"Welcome!" ×5
As the door to the Nakano household opened, Makoto was greeted by five perfectly beautiful girls in unison.
All five had flawless faces and figures. Except for Miku, who seemed a bit reserved, the other four smiled warmly.
Makoto made an exaggerated expression as if wondering whether he had come to the wrong place, even stepping back to look around theatrically.
Ichika couldn't help but laugh. "Come on in already. Don't just stand there."
Without waiting for permission, she dragged Makoto inside and teased, "Well? Isn't this a big surprise?"
"It really is. Good thing Mr. Nakano isn't here. If he saw you all giving me such a warm welcome, he might've come out swinging," Makoto played along.
"That's so exaggerated. As far as I know, Dad's never even raised his voice," said Nino, rolling her eyes.
Makoto explained, "It's a different situation. You're his beloved daughters, and I'm a guy. If this were a drama, I'd totally be the shady blonde punk your dad would guard against."
Nino had been smiling, but her gaze shifted to Makoto's black hair, remembering how he'd stood up for her that night.
Maybe his face really would suit blond hair…
She was getting curious.
Makoto took a seat in the living room. Ichika, for once, acted like a proper older sister and went to make tea.
Nino muttered with a smirk, "She only acts like a responsible big sister when you're around, Makoto."
"I can back that up," said Yotsuba, raising her hand.
With her energetic smile and cheerful gesture, she looked like the picture of a normal, cute highschool girl.
At least in Makoto's eyes, Yotsuba seemed the most "normal" among the sisters in terms of personality—on the surface, anyway.
While Ichika was making tea, the rest of the "Five Tiger Generals" on the couch became the remaining four sisters.
Makoto glanced at the girls, all eyes on him—and Ichika occasionally peeking his way too.
He decided to get straight to the point. "I came over today to talk about your studies."
The moment he said that, aside from Itsuki, who stayed calm, the other three had varied reactions.
"You're still trying to be our tutor?" Nino groaned. "Be honest, Makoto. Did our dad contact you again?"
Yotsuba added, "I think so too. Dad's always been super concerned about our grades."
Miku stayed silent, simply watching Makoto with her beautiful eyes.
Makoto had anticipated this and remained composed. "Relax, I only said I wanted to talk. I didn't say tutoring starts today."
"So, not today—but sometime later?" Nino was quick to catch on.
"Let's talk about that another time. Oh, right—Nino, after tasting your cooking last time, I thought maybe we could team up. Like tonight, I could be your assistant."
Nino replied irritably, "Hey, hey, that subject change was way too forced."
"I wasn't changing the subject," Makoto said calmly. "Part of the reason I came today was for that."
As for their resistance to tutoring, Makoto didn't think it was a real problem.
Nino's incentive alone would be enough to get them motivated to study.
Using Nino's own buff against her—now that was a case of fighting fire with fire.
At that moment, Ichika returned, smiling. "Makoto, are you saying you want to have a cook-off with Nino?"
Nino froze, then perked up. "Really?"
Makoto realized Ichika was helping him steer the conversation and nodded. "You could say that."
Nino grinned confidently. "Fine. I accept your challenge."
When it came to cooking, she was full of pride.
With Ichika's support, Makoto smoothly guided the conversation toward filming.
Although the other girls occasionally visited the set, there were still many interesting stories they'd never seen.
The conversation was lively and fun.
After Nino returned from cooking, she suddenly said to Ichika, "Ichika, isn't it time to tell him?"
Makoto asked, "Tell me what?"
Itsuki explained, "Ichika said she had something big to announce, but she wouldn't say it until you arrived."
Makoto turned to Ichika. She smiled and playfully winked at him, as if hinting at something.
After a moment of thought, Makoto understood.
Is Ichika going to