Why This Guy Too?
Why this guy too? Truth be told, it felt almost deliberate, but the first time Emily Swan ran into Bianca Shama in the hallway, she was awestruck. She couldn't help it—it just slipped out in her mind. Whoa, she's... so cute. Come to think of it, she'd seen her once before. On the day of that match, Emily had been there too. [Hey, let's go!] But seeing her this close up was a first. That sharp, cat-like impression. She looked haughty, yet her cheeks flushed so innocently—it was cute even to another girl. Emily felt a twinge of tension; this rival was stronger than she'd expected.
Even if Carlyle really started dating her, it wouldn't be weird at all... right? She bit her lip lightly. But that was that, and this was this. Bianca Shama, was it? Emily was convinced deep down that she was connected to the Vita she knew—the features matched perfectly. So she asked.
"Um, are you... Bianca Shama by any chance?"
The other girl seemed flustered. Emily, already sure in her heart, pressed gently. "It is you, isn't it?"
"Uh, y-yeah...?"
Emily Swan herself was acting like they knew each other, so Bianca—Vita—panicked a bit and pointed to herself. Her heart was pounding. "Yeah, that's me...!"
Did she come looking for me? As if answering that doubt, Emily glanced around and leaned in. "Got a minute?"
"You mean, me...?"
"Yeah, you."
And with a soft smile... when Emily smiled like that, Vita would've made time even if she didn't have any. "Y-Yeah, I do!"
Emily tilted her head at Vita's tense reaction. But of course, she had no way of knowing that this "Bianca" was the very Vita who'd confessed to her before.
"Then come here for a sec. Too many eyes around."
With that, surprisingly, Emily took Vita's hand in hers and led her along. It wasn't so much leading as a warm, friendly clasp.
"Hope that's not too rude?"
"N-No, it's fine!"
"It's kind of important. Hope you understand."
Vita froze for a second, but her heart raced. Public image-wise, Emily Swan was undeniably the academy's top beauty. There were others, sure, but Vita had always thought Emily was number one. Pure looks paired with kindness, goodness, femininity. Lake-blue eyes like a serene pond, sleek silver straight hair. Ladylike? Elegant, poised, mature. And above all, her gentle personality and thoughtful care made her so popular. It wasn't an act—you could tell just being around her. That's why Vita was so nervous. Her hand was so soft. Emily's signature scent wafted in—fresh acacia. This is what a real girl feels like. Vita realized it suddenly. Even after her body changed, she could never match that innate aura only a born girl had.
After that rejection post-confession, she'd forgotten those pink-tinged feelings for a while. But now they bubbled up again, light and floaty.
After rounding the corner, they stopped. Emily checked around, confirmed no one was there, and turned to Vita. "Nice to meet you. I'm Emily Swan. Kinda sudden, huh?"
"N-No, nice to meet you too!"
Even as she said it, Vita was still dazed. Glancing down at their joined hands, Emily finally seemed to realize she was still holding on.
"Ah, sorry!"
That shy look. It felt like floral scents were dancing around her.
"Where to start...?"
Emily pondered, then asked Vita, "Oh, right. Are you and Vita siblings?"
"V-Vita...?!"
How flattering. "Yeah, Vita. Vita Shama."
Vita hurried to reply to her smiling face. "Yeah, that's right. I'm his twin. Bianca Shama."
Thank goodness—it was the backstory she'd prepared with the headmaster, so it didn't snag.
Emily giggled at the quick answer. "I knew it. You two look like siblings. There's just this vibe that's so similar to Vita's."
Similar vibe? Vita tilted her head, and Emily continued. "Both of you have this bright, pure feel. Something like that."
Bright and pure—high praise, right? Then an unexpected question. "Is Vita doing okay?"
"Huh? Y-Yeah?"
"I heard he was sick and out of school, so I've been worried."
"Oh—"
Now Vita got it. To everyone else, Vita Shama was absent due to illness. "Yeah, he's fine. Nothing wrong with his health."
Emily sighed in relief. "Phew—good. Honestly, I feel like I messed up with him."
"M-Messed up...?"
"...A slip of the tongue, maybe."
Emily scratched her cheek cutely, then grabbed Vita's hand again, pleading earnestly. "Oh, keep that between us for now, okay? I wanna apologize to him myself later."
