Really an awkward pair of sisters, clearly caring deeply for each other, yet unwilling to speak their true feelings, afraid the other might notice their own feelings.
Although Shin-chan isn't completely honest, Shin-chan is very considerate toward people he cares about.
Lying on the bed, Shin-chan sighed. He really ate a bit too much today.
———
On the other side, back at Yukino's apartment, the atmosphere between the two sisters became awkward again.
"I didn't expect Yukino to make a friend right after school started. I thought Yukino would be like before, never able to make any friends. I even asked little Shizuka for help because of that."
Haruno looked gratified and once again teased Yukino.
"You reek of alcohol, it's really unpleasant. Hurry and go wash up. I still have class tomorrow."
'Damn it, Yukino learned bad things from that brat named Shin-chan, she actually doesn't fall for it anymore.'
After eating her fill, and the alcohol setting in, Haruno was indeed tired. Having to live every day wearing a mask left her physically and mentally exhausted.
After a simple wash-up, she lay on Yukino's bed and fell asleep. Yukino, who also finished washing up, looked at her sister lying on the bed with a bit of helplessness. Looks like she could only sleep with her sister.
With Yukino's help, Haruno who had laid down secretly revealed a triumphant smile. 'Looks like the fake-sleep trick worked, whether toward men or women, it was quite effective.'
———
The next morning, Shin-chan still arrived at the classroom just in time.
"Shin-chan, can't you come a bit earlier?"
Seeing Shin-chan's lazy appearance, Kazama followed the routine and teased him a bit.
"The weekend is almost here. Did you talk it over with Sawamura-san? Nene and Masao are coming from pretty far, you know."
"Yeah, already talked. Saturday morning. I already sent the location to the group chat."
Eriri had confirmed many times with Shin-chan, and also told him that Kasumigaoka Utaha would be attending this gathering too.
Shin-chan didn't have any strong feelings. Utaha did have a great figure, but her personality clearly wasn't gentle.
However, her personality actually matched Eriri's quite well. Sharp-tongued and tsundere, they go together. The two should become good friends.
At noon, Ai-chan brought a bento over. This time, the bento Ai-chan prepared was clearly much smaller in portion. Eriri and Megumi didn't come. Probably because Shin-chan had eaten all four bentos last time, they both felt a bit distressed.
"How is it, Shin-chan? This break room is awesome, right!"
Ai-chan always delivers what she says. For the Suotome family, any problem that money could solve wasn't really a problem.
Not wanting others to disturb her lunch time with Shin-chan, she directly had the school free up a room, redecorated it, and made it a room for just the two of them to eat lunch during breaks.
"In here, no one will disturb us no matter what we do."
Even Shin-chan couldn't completely fend off Ai-chan's blatant hinting.
Memories from another world let Shin-chan know, this young lady was a carnivorous type, even with some yandere potential.
After all, they were from different worlds. In that other world, Ai-chan only returned to Japan after graduating university. What happened in that other world wasn't exactly a reliable reference.
"What does Ai-chan want to do?"
A familiar straight-ball attack made Ai-chan smile slightly.
"What do you think? Shin-chan, it's been a while since we've seen each other."
This was no longer some love strategy battle. If it were Shinomiya Kaguya, she probably wouldn't even understand what was being said. This wasn't a child's topic anymore.
"Also, I noticed there are a few little cheating cats around Shin-chan now."
While speaking, Ai-chan sat down beside Shin-chan and looked him in the eyes.
"But, Shin-chan doesn't need to worry. I'm not telling you to cut ties with them."
With Ai's understanding of Shin-chan, if she did that, it would only make things difficult for him and have the opposite effect.
Her plan would soon be put into action. As long as Shin-chan could pass the test, then so what if there were a few cheating cats around?
Take for example that girl from the Sawamura family, the tsundere golden-haired puppy, she'd be great as the two of their shared pet.
As for the very hostile young lady from the Shinomiya family, once the Shinomiya family collapses, she could be bought and become the exclusive maid for the two of them, that should be pretty interesting too.
As for the girl with almost no presence, she could be sent to Kuroiso's side for training and would definitely become a qualified bodyguard or housekeeper.
The final victor would only be her, Ai-chan.
"Let's eat first."
Today's bento was still plentiful and tasted great.
"Ai-chan was this bento made by you personally?"
"Of course, Shin-chan. These past couple days, the bentos have all been made by my own hands before bed."
Ai-chan looked at Shin-chan expectantly. "So, how is it? Tastes good, right?"
"It's delicious, and very comforting. But Ai-chan if you prepare bento every day, won't that affect you?"
Being praised by Shin-chan, Ai-chan held her face, overwhelmed with happiness.
"Recently, I've been really busy. Besides lunch break, I don't have any time to spend with Shin-chan. If someday I don't have time to make bento, I'll let Shin-chan know in advance."
Shin-chan is still so considerate, just not frank enough. What could she do to get Shin-chan to confess to Ai?
The Suotome family had recently been preparing a plan. As the main driver of this plan, Ai-chan had many things to handle every day. Aside from this short lunch break, she had no time to be with Shin-chan.
"There's still time. Want to take a nap?"
Watching Shin-chan wolf down the bento she made, Ai-chan felt very gratified, gently gazing at him.
Love can unknowingly change a person. Ai-chan had been slowly changing toward the type Shin-chan liked, gentle and considerate.
As for sexy and beautiful, those were things she was born with.
Maeda cleaned up the bento boxes and quietly left the room.
"Shin-chan, I've been so busy lately. Can Ai-chan enjoy a lap pillow for a bit?"
Normally, shouldn't he be the one enjoying a lap pillow? But seeing Ai's expectant eyes, Shin-chan nodded.
The sofa was very large and soft. Ai-chan laid her head on Shin-chan's thigh, lying on the sofa. Even through the school uniform, he could feel the softness of her hair and the warmth of the girl's body.
Since kindergarten, the two hadn't seen each other for a long time, but the bond they once had hadn't faded. On the contrary, it had become more genuine.
Not long after lying down, Ai's breathing became even, as if she had fallen asleep. Shin-chan didn't know if she was pretending, and gently began brushing her hair.
In her sleep, Ai-chan showed a slight smile and snuggled even closer into Shin-chan's embrace.
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