"I didn't cook dinner tonight. I was invited by Isshiki to have a meal next door. Before you came, we were talking about our future plans."
"Future plans? Chisato, you?"
"Mostly Isshiki. Since she just started high school, I was a bit lost at that time too."
"Eh~"
Eriri, sitting beside Chisato, extended the sound in a curious tone and looked directly at Iroha, asking without hesitation,
"So, did Chisato give you any useful advice, Isshiki?"
"Mm, kind of. He just said that he could invite me to be his assistant."
"Oh, an assistant?"
Eriri's face still wore a smile, but it held an additional layer of meaning.
"Mm!"
Iroha narrowed her eyes.
"Since Chisato has already started his own company, he's a full-fledged president now, so he said that if I ever didn't know what to do in the future, he could take me in as his assistant."
"Wow, thinking that far ahead?"
Eriri looked at Chisato.
"I just said I'd consider helping you with your employment problem. I never said I'd make you my assistant, and besides, I don't need one."
"Maybe your company will grow really big in the future, and you'll need more people, who knows?"
"True, that possibility can't be ruled out."
Eriri showed a thoughtful expression and, after a moment, concluded,
"Then, maybe if that happens, Chisato, you'll indeed need someone to help."
"Right, right!"
"But, you know, assistant work is really troublesome and exhausting. It's better to leave that to Utaha. She's always looking for trouble and has a gloomy personality, so it suits her."
"As for Isshiki, you have such great qualities—cute and beautiful—don't limit your vision to just the present.
How about being bolder in planning your future?
Maybe something like a fashion model or a gravure idol?"
Eriri counted on her fingers, joining the conversation between Chisato and Iroha, offering her own opinion.
But after she said that, Iroha let out a dry laugh, as if someone had landed a punch on her, leaving her feeling a bit hurt.
"Don't limit your vision to the present…"
Was that supposed to mean stop focusing on Chisato?
And as for the fashion model and gravure idol, both require meeting certain beauty standards…
Was she subtly implying that I only have my looks to rely on?
Though it could be seen as a compliment, hearing it from Eriri, a romantic rival, Iroha couldn't help but feel that the praise was tainted.
"It's definitely a good suggestion. I'll think about it. Sorry for disturbing you for so long; I should head back now."
"Is that so? Chisato, can you see Isshiki off? It's getting late."
"Ah, no need. My friends are waiting for me next door. I'll go back with them."
"Be safe on your way, and send me a message when you get home."
Eriri waved her hand, her words and demeanor filled with genuine concern, as if bidding farewell to her best friend.
"Mm, don't worry. Bye~"
After Iroha said her goodbyes, she shut the door behind her.
Once the door closed, her smile instantly faded into a more somber expression.
She sighed and muttered to herself that Eriri was a troublesome woman, then gathered her thoughts and pressed the doorbell to the Yukinoshita household.
It's fine, it's fine. This joint sports meet gave me a connection with Chisato.
There are plenty of opportunities coming my way, so I'll take my time. I'll find an opportunity sooner or later; Eriri can't always come out on top.
At the Suzumiya household, after Iroha left, she and Chisato stood in the entryway, exchanging glances, and a brief silence followed.
"Come with me."
Chisato took Eriri's hand and led her back to the living room.
Before Eriri could say anything, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her, and placed her on his lap with her legs spread apart.
Eriri with her hands against Chisato's chest, was about to protest this embarrassing position when Chisato, smiling, spoke up calmly.
"Did Utaha send you here?"
Though it sounded like a question, there was little doubt in his voice.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because Eriri never comes over this late. It must be difficult to leave your family at this hour. Plus, Utaha just called me, and then you showed up. It doesn't seem like a coincidence."
"Mm... sorry, I was just a bit worried."
"Worried about what?"
"..."
Eriri didn't answer, instead leaning in and kissing Chisato gently on the lips.
When they parted, her cheeks were flushed, extending all the way to her ears, her beautiful eyes filled with apology and innocence.
Chisato, not needing any further explanation, slid his hand along Eriri's smooth back, making her chest tighten in response.
"Chisato…"
"Don't worry. As long as I have you two, that's enough."
Chisato whispered into Eriri's ear, his words stirring her desire.
Her eyes glistened with moisture, and she leaned forward, holding him tightly, using what little rationality she had left to say,
"At least in the bedroom..."
"Alright."
With her permission granted, Chisato quickly lifted her and carried her to the bedroom.
The only downside was that after an intense hour-long struggle, Eriri had to drag herself home, with her mom calling midway to hurry her up.
But, honestly, tonight had been fruitful in a way.
She'd learned more about Iroha and her feelings toward the person she loved.
She'd need to bring this up with Utaha, stay alert, and not let her find an opportunity to take advantage.
As for the rest… well, she'd deal with it later.
After crawling into bed, satisfied after a long while, Eriri drifted into a sweet sleep.
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1 point for Eriri. 0 point for Iroha.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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