The Irregular at Magic High

Chapter 12

 As the sign 'First High School' obviously stated, this station was a mandatory stop for all attending students. There was practically only one path between the train station and the school. Due to the changes to the trams and their decrease in number, the event known as "riding the tram together" might be more accurately changed to "walking to school with friends". For this school, this event is still quite common. Indeed, this event could be seen many times yesterday, the day after commencement, today, and has continued since the beginning. Although it might not be so sudden, Tatsuya thought.

"Tatsuya-kun... Are you acquainted with the President?"

"We met for the first time before the entrance ceremony... So, yes." In regards to Mizuki's question, Tatsuya was just as confused as she was.

"It certainly didn't look like a first meeting."

"It's as if she intentionally sought you out." Tatsuya had enough confidence in his memory to say that the day of enrollment was definitely the first time he met Saegusa Mayumi. However, just as Leo and Erika said, that approach did not seem like a first acquaintance.

"...Maybe because of Miyuki?" (!)

"...But she mentioned my brothers name specifically?"

Tatsuya was surrounded by Mizuki, Erika, and Leo, people that could be called "familiar faces" without difficulty. Just like yesterday and most likely into the future, the group would gather around Tatsuya and Miyuki near the station, exchange greetings, and go to school together. It wasn't a bad feeling at all. In fact, it was quite a nice way to start the day. However, just as the five of them were leisurely walking the short distance to school, they heard a call of "Tatsuya-kun~~" from behind them that any reasonable bystander would find embarrassing. It was accompanied by the rapidly approaching form of a petite individual and, according to Tatsuya's groundless belief, the termination of peace and quiet.

"Tatsuya-kun, good morning~. And Miyuki as well, good morning."

Compared to Miyuki's greeting, the greeting directed towards himself was quite casual, Tatsuya thought. However, she was still the 3rd Year Student Council President.

"Good morning, President."

It was necessary to observe proper protocol, just to be on the safe side. Immediately following Tatsuya, Miyuki also bowed respectfully. The other three offered polite, albeit slightly awed, greetings. It was only natural to have such a reaction.

"Are you alone, President?" Although obvious at a glance, the question was still offered, with a subtle invitation to walk together to school.

"Hm. There isn't really anyone that walks with me to school in the morning."

A confirmation to both the obvious query and the subtle invitation. Although, speaking of which... the President was quite the personable individual.

"I would like to speak with Miyuki about a few things... May I walk with you to school?" The comment directed towards Miyuki was spoken in an approachable tone, but on a different level compared to their earlier conversation. It did not look like Tatsuya was misreading the situation.

"Hm, if it's quite alright..."

"Oh, it's not like the topic is a secret. Or do you prefer to talk at a later time?" As she said this, the President smiled at the three slowly retreating individuals, who immediately froze.

"President.. I feel as if your attitude towards one of us is slightly different... or is that just my misinterpretation?"

Of course not, the three of them responded verbally or with hand gestures. Mayumi smiled and nodded her head at the same time that Tatsuya displayed a disappointed expression. (!)