Sunday, February10th. The time was almost 3 P.M.
Tatsuya took Miyuki with him as they visited the Kitayama Family's
mansion. No, it would probably be more accurate to say that it was
Miyuki who was taking Tatsuya there.
The reason that the siblings were visiting the Kitayama Family was
because Shizuku had invited Miyuki yesterday in the classroom. At first,
Miyuki thought that it might have been an invitation to a formal Tea
Ceremony, which was why she intended to wear a furisode (long-
sleeved kimono). But when Shizuku had cleared up the
misunderstanding by saying 'I just meant having regular tea', Miyuki
had blushed in embarrassment.
The two of them kept their shoes on as they entered an elegant Western-
style room. Looking at the painting that hung on the wall and the vase on
display, Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder, 'Just how much did these
cost?' However, he immediately brushed that thought aside. Tatsuya and
Miyuki weren't children anymore, so he wasn't anxious about breaking
something. However, he thought that if he paid too much attention to the
value of those items, it would prevent him from feeling at ease.
When they entered, Shizuku was already seated. Shizuku's outfit was
composed of a one-piece long-sleeved dress that fell to her knees, and a
collar that covered her neck. She was also wearing high-heeled pumps. It
wasn't an outfit as formal as something like an "afternoon dress" but it
wasn't a mistake to say that she had probably put some thought into it.
In fact, Miyuki was dressed in a very similar manner. Tatsuya had
received Miyuki's advice as to whether or not he should come dressed
casually or formally, but still, he couldn't help but secretly feel relieved
at not having misread the mood of this gathering.
In the end, Tatsuya had chosen a simple dark suit. He had considered
coming in his school uniform but decided against it, and had instead
opted for a suit that would match Miyuki's clothing style.
Seeing Tatsuya and Miyuki, Shizuku stood up.
"Welcome and thank you for responding to the invitation."
Clasping both of her hands at her abdomen, Shizuku performed a
courteous bow, which was quite an excessively formal greeting.
"Thank you for inviting us."
Matching Shizuku's gesture, Tatsuya returned a well-mannered
response, though he was somewhat lacking in grace. Miyuki followed
after her brother half a second later. It was a graceful, impeccable bow.
"Please."
Shizuku urged Tatsuya to sit. Her concise way of speaking hadn't