Vita was flustered. I'm him... But it felt good. Her lips curved into a grin despite herself. The worry, and even this unexpected intent to apologize—it was angelic. Vita's heart had been fluttering non-stop, now peaking. She's worried about me...?
This was Emily Swan, the one she'd crushed on so hard before. Even after rejection, she'd clung to lingering feelings, challenging Carlyle to a match and all. It got tangled somehow, but...!
Yeah, Emily really was kind. The words at rejection had stung, sure, and she'd held a bit of grudge. But hearing her own up to the slip like this melted it all away.
"Don't worry, Emily! Vita'll understand for sure."
Emily's eyes sparkled. "R-Really...?!"
She leaned in close. Vita averted her gaze, flustered by the sudden proximity. Eye contact was too hard.
"Yeah, definitely."
I've already heard it, after all. Emily pulled back, and they shared awkward smiles. Not close enough yet for it to feel natural. But Emily still had more to say.
She fidgeted with her hands, let out a soft sigh, then spoke. "Actually... there's something else."
The air was already a bit awkward, but Vita was in high spirits now. She patted her chest invitingly. "Yeah, shoot!"
Not the best look as a girl, but Emily seemed to relax, giggling. Hesitant, she asked, "Hey, Bianca. Sorry to ask this out of nowhere, but..."
So careful, so considerate—what was she building up to?
"Um... are you... dating Carlyle?"
Lunchtime. A smile crept onto Vita's face. What Emily had asked wasn't a big deal.
—Are you dating Carlyle?
Vita had been startled but naturally denied it. —No, we're not. Really not.
—Then, do you like him...?
Her face had flushed at that too, but she'd shaken her head vigorously. Up until this morning, yeah, she'd been confused. But now Vita realized it crystal clear.
It's you, Emily—not some Carlyle!
Her heart raced, chest tight with nerves. She could barely meet the girl's eyes. If you can't even look her in the eye, that's real love! She recalled that line from a romance novel back in her purely innocent days. Never felt that with Carlyle. So now she was certain. Utterly melted for Emily.
And so Vita confessed honestly. —Truth is, Emily, I already like someone else.
—R-Really? It's you. Please notice, Emily!
Rejected once, but being a girl now let her be frank—and Vita still loved Emily Swan. This is a real girl. So kind, feminine, lovely scent. Her heart tickled endlessly. Unbelievable. How deluded she'd been, fixating on Carlyle of all people. Just a temporary madness. Impossible. Yeah, right.
Meeting Emily lightened Vita's heart even more. So soft, really. Her hand had been impossibly soft and warm. Falling again.
Anyway, Vita headed to the rooftop for lunch with no special reason. She'd accept the match result for now and declare things clearly to Carlyle. Time to go all-in.
Yeah, Carlyle. Poor guy, come to think of it. Why'd he have to fall for me? Sure, Bianca Shama—this body—was pretty and cute.
But I'm actually a guy.
U unavoidable truth. Couldn't accept his feelings. But if he liked her now, maybe he'd cave even if she pushed hard? Smirking confidently, Vita resolved. Chance to reassert her identity properly.
So when Carlyle patted his knee invitingly, Vita just stared sullenly. Normally she'd sit, but... weird, right? Yeah, really.
I'm originally a guy?
So she declared, "I'm not sitting on your lap anymore!"
And more tumbled out. "Think I don't see through you? Trying to... gaslight me?!"
What wild, cute notion was this? "Huh?"
Carlyle was utterly baffled. "Be honest—always hugging from behind, petting, touching..."
"Normal people call that affection, not gaslighting."
Vita flushed. "Sh-Shut up! Don't treat me like some pet. I hate that."
She'd climbed on obediently just days ago—what changed? But Carlyle found it amusing. Classic Bianca Shama. Never disappointing, always fresh and fun.
"Alright, Bianca."
He'd respect her no matter the reason. "Do whatever you want."
Whimsical girl's heart—he'd win it back. Vita panicked inwardly at the casual response. What? That's it?
Things went smoother than expected, leaving her flustered, while Carlyle stayed relaxed.
"It's the match result and all, but if you really hate it, no need."
As he spoke, he closed the distance. "But me coming closer? You don't mind that, right?"
His deep golden eyes gazed down silently. Vita froze. Their eyes met. Thump-thump. Breath caught. Breathing slowed, thoughts halted. Moments later, Vita looked away on instinct. Face beet red.
What... is this?
Why this guy too?