn’t try to escape and bravely forced herself to walk over. 
Even though she was exhausted, she tried to put up a brave front: 
“……Oh, oh, Akito-kun.” 
“Ah, Natsume-senpai! I feel sorry for what just happened ––––” 
Akito noticed Natsume, he hurried back. 
But, at this time. 
“Ah, he’s here! Natsume-senpai!” 
“Thank you for earlier! I enjoyed it immensely!” 
Youta and Seiya appeared out of nowhere and simultaneously slapped Natsume on the shoulder. Both of them felt that they had a close friendship with Natsume. 
However, this sudden strike appeared to be too strong for Natsume, who was unable to forget about earlier. 
“Yaa!” 
Natsume gave a weak cry as she jumped away. 
Completely in her ‘original’ voice. 
Youta and Seiya sluggishly opened their mouths, Harutora tensed his body. 
Meanwhile, Akito was taken aback and stared wide-eyed at Natsume 
As Natsume recovered, she covered her mouth with her hands. But under the circumstances, her behaviour seemed feminine. Her face became as pale as a marble statue. 
“……Hey, hey, Natsume, you sounded like a girl.” 
Touji faked his innocence and threw her a lifeline. But Akito held his gaze towards Natsume, because his confusion and regret from earlier was completely revived. 
Touji continued: 
“Come on, come on. What’s going on with you, Akito, do you still think that Natsume is a girl?.” 
“……No, not that……” 
Even though he outwardly denied it, disbelief dominated his thoughts. Natsume looked to be in dire straits, she shrank her body like a scared rabbit and couldn’t rebuff the suspicions. 
After Touji shook his head dejectedly, he called “Harutora” and immediately issued some instructions. 
Given the circumstances, there was no other choice. Harutora made his decision. 
“……Really, is that enough, Akito? Natsume might seem feminine, but your suspicions hurt, have some pity.” 
“I didn’t, that wasn’t my intention. ––––But!” 
“I know, I know. Listen up, Akito. You guys too.” 
Harutora shiftily rose from his chair, and slowly manoeuvred behind Natsume’s ‘back’. At the same time, he deliberately avoided eye contact with his childhood friend who was desperately pleading for help with her eyes. 
He whispered quietly: 
“––––Natsume.” 
“Ha-Harutora-kun.” 
“Don’t move.” 
“Eh?” 
Then Harutora stood behind Natsume and placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her towards Akito. Ignoring Natsume’s nervousness because she was unaware of his plan, he slowly said “May I say something?”. 
Suddenly he grabbed the bottom hem of Natsume’s uniform–––– 
And in a swoosh, flipped it up towards her head. 
Natsume was trapped in a posture with her hands in the air and her thin shirt underneath was exposed. 
 

“Behold, look carefully! There’s no chest! Are there any girls as flat as this? Please spare me that ridiculous notion. Hahahahaha––––” 
Harutora released his grip, and with a flump, the uniform concealed Natsume’s chest once again. After two beats passed, Natsume slowly lowered her arms. 
Silence. 
Then, Akito bowed his head in apology again. 
“S-sorry! I seriously misunderstood!” 
“Haha, hahahaha, It’s fine if you understand, hahahaha.” 
Harutora seized the opportunity to laugh. Actually, it was only for a short moment. Although there wasn’t time to look carefully, but Natsume’s chest––––and also Harutora’s excellent acting––––seemed to be extremely ‘convincing’. 
“Akito appears to be really stubborn and obstinate.” 
“No, no there’s no other alternative! Who would misunderstand……” 
“Ah, nevertheless, because of what just happened, we should all understand very well now. Natsume-senpai is undoubtedly a guy.” 
“Yes, that right. Senpai, I was rude.” 
Akito embarrassingly scratched his head in response to teasing of his classmates. Touji resisted the urge to smile, but Harutora continued to deliberately laugh. 
“Ah ya, not bad, not bad, clarifying your misunderstanding is great, it really is––––” 
“Harutora.” 
Natsume said. 
Because Harutora was standing behind Natsume, he was unable to see the expression on her face from his perspective. But to Harutora, who should have been less oblivious, her voice also secretly contained an undertone that would cause people to completely tremble in fear. 
Natsume ignored the three joyous kohai infront of her and slowly –––– slowly glared back over her shoulder at Harutora. 
Her expression was merciless like solid cold ice. 
“…..Can……Can I have a word with you……?” 
She asked in a flat tone and gestured with her chin to indicate the outside of the cafeteria. Harutora turned to Touji, hoping to find a life saver. His evil friend merely irresponsibly shrugged his shoulders. 
He closed his eyes with a weary expression, then he accepted his fate and lost all strength to resist. 
“……You know, Natsume? At least allow me to have my last meal.” 
“Right now.” 
“……The same……” 
Compared to this predicament, being bullied by Suzuka was much better. “Eh? Senpais?” Akito questioned as Harutora and Natsume left the table. 
Afterwards, the memories of this tragedy were permanently branded into Harutora’s mind. 

Translator’s Notes and References 
1 Originally a counter-greeting: ???? Its very early today. 
2 Derogatory ‘you’. 
3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natto