My bad it looks like I skipped a chapter, Thank you Dark_Crow for telling me.
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Yukino suppressed the urge to elbow him.
She reached out, took the menu from his hand, and checked off a few dishes she liked.
Mrs. Yukinoshita's smile visibly grew when she saw this.
While waiting for the food, it was mostly Mrs. Yukinoshita and Makoto chatting.
She was very talkative and extremely intelligent, always finding topics to keep the conversation going and giving responses that Makoto could easily reply to, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere.
After a while, Mrs. Yukinoshita brought up a girl she was concerned about: "I heard from Hayato that you have many friends at school, and quite a few female classmates you're close with?"
"Hayama still likes to tattle?" Makoto teased.
Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled, "Of course not. That kid is quite precise with words. If I hadn't specifically asked, I wouldn't have known about you."
She generously admitted it was her "responsibility."
Makoto didn't deny it, "Hayama is right."
"Do you know Sawamura Eriri?" Mrs. Yukinoshita asked casually.
"Met her, but not well."
"Oh, she's quite outstanding. I've met her family at a gathering once. She's a very pretty girl. I heard she has great talent in painting and is already one of the best among her peers."
That so-called 'loser saint' really is good at drawing, though the subject matter might surprise you.
Makoto thought this silently and said, "You mention Sawamura specifically, so there must be another reason?"
"You're still so clever."
Mrs. Yukinoshita looked at her daughter and Makoto, elegantly covering her mouth as she laughed softly.
"I was thinking that if you two are really close, when you meet her parents, I could help highlight your good qualities."
She added with a smile, "Just like you said before, you want me to treat you as a friend. Well, friends should help each other."
So well-spoken.
Even though she was fishing for information, she could say it so beautifully.
Makoto thought to himself and gave a hint, "I've heard some things about Ms. Sawamura Sayuri before, but I can't confirm if they're true."
"Oh?" Mrs. Yukinoshita's eyes brightened with interest.
Makoto said, "As far as I know, she seems to be a fan of two-dimensional culture. If you want to find common ground, you could start from that."
"Two-dimensional?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita's eyes showed clear surprise.
Yukino, who had been silent, lowered her head and sipped her tea.
Seeing such an expression on her mother's face was rare—and honestly, interesting.
As for what Makoto said, Yukino believed it.
Others might not know, but she knew Makoto could gather intelligence during the time loops.
In terms of information gathering, in Yukino's mind, Makoto was the best.
Yukino would never underestimate Makoto's intelligence network.jpg
"Is that really true? I spent some time with Sayuri but never saw her show that kind of interest," Mrs. Yukinoshita doubted.
Of course, you wouldn't see it. If I told you their real hobbies, your expression would be priceless.
Makoto smiled, "I said I'm not sure if it's true, but it's credible. You might want to give it a try."
"I see, I'll keep that in mind."
Mrs. Yukinoshita made a decision in her heart.
She continued, "By the way, I heard your photography skills are amazing? Yukino and I haven't taken photos together in a while. Would you be willing to take a picture of us?"
Yukino was a bit surprised.
Her mother looked at her, "Yukino, what do you think?"
"I don't mind," Yukino quickly nodded.
But what she thought was: I still have a lot to learn.
Makoto just helped her mother, and in return, her mother immediately praised his photography skills and even suggested a photo together.
Regardless of whether the photo turns out well, her mother would surely give high praise.
If the photo turned out especially good, her mother would probably compliment it even more, giving high emotional value as an elder.
Yukino tightly held her teacup, feeling complicated.
She thought about herself.
Whenever Makoto helps her, she always thanks him sincerely, thinking that next time if he needs help, she'll return the favor.
That approach is fine.
But an "immediate reciprocity" approach is not only more appropriate, it also deepens their relationship and gives emotional value.
She still had much to learn.
I want to improve!
Yukino glanced secretly at Makoto.
She wanted to go back into the time loop to learn more.
But if she did, she'd probably end up getting leg-played by him again.
No!
He probably also wants to see her wear a school swimsuit.
Life is tough, Yukino sighed.
She didn't dislike one-piece swimsuits, but she disliked wearing them just for boys.
Even if it's Makoto, she'd feel uneasy.
Who knows if that guy would start touching once he looked too long?
Once that happened, Yukino would become Water-Under-Yukino.
After a pleasant dinner, Mrs. Yukinoshita proactively handed over her phone, and with Makoto's help, mother and daughter took three family-style photos.
Makoto carefully found good light and angles, and all three pictures captured a very warm family vibe.
"Are they really that good?" Mrs. Yukinoshita looked at the photos, her surprise genuine.
Makoto sincerely said, "It's because you and Yukino are naturally photogenic."
"You're always so smooth."
Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled wider, put away her phone, and said to Yukino, "I'll send the photos to you later."
Yukino responded with a hum.
She could tell her mother was truly happy.
Before parting, Mrs. Yukinoshita said to Makoto,
"If there's another chance, Makoto, how about you take photos for me again? I could invite some friends; many of them really love beauty and selfies."
Is she introducing me to rich women?
And more than one?
Makoto couldn't help but think of the wire scrubber joke.
After parting ways, Makoto and Yukino walked home together. The girl was silent, obviously preoccupied.
He took the initiative to break the silence, "What are you thinking about?"
Yukino hesitated, looked at him for two seconds, then finally spoke her mind, "Can I come with you on the next time loop?"
Makoto instantly laughed, "You want to improve again?"
Yukino said calmly, "Is wanting to improve wrong?"
"Of course not, but you were still too reserved just now. I told you…"
Makoto said while lightly patting Yukino's back, "Cheer up, Second Miss!"
Yukino couldn't help glaring at him, "You're itchy-handed again, huh?"
Makoto said, "I'm encouraging you, with actual action."
Yukino couldn't hold back and decisively elbowed him.
Makoto didn't dodge; he was the elbow king.
Passersby saw this scene and thought this handsome couple was really sweet.
Makoto walked Yukino to her apartment door; it was still early, three minutes to seven.
"Well, I'm heading back too," Makoto waved and turned.
Yukino unexpectedly said, "I thought you'd ask me to hang out at my place like before."
Makoto quickly turned back, "Then let's go."
Yukino: "…"
Did I not think this through?
She said somewhat disdainfully, "You really don't hide it at all."
"Straight talk—that's the style you like, right?" Makoto replied.
Yukino was taken aback, then suddenly smiled, "That's true."
Makoto walked beside her.
The two walked side by side, close enough only lovers would be.
Yukino's lips curved, her eyes filled with a charming, gentle smile.
This guy is always so easily attracted by my charm.
I'm never any less than the Nakano family's 'Five Tigers.'
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Nuh uh Yukiino, the Nakano sisters are leagues above you.
Quintuplets + curvy + beauty + different personalities.