Nakano Ichika really wasn't home.
She was currently out shopping with friends.
The friends she was with weren't from school, either—they were two actresses she'd met and exchanged contacts with on set.
Perhaps because none of them had experience playing the female lead before, and since they'd gotten acquainted on the same filming set, the two actresses, who had already entered society, were particularly kind and protective toward their earnest and hardworking junior, Nakano Ichika.
"What are you looking at, Ichika?"
Nakano Ichika was staring entranced at a pair of high heels in the shop window when the long-haired woman accompanying her approached.
Following her gaze, the woman smiled warmly. "Ah, you have your eyes on these shoes? They really are pretty."
Ichika nodded with a smile. "Actually, I've had my eye on them for a while, but never quite made up my mind to buy them."
"If you can afford it, go for it. A woman shouldn't deny herself nice things, especially someone as lovely as you. You should definitely pamper yourself a bit more."
"I'm not really as amazing as Keiko-senpai says."
The two women, one older and one younger, chatted merrily, entirely unaware of a figure quietly entering the store.
It was Shirase, currently under the system's control.
Of course, Shirase had immediately noticed Nakano Ichika standing by the shop window not far away. He also vaguely recognized the woman beside her, having seen her before in some late-night TV drama.
"I agree with Keiko-senpai. Go ahead and buy them!"
Just as Nakano Ichika finally made up her mind, reaching out to touch the pair of shoes she'd desired for so long, an arm suddenly appeared out of nowhere, swiftly grabbing the heels first.
Ichika froze for a second. Turning her head in surprise, she saw Shirase holding the shoes and was instantly taken aback. "Shirase-kun? What are you doing here?"
"These." The system was always succinct. This time it didn't even bother giving a full reply, merely indicating the shoes it held with a casual glance.
Ichika became even more confused. "You want these shoes? But why would you want to buy these?"
The system didn't answer, maintaining a cool indifference like the male lead beloved by female directors of idol dramas. With the shoes in hand, it walked toward the counter.
Shirase inwardly sighed in relief. He had honestly expected the dumb system to openly rob the store this time.
Though spending money on women's heels wasn't exactly his favorite idea either, he could relax as long as it wasn't something illegal.
After all, every sin would eventually be brought to justice.
Right now, Nakano Maruo-san still generously gave him a monthly allowance out of past affection. Kojima Kana's salary wasn't bad either, and combined with Shirase's usual frugality, he had plenty of pocket money saved up each month.
"Ichika, that boy attends your school, right? He's wearing the same uniform," the long-haired actress gently tapped Ichika, whose mind was still blankly following Shirase's figure. Her eyes took on a teasing sparkle.
"Yes, he's from my school. We've known each other for a while now," Ichika responded, her gaze still fixed on Shirase.
"Ah...he's actually quite handsome. He resembles that famous young idol actor who's trending recently."
"Yes, he really is good-looking."
Ichika chuckled softly, admitting this point.
But she still couldn't understand why Shirase would deliberately come here to buy a pair of high heels—especially since it happened to be the exact pair she'd wanted for so long.
Her only relief was that she'd avoided discussing her acting projects in front of Shirase. Otherwise, if he'd overheard, she'd have to find a way to cover things up again.
After all, not even her sisters knew about her secretly acting on the side.
At that moment, the actress-senpai whispered slyly:
"Since you two know each other, maybe he's buying those shoes specifically for you? As friends, perhaps he noticed you've been hesitant to buy them, so he's decided to gift them to you."
"Eh?"
Ichika froze again.
Then she immediately denied it: "That's obviously impossible."
"Why?"
"Because…" Ichika smiled gently, but didn't continue speaking.
At the same moment, outside the store, two more youthful, beautiful figures quickly approached.
"Nino, what do you think Shirase-kun is doing here? This entire street is filled with shops for women… Oh! Isn't that Ichika?"
Nakano Yotsuba, following closely behind Nakano Nino, suddenly noticed their sister standing inside the store.
She quickly spotted Shirase, who was now waiting at the cashier.
Nakano Nino immediately stopped in place, hurriedly pulling Yotsuba back to hide themselves from view.
"Nino, what are you—"
"Shhh." Nino urgently motioned Yotsuba to be quiet. Facing her sister's confused gaze, she whispered, "Let's observe first."
"Oh," Yotsuba instinctively replied in a soft voice, then added, "I didn't expect Shirase-kun to actually know Ichika was here. Do you think they made plans beforehand to go shopping together? If not, how would he find her so accurately? And who's that beautiful older girl next to Ichika?"
Pure and innocent little angel Yotsuba was entirely immersed in her own curiosity. Completely unnoticed by her, every sentence she spoke caused the shadows in Nakano Nino's eyes to deepen further.
Just what exactly is that idiot Shirase up to?
And those high heels he was holding—who exactly were they meant for?
Nino's delicate white fingers clenched tighter, unconsciously forming small fists.
She'd never heard of Shirase having a cross-dressing hobby.
Nor could she believe Shirase was into cross-dressing.
Therefore, he must be buying those heels as a gift.
Was it for her?
The instant this thought flashed through her mind, Nino swiftly dismissed it.
Those heels weren't her style at all, and she'd never even visited this store. Naturally, that possibility was zero.
Then…there's only one truth left.
Nino's expression grew uncertain and stormy. Was Shirase actually planning to give those heels to Ichika?
But that didn't feel right either. According to what she knew about Shirase, he and Ichika were merely ordinary friends.
Even if Ichika had a bolder and more playful personality, at most she'd tease Shirase lightly in front of everyone.
Aaaah! So annoying! Just what exactly is their relationship!?
Nakano Nino's CPU was about to burn out completely.
Because Shirase's attention had been entirely forward, he couldn't spot the two sisters secretly hiding behind the store's entrance.
Under the system's unilateral decision, Shirase finished purchasing the pair of high heels.
System, how do you think Kana-nee would react if I came home carrying a pair of high heels? What about my other acquaintances?
Shirase finally couldn't help but grumble silently, watching the store clerk carefully packaging the shoes.
He certainly didn't want Kojima Kana mistakenly assuming he had some cross-dressing hobby.
After all, what he is passionate about is mecha and tokusatsu!