Chapter Text
"AAAAAAAGH! WE'RE LATE!"
The eldest of all Tenma Siblings, Tsukasa, scrambled to get himself ready and dressed for school.
The second among the siblings, Toya, was already sitting by the kitchen island counter, finishing his toast and coffee before neatly cleaning up the plates and cup he used.
"No, it's only you who's late, Tsukasa nii-san. Well, you, and..."
"Mmmgh... I'm already dressed... Ah..."
The third sibling, Kanade, was sprawled lazily on the couch, wrinkling her Kamikou uniform.
"Kanade, please sit up straight and take something to eat before we leave. Also, do avoid ruining the freshly ironed uniform."
"Mmmph, no one would notice, Toya-nii. I'd wear a hoodie over it anyway like Kasa-nii does with his cardigan."
Toya merely sighed, picking up Kanade like a stray cat and gently forced her to stand up as he brushed off any excess lint that made its way to her blazer.
"Whatever you say, Kanade. Come on, you two. We're already running late for school."
"Okay, but... Where's Saki?"
"She already went on out early than all of us. She said she was excited to show her friends the new lyrics she was writing up for their band."
"Ah ha ha! As expected from our youngest, dearest little sister. You two should really follow her example!"
"Kasa-nii, you're not exempted either."
"Oh, but what ever do you mean, Kanade? I'm the prime example of a proper older brother!"
"We'd both agree with you, but..."
Before Kanade could voice her objections, all their phones rang simultaneously. They peeked at what's up, and it was a message from the school board.
Attention, all students for Kamiyama High School.
All classes today are suspended due to the sudden asbestos problem discovered just this morning. For those who are at school grounds, please go home immediately. For those who are at home, please stay.
Thank you, and please keep watch for any updates.
"..."
The three siblings look at each other awkwardly.
"...You two, want to go out, meet with Saki after her school, and go for ice cream?"
"Are you paying for my ice cream, Kasa-nii?"
"He's definitely paying for mine. Tsukasa nii-san still owes me for bringing his homework when he left it at home."
Tsukasa almost regretted bringing up the topic of ice cream if it meant him having a lighter wallet, but he absolutely can't refuse his beloved younger siblings.
Besides, he just got huge bonus incentives after a grand event at Phoenix Wonderland, so he'll consider this as a mini-celebration to give back to his family.
"Alright, alright! Your ice creams are all on me for today."
"Alright!"
"Woo, yay..."
Changing into regular clothing, the three of them headed out to hang around the stores and arcades near Miyajou.
"Oh come on!"
Tsukasa cried out in disbelief, cringing at himself for not being able to end the song on a rhythm game with a full combo.
"These sliders are always the wackiest! I swear, this beatmap is hell!"
"No it's not, you just really have to identify what instrument or melody the beatmap is aligned towards. Once you get the ear for it, it'll be easier to follow."
Toya casually said, trying to hide a sly smile as he had just cleared the Expert difficulty with an All Perfect.
"Ghk, I don't think I can finish the 4th song, my arms are killing me. Kanade, switch with me!"
"E-eh?!"
Tsukasa pulled Kanade near the arcade cab and flashed a smile.
"Come on, it's your turn! I want you to at least try the game out too! Besides, your rhythm sense is the keenest among us four!"
"Among... Us?"
"Yes, I'd agree with Tsukasa nii-san, but uh, I think you should play on beginner or intermediate difficulty first."
"Hmm..."
Kanade stared at the flashing machine before her. She selected a familiar song: A song with a blank title.
"This one."
"The creepy song? Typical Kanade!"
"Tsukasa nii-san, don't be mean..."
"Th-that's not meant to be an insult!"
Toya shrugged. He selected the Master Difficulty for this song.
"Hmm..."
Kanade, wanting to show off, went Expert.
"Going to Expert immediately? Alright, I like this!"
With all settings taken care of, the song began...
"FULL COMBO!"
Both arcade cabs flashed before the three siblings.
Kanade had just gotten a full combo effortlessly on Expert difficulty.
"WHAT?!"
Tsukasa couldn't believe it. Was Kanade practicing behind their backs all along?
"Whew... Ha, that was fun..."
The whitehaired girl turned to her siblings with a smile, but her face was all pale and beaded with sweat.
"Ah, my arms... Ack!"
She wobbled over to a vacant seat next to Tsukasa and plopped down, complaining about how her arms ached after playing.
Welp, that's the NEET Tenma for you.