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"Are you and Nijika dating?"
Ijichi Seika crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze scrutinizing.
Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath, his main goal was to be upright and proper:
"I really…"
To achieve a harem ending, besides getting the girls' consent, he also needed to get past their families.
So he couldn't chicken out.
He absolutely couldn't chicken out no matter what.
"You, you, you, you, don't talk nonsense!"
Seeing that Kitahara Makoto actually wanted to court death in front of her sister, Ijichi Nijika was instantly shocked. She rushed forward and clapped a hand over Kitahara Makoto's mouth.
How dare you tell the truth in front of my sister, aren't you too bold!
"Sister, don't overthink it, we're just ordinary friends!"
Ijichi Nijika's pretty face was flushed, and she quickly explained:
"He's just Hana's older brother!"
"If you're just ordinary friends, why don't you let him speak for himself?"
Ijichi Seika narrowed her eyes slightly, not easily fooled.
"B-because Kitahara-kun talks too carelessly, he always likes to make inappropriate jokes…" Ijichi Nijika stammered, "And he actually came here to find Kita!"
"Eh, eh, eh?"
Kita Ikuyo, who was watching the drama unfold, instantly panicked.
H-how mean!
Nijika is actually framing someone else!
"Kita, is that right?"
Ijichi Seika turned her head and looked over.
"Kita, please, please, just get past my sister for now."
Ijichi Nijika's eyes pleaded, constantly blinking to signal.
Kita had no choice but to stand out and take the blame, her small face blushing:
"Y-yes… Kitahara-kun is in the class next to mine and Bocchi-chan's. He actually came this time to see my and Bocchi-chan's performance…"
Ijichi Seika was noncommittal, but she finally stopped pressing the issue:
"Understood, Nijika, go move the things."
"Then I'm going."
Ijichi Nijika finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly tried to slip away.
"Mom." The Beast Eared Girl raised her small face and hugged Nijika's thigh, "Cake."
Ijichi Nijika rubbed the Beast Eared Girl's small head:
"Wait for me to move the things first, and I'll take you to buy a cake when I'm done."
After taking two steps, Ijichi Seika's voice suddenly sounded from beside them:
"I have cakes, do you want some?"
The Beast Eared Girl answered readily:
"I want some."
"Call me 'onee-chan' and I'll give you cakes."
"Onee-chan."
"Call again."
"Cake."
"…"
Ijichi Nijika stopped, looking at her sister whose eyes held a smile, whose voice was gentle, and who was clearly captivated by Hana, and said with a resentful tone:
"Sister, so love disappears, right?"
Ijichi Seika looked up, the gentle smile on her face instantly vanished, and she said expressionlessly:
"Call me 'Manager.' Don't bring personal identities into the workplace."
Ijichi Nijika: "…"
After speaking, Ijichi Seika lowered her head again, a smile appearing on her face. She took the Beast Eared Girl's small hand and said gently:
"Come on, Sister will take you to eat little cakes."
Ijichi Nijika: "..."
It seems love doesn't disappear; it just transfers.
Ijichi Nijika left the room resentfully, preparing to move drinks and alcohol. As she turned, she suddenly saw Kitahara Makoto appear behind her.
"What are you doing out here?"
Ijichi Nijika looked at him warily.
"Of course, I came to help move things."
Kitahara Makoto stepped to Nijika's side.
"Go back." The girl's golden side ponytail swayed gently in the wind, dazzling brightly. "I don't need your help; I can move the drinks myself."
"There are so many drinks and alcoholic beverages; it must be hard even if you can move them, right?" Kitahara Makoto effortlessly picked up two cases of beer. "It's so hot outside. The sooner we finish moving, the sooner we can rest. What if Nijika gets heatstroke?"
Ijichi Nijika couldn't help but glare at him. "I'm not that fragile."
Kitahara Makoto casually asked, "Where should the drinks be moved?"
"First to the back kitchen, then after we rest, we'll sort and place them on the counter…" Ijichi Nijika picked up a box of juice and whispered, "You're a guest today. It's too much to ask a guest to help move things. My sister will definitely scold me if she sees."
"Then let's just be direct—" Kitahara Makoto said as he walked. "Tell her that Nijika and I are dating."
Ijichi Nijika's pretty face quickly flushed red, and she couldn't help but glare at him.
"We're not dating!"
"What?" Kitahara Makoto feigned shock, looking at her. "We've kissed and hugged. Nijika actually doesn't want to take responsibility? Could it be that you're trying to toy with my feelings?"
"Pfft~"
Ijichi Nijika couldn't help but lightly spit, feeling her teeth itch, wanting to bite him.
"Your harem-building behavior is what's truly toying with everyone's feelings, isn't it?"
"Nijika, don't slander my innocence—" Kitahara Makoto said seriously. "My feelings for each and every one of you are sincere. I absolutely have no intention of toying with anyone."
Ijichi Nijika snorted softly. "Who knows if that's true or false."
"Nijika doesn't believe me, but you believe the answer book, right?" Kitahara Makoto's expression was open and honest, showing no guilt. His main point was to be upfront. "Nijika can ask the answer book. If I've said even half a lie, I'll never bother you all again."
Ijichi Nijika parted her pink lips and turned her pretty face away, saying, "Hurry up and move things!"
