Today, while Eriri was away, Sayuri Sawamura invited Nanaya to her home—not just to meet this boy who'd been getting close to her daughter (as if intending to "pluck their family's little cabbage"), to see his personality and appearance for herself.
She also wanted to give him a little warning based on what she'd uncovered during her investigations.
Sayuri Sawamura observed Nanaya sitting across from her on the sofa. Even though she'd seen him on screen before, meeting him in person gave her a completely different impression.
There was a certain charming handsomeness to Nanaya that naturally drew people to him.
No wonder Eriri had ended up doing those things with him.
But—she hadn't given her approval yet.
"Welcome to our home. Please make yourself comfortable."
"You must be Eriri's older sister, right? Hello."
Nanaya looked at Sayuri Sawamura before him. Time had left no unpleasant traces on her.
Her mature, capable demeanor blended seamlessly with a playful, almost girlish charm—not the slightest bit incongruous, but rather making one want to protect her all the more.
So Nanaya's words weren't just empty flattery.
"My, my... what a sweet talker. I am indeed... well, you can call me big sister Eriri~"
"Just call me Sayurii-nee~"
Hearing Nanaya's compliment, Sayuri couldn't help the corners of her mouth lifting. She hid her smile behind her fan, leaving only her lovely, coquettish eyes visible.
Her face was like a more mature version of Eriri's, with light makeup and glossy lipstick that shimmered in the sunlight. Her figure, too, was something Eriri couldn't hope to match yet.
"So, Nanaya-kun, what exactly is your relationship with our Eriri?" Sayuri asked lazily.
Even though she noticed Nanaya's gaze occasionally lingering on her body—making her skin tingle slightly—she didn't feel too resistant.
After all, Nanaya's eyes were completely pure.
Didn't this just prove she was still youthful enough to attract a young boy's attention?
"Well, we're very good classmates. Eriri-senpai has helped me a lot with my drawing."
Nanaya glanced at the panel in his vision showing: [First Kiss Reward: Mastery of Painting Techniques (Acquired)] and answered truthfully.
"Oh? Is that so? But according to Eriri, the relationship between you two isn't quite that innocent~"
Sayuri now resembled a cunning fox trying to fish for information.
"Eh? She told you about that?"
Nanaya scratched his head as if embarrassed. "I do have feelings for Eriri-senpai... I didn't think she'd share those things though?"
"Yes. So could you explain, Nanaya-kun, why you have another girlfriend?"
Sayuri's tone cooled slightly.
Not just Kato Megumi—Sayuri's investigations had uncovered Kato Ran and Machida Sonoko as well.
After all, Nanaya hadn't exactly been hiding his tracks. Anyone who looked could find out.
"Because Eriri-senpai hasn't agreed to be my girlfriend yet. Is there a problem with that?"
Nanaya blinked his innocent eyes and countered.
"If you want to pursue our Eriri, shouldn't you maintain some purity and keep your distance from other girls?"
While Sayuri had certainly enjoyed Nanaya's compliments earlier, she knew full well his behavior was an act.
What kind of "pure high school boy" maintained relationships with so many women?
"Eh? But I just want to protect Eriri-senpai properly!"
Nanaya stood up and moved in front of Sayuri, appearing eager to make her believe him.
"How so?"
Sayuri wanted to see what perfect excuse Nanaya could possibly come up with for this.
"That... do I have to say it?"
"What's the matter, Nanaya-kun? Is it difficult to say?"
"Mm. It's a little embarrassing..."
Before Sayuri, Nanaya acted every bit the pure, innocent boy—his shyness and impulsiveness displayed to perfection.
No surprise there.
[Sayuri Sawamura]
[Gender: Female]
[Age: 28]
[Measurements: 85/57/85cm]
[Favorability: 20]
[Impression: A handsome boy who doesn't listen]
[Difficulty: B]
[Weakness: Maternal instincts toward those she approves of, uncontrollable special constitution]
[First Kiss Reward: Fujoshi Power]
[Conquest Reward: Eternal Youth]
...
After gaining his abilities, Nanaya had grown increasingly concerned about his lifespan and health.
Sayuri was the first person he'd encountered with an [Eternal Youth] reward—no way was he letting that slip by!
"It's alright, you can tell me. I'll keep it secret~"
Seeing Nanaya standing before her so awkwardly, his handsome face slightly downcast...
Even though she knew it was an act, and kept warning herself internally, Sayuri couldn't help feeling the urge to comfort him.
"Sayuri-nee... do you trust me?"
Seizing the opportunity, Nanaya grabbed Sayuri's hands, clasping them tightly as if protecting some treasure.
"Y-You let go of me..."
Unlike Eriri, though startled by Nanaya's sudden move, Sayuri quickly regained her composure and forcefully pulled her hands free.
"You—!"
Just as she was about to scold him, Sayuri saw not a trace of wickedness in Nanaya's eyes, and her voice softened.
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. As an elite young lady who considered herself well-versed in reading men—especially as a fujoshi who could interpret the messages in men's gazes—Sayuri found Nanaya's eyes disturbingly clear.
So clear that she instinctively stopped her reprimand, even wondering if the information she'd gathered about Nanaya might have been falsified!
"I'm sorry... Sayuri-nee, I just... I just..."
Nanaya's performance as the flustered young boy was impeccable.
After all, among his acquired skills was [First Kiss Reward: Mastery of Acting (Acquired)].
"It's alright, no need to be nervous. Just say it."
Perhaps overly confident in her ability to read people, Sayuri even felt her heart soften, actively taking Nanaya's hand to comfort him.
The verbal offensive she'd planned to drive Nanaya away from her daughter now seemed completely inappropriate.
"Then, I'll tell you... but you absolutely can't tell Eriri-senpai, okay~?"
"Mm, alright~"
Sayuri smiled, believing she could provide him this sense of security.
Little did she know Nanaya was inwardly smirking—this was easier than expected.
He'd thought that after seeing what he'd done with Eriri and investigating him, she'd cut straight to the chase without giving him room to perform.
Nanaya sat down beside Sayuri, who showed no resistance. Instead, she gently patted his back with her delicate hand.
"Just say it, you'll feel better~"
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