Truly strange siblings. Clearly caring for each other, but unwilling to reveal their true feelings, afraid the other would notice their emotions.
Although Shinnosuke was less than honest, he was very considerate of the people he cared about.
Lying in bed, Shinnosuke sighed. He had really eaten too much today.
On the other hand, back in Yukino's apartment, the atmosphere between the two sisters had become awkward again.
"I didn't expect Yukinon to make friends so soon after starting school. I thought Yukinon would be like before, unable to find friends. That's why I asked Shizuka-chan for help."
Haruno looked relieved and teased Yukino again.
"Your alcohol breath is terrible, quickly go take a shower. I have class tomorrow."
'Damn it, Yukinon learned bad things from that Nohara boy, she didn't even retort.'
After being full, the effects of the alcohol began to kick in. Haruno was indeed tired. Having to wear a mask every day exhausted her both physically and mentally.
After showering briefly, she lay down on Yukino's bed and fell asleep. Yukino, who had also finished showering, saw her sister lying on the bed with a slightly helpless look. It seemed she would have to sleep with her sister.
With Yukino's help, Haruno lay down comfortably and secretly showed a satisfied smile. It seemed this pretending-to-sleep trick was quite useful, for both men and women.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The next morning, Shinnosuke still arrived at class on time.
"Shin-chan, couldn't you have come earlier?"
Seeing the lazy-looking Shinnosuke, Kazama complained as usual.
"The weekend is almost here, have you talked to Eriri? Nene and Masao are coming quite a long way, you know."
"Hmm, I told you already. Saturday morning, I've already sent the location to the group."
Eriri had repeatedly confirmed with Shinnosuke, and also told him that Utaha would be participating in this gathering.
Shinnosuke didn't feel much about it. Utaha's figure was indeed very good, but judging from her character, she didn't seem gentle.
However, her character was quite compatible with Eriri. The sharp tongue and tsundere attitude were a perfect match; they would definitely become good friends.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
During lunchtime, Suotome Ai came with a bento. This time, the portion of the bento Ai prepared was clearly much smaller. Eriri and Megumi didn't come; perhaps Shinnosuke eating four bentos at once had made them both a little worried.
"How is it, Shinnosuke-sama, this break room is good!"
Ai always kept her promises. Things that could be solved with money were not a problem for the Suotome family.
Not wanting to be disturbed by others during Shinnosuke's lunchtime, she directly asked the school to empty a room, renovate it, and turn it into a room for the two of them to eat bento during their lunch break.
"Here, no one will disturb us no matter what we do."
Even Shinnosuke, facing Ai's so obvious innuendo, was a little overwhelmed.
Memories from another world told him that this young lady was the carnivorous type, and even had yandere potential.
However, these were two different worlds. In that world, Ai had only returned to Japan after graduating from university. The events in the other world had no reference value.
"What does Ai want to do?"
The familiar direct attack made Ai smile faintly.
"What do you think? Shinnosuke-sama, it's been a long time since we last met properly."
This was no longer a love brain war. If it were Shinomiya Kaguya, she definitely wouldn't understand at all. This was no longer a children's topic.
"And I've noticed, there are some stray cats around Shinnosuke-sama."
While speaking, Ai sat down next to Shinnosuke and looked at him.
"But, Shinnosuke-sama doesn't need to worry, I'm not telling you to break off contact with them."
With Ai's understanding of him, if she did that, it would only make things difficult for Shinnosuke and have the opposite effect.
Her plan would soon be implemented. As long as Shinnosuke could pass the exams, even if there were some stray cats around him, so what?
For example, that girl from the Sawamura family, the tsundere blonde dog, just let her be their pet.
That young lady from the Shinomiya family who was very hostile towards her, after the Shinomiya family went bankrupt, buying her as their personal maid would definitely be interesting.
As for the girl whose presence was very low, she could be sent to Kuroiso for training; she could definitely become a competent bodyguard or head maid.
The final winner would only be her, Suotome Ai!
"Let's eat first."
Today's bento was still very luxurious, and the taste was also excellent.
"Ai, did you make this bento yourself?"
"Of course, Shinnosuke-sama. I made these two days' worth of bentos myself before going to bed at night."
Ai looked at him expectantly.
"How is it, delicious?"
"Very delicious, and also comforting. But Ai, if you prepare bento every day, won't it trouble you?"
Praised by Shinnosuke, Ai cupped her face and was very happy.
"It has indeed been very busy lately; besides lunchtime, there's no other time to be with Shinnosuke-sama."
"If I don't have time to make bento, I will tell Shinnosuke-sama in advance."
'Shinnosuke-sama is still very considerate, just not very honest. How can I make Shinnosuke-sama confess his love for Ai?'
The Suotome family had been preparing a plan recently. Ai, as the main driver of this plan, had many things to work on every day. Besides this short lunchtime, she couldn't be with Shinnosuke.
"It's still early, want to take a short nap?"
Seeing Shinnosuke devour the bento she made, Ai was very happy, looking at him gently.
Love would unconsciously change a person. Ai was slowly changing into the type Shinnosuke liked: gentle and considerate.
As for sexy and beautiful, those were innate.
Maeda cleared away the bento boxes and quietly left the room.
"Shinnosuke-sama, there have been too many things to work on lately, may Ai enjoy a lap pillow?"
'Usually, shouldn't he be the one enjoying the lap pillow?'
However, seeing Ai's expectant gaze, Shinnosuke nodded.
The sofa was large and very soft. Ai's head rested on Shinnosuke's lap as she lay on the sofa. Even through her school uniform, he could feel the softness of her hair and the warmth of her body.
It had been a long time since they last met properly in kindergarten, but the feelings that existed then hadn't disappeared; instead, they had become more sincere.
Not long after lying down, Ai's breathing became regular; it seemed she had fallen asleep. Shinnosuke didn't know if she was pretending to sleep or not, but he gently stroked her hair.
Ai showed a slight smile in her sleep and snuggled closer to Shinnosuke's embrace.