Actually, there was no need to ask. If Kitahara Makoto wanted to toy with everyone's feelings, he could completely date them secretly behind their backs. Even if it was exposed later, he would have already had his fill…
After moving the alcohol and drinks, time unknowingly passed until evening.
As guests arrived one after another, the girls became busy.
Kitahara Makoto naturally wouldn't interfere with the girls' work. He walked to a corner and sat down, playing on his phone to pass the time.
"Hello, is anyone sitting here?"
A soft, gentle voice suddenly rang out.
Kitahara Makoto looked up and saw a very fashionable long-haired girl. By her age, she seemed to be a female university student.
"No one is."
Kitahara Makoto responded calmly.
More and more guests were arriving, so it was impossible for him to occupy a table alone.
"Thank you."
The female university student politely thanked him and sat down at the table, then initiated a conversation with Kitahara Makoto.
"Oh, you like that newly formed high school Kessoku Band?" The female university student blinked. "I've seen their performance before, and I think they have a lot of potential."
I didn't realize your emotional intelligence was so high!
"I'm studying at Ochanomizu University. Which school are you at?"
The female university student rested her right hand on her chin, asking with a smile.
Kitahara Makoto: "..."
What happened to Japan people valuing personal space the most?
She was clearly trying to pick him up!
"I'm sorry, I'm a high school student—" Kitahara Makoto subtly reminded her. "I haven't gone to university yet."
"Eh?"
The female university student raised her hand to cover her mouth, her eyes sparkling, her expression seeming even more excited: "A high school student is even better."
Kitahara Makoto: "..."
I already said I'm a high school student, and not only do you not leave, but you're even more excited?
You're really not afraid of public embarrassment, are you!
"Eh heh, please don't misunderstand." The female university student put her hands together. "Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you…"
At the same time.
"Nijika, look quickly." Kita Ikuyo puffed out her pink cheeks, huffing, "Kitahara-kun and that guest seem to be having a very happy conversation."
Ijichi Nijika looked up and saw Kitahara Makoto happily chatting with an unfamiliar female guest. Her cheeks also puffed out.
"Don't mind him."
"Eh?" Kita Ikuyo froze, stammering, "But if we don't, that guest might have her feelings toyed with by Kitahara-kun…"
"Ye-yes, you're right…"
The two girls exchanged glances, both feeling a little flushed and guilty.
Whether it was concern about the female university student having her feelings toyed with, or something else, Kita and Nijika knew full well.
Ijichi Nijika lightly bit her lower lip, suggesting softly, "How about we go warn him?"
Kita quickly nodded.
"Then I'll leave it to Nijika."
"No—" Ijichi Nijika shook her head. "I'm very busy right now; I don't have time to go."
"Then let Bocchi-chan go?"
"Bocchi-chan definitely can't do it."
"Yamada Ryo could, but unfortunately, she's still outside selling tickets…" Kita furrowed her slender eyebrows. "Are we just going to let it go?"
"..."
Ijichi Nijika didn't speak, but her gaze fell meaningfully on Kita.
"Huh?" Kita Ikuyo quickly noticed the gaze. "Nijika, why are you looking at me?"
Ijichi Nijika said softly, "It seems I can only ask Kita."
"I, I can't."
Kita's small face quickly flushed red, and she said guiltily, "Kitahara-kun and I don't have any relationship, so how can I warn him…"
Ijichi Nijika turned and walked away.
"In any case, I'm leaving it to Kita!"
"..."
That afternoon after school, when she went to Kitahara's house, prepared to take responsibility, Kitahara Makoto's eyes returned to their normal color. Ijichi Nijika immediately suspected that the person who helped reinforce the seal was Kita.
Bocchi-chan was so shy, she definitely wouldn't have that courage.
Kitahara Makoto wouldn't force anyone, so after thinking it over, only Kita was left.
"How mean, Nijika actually abandoned me and ran away…"
Kita had no choice but to agree.
In any case, she couldn't let that female university student be deceived emotionally by Kitahara-kun!
Taking a deep breath, Kita Ikuyo went to the bar to get a drink, then walked towards the corner.
"Your drink."
Kita Ikuyo tensed her small face, placing a glass of juice in front of Kitahara Makoto. At the same time, she gave him a warning look, lowering her voice:
"We're all watching you…"
Before she finished speaking, Kitahara Makoto's eyes lit up, and he took the opportunity to hold Kita's small hand.
"Kita, you came at just the right time."
(Eh eh eh? What's going on?)
Kita Ikuyo widened her eyes, her small face showing a bewildered expression.
(At a time like this, you should be looking guilty, right? Why would you say 'came at just the right time'!)
Kitahara Makoto reached out and introduced her.
"This is Miss Shiraishi. She's a senior in college, majoring in media…"
Kita instinctively puffed out her pink cheeks.
(You've only known each other for a few minutes, but you know too much!)
Kitahara Makoto continued:
"Miss Shiraishi wants to make a short film. The theme is related to high school, and she just asked me if I'm interested in acting in it."
"Eh?" Kita was surprised. "Aren't you two…?"
"Aren't we what?"
"..."
Kita quietly covered her mouth.
I'm sorry, I misunderstood.
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