The Minamoto Household.
First floor, living room.
On the dining table lay a spread carefully prepared by Takanashi Tohka, the aroma irresistible.
Because there were guests today, the meal was particularly lavish.
In addition to classic home-style dishes like fried chicken, fruit salad, okra tofu, and croquettes,
the center of the table held a portable stove, topped with a round cast-iron grill pan.
Around it, different plates held skirt steak, short ribs, beef tongue, pork belly, and other cuts of meat.
There were also vegetables: lettuce, zucchini, potatoes, shiso leaves, mushrooms… the whole works.
Instead of soup, freshly squeezed watermelon juice was available, alongside ready-made oolong tea and cola.
In short, Tohka, as usual, had prepared the dinner with exceptional care.
She felt confident that everyone would enjoy the meal.
Especially Rokka. Of all the dishes, she especially loved grilled meat.
And today, it was all high-quality cuts.
Tohka could already imagine her little gluttonous sister getting food all over her face, and had mentally prepared to warn her to mind her manners.
It was fine for her to behave normally with just family, but with guests, a bit of restraint was expected.
But surprisingly, the airheaded little sister seemed… enlightened today. She was unusually quiet and ladylike.
When Tohka had called Chiya and Senya to the table, the girl obediently sat up straight, taking small bites of food, and spoke far less than usual.
Tohka was puzzled at first, but soon relief replaced her confusion. Perhaps this girl was finally maturing.
Being a high school senior, Tohka didn't particularly like feeling like she had to follow Rokka around, constantly reminding her like a mother hen.
"Senya, make yourself at home. Don't hesitate—if you want something, just take it."
"Yes, thank you, Auntie."
Senya smiled sweetly in response to Takanashi Junko's warm greeting.
"Chiya, eat plenty too—you're still growing, so don't skip your nutrition."
"Mom, don't just serve us. You eat too."
Chiya smiled as he placed a freshly grilled piece of beef tongue onto his mother's plate.
Then it was Senya's turn.
Rokka didn't need help; the little foodie could serve herself.
But she watched closely as her big sister's chopsticks left Senya's plate, her gaze lingering on Chiya.
"What's wrong? Spacing out all of a sudden—isn't today's food to your liking?"
Her sister noticed her odd behavior.
Rokka shook her head quickly.
"No way. Your cooking is always the best. Nothing could ever be off-limits to my taste."
Then she stuffed a big piece of fried chicken in her mouth, eyes wide in exaggerated admiration, giving a thumbs-up.
Everyone chuckled knowingly.
Satisfied, Rokka turned her attention back to her own plate, though she still kept a subtle eye on Chiya and Senya.
"…Uh… Chiya, Senya… you… you two?"
"Ah, Rokka, don't misunderstand. I'm just trying to understand the psychological states of the characters in my novel, so I asked your brother to help me with research. It's not what you think."
"Exactly. Don't look at us like some huge scandal just happened, and don't go spreading rumors."
"…I-I see. I understand."
That was Senya and Chiya's explanation when Rokka barged in earlier.
Even though it was reasonable, Rokka remained half-doubtful.
Even for research, they didn't need to cling so closely, their bodies pressed together, faces almost touching.
And they were alone.
What kind of research required this level of intimacy? If she hadn't walked in… would it have been just a hug, or something more?
Rokka couldn't tell—it was impossible to know.
She knew Chiya all too well. Her brother was basically a self-contained charm demon.
And every girl in her class? Completely smitten.
Eriri was a prime example, sneaking looks and subtle hints at him daily—a secret amusement for Rokka.
She figured Senya must be in the same position.
Even if she didn't feel strongly, admiration for his looks and talent was undeniable.
So, under that motivation, it made sense she would act deliberately.
But the research excuse was believable—they had been calm and natural, showing no sign of guilt.
At least in Rokka's eyes.
Still, lacking their experience, she could easily be fooled.
Ugh! So frustrating!
She desperately wanted to know what was really going on.
Distracted by her curiosity, she barely enjoyed dinner, focusing mostly on secretly observing Chiya and Senya.
Of course, she thought it was secret—but it wasn't.
She considered her friend Eriri too blunt, yet in hiding her own emotions, she was no better.
Both Chiya and Senya noticed her behavior, but didn't react.
Rokka was just a kid…
They ate calmly, as usual.
Afterward, Senya offered to help clear the table and wash dishes, but Tohka refused.
"No matter how familiar you are, guests shouldn't have to trouble themselves."
They took the prepared fruit platter upstairs directly.
Rokka tried to follow, but Tohka swiftly grabbed her collar, dragging her to help wash dishes.
Resigned, Rokka obeyed, unable to complain.
Back in the room, Chiya and Senya discussed what Rokka had just witnessed.
"Rokka saw us."
"Mm, but it's fine. I'll explain it to her in detail later, so she won't misunderstand or spread rumors."
"Exactly. I only asked you for help with research, that's all."
Senya reaffirmed this, solidifying the dynamic between them, making her actions seem natural.
It was a pity Rokka had barged in—Senya would have preferred this plan remain secret.
Not out of embarrassment, but to avoid complications.
Especially with that little golden-haired admirer, who often displayed affection for Chiya openly.
Senya didn't fear direct confrontation, but the possibility of interference in her plan was bothersome.
But the unexpected had happened, and she accepted it.
Regardless, her main goal was achieved.
Chiya had agreed to participate in her research, putting himself in the scenario. With this excuse, she could explore interactions previously only imagined.
"I won't dwell on gratitude. But if you ever need help, Chiya, I'll come to your aid immediately."
"Good." Chiya smiled faintly, a bit casual. "Now, let's discuss your research. How should we go about this, and how can I cooperate?"
Senya waved her hand. "No rush."
The plan was on track. She could proceed carefully, step by step, without him noticing her true intent.
She continued, showing consideration:
"You work after school, right? It's tiring. So we can postpone my matter… it's fine.
"And Chiya, you just asked me to look over your novel, right? Well, now that you're resting, I can do that instead."
Her hands folded lightly, a gentle, composed gesture.
Senya's deliberate charm wasn't malicious—it was playful strategy.
In Chiya's eyes, this kind of careful thought was endearing.
Dressing nicely, pleasing his family, caring for his health, and showing her best self… all to get closer to him naturally.
Most guys couldn't resist.
Knowing her motives stemmed from genuine affection made it even more appealing.
Chiya now felt that firsthand.
How had he not noticed before? Senya, with her tiny schemes, was incredibly cute.
Under her intelligent senior façade, her girlish innocence was astonishingly pure.
No wonder she could write romantic comedies beloved by otaku like little Chunan—sweet and slightly sour.
"I'll send the original text to your email. You can read it at your leisure. Also, my work today is light, so I have time. If I miss today, I might get busy again with sudden tasks, which would make coordinating with you harder."
Chiya explained his availability, drawing a conclusion:
"So let's take this opportunity. Senya, tell me exactly how I can help with your research. No need to hold back."
"Understood." Senya nodded, satisfied he was convinced.
Out in the world, identities were self-defined.
Now, she would define a new role for herself—and for Chiya—to act out.
"In short, I lack real romantic experience. I can't imagine the psychological development of the characters after they fall in love. So our task is simple."
Senya pointed at herself, then at Chiya:
"When we have time, we'll pretend to be a couple—say things couples would say, do couple-like interactions. The more concrete experiences I have, the easier it will be for me to continue writing without a block.
"To make this realistic, we must immerse ourselves completely—not just acting, but truly feeling as if we're together. Chiya, you understand what I mean?"
Chiya stroked his chin, nodding seriously.
"Of course. I completely understand."
"Thank you."
"Then let's not waste time—let's start now."
"Yes. According to my plan, the characters already feel strong affection for each other. They're almost a couple—just missing that final step. So we start with their recent interactions, beginning with the rainy day after club activities when the heroine fell ill."
"If I recall, that's in the latter half of volume three?"
"Yes. They share an umbrella home, she's weak from a high fever, so he carries her. At her house, with no one around, he stays close, helps remove her over-knee socks, wipes her forehead and neck, even her underarm sweat… that's the scene."
Wow. They're going all out from the very beginning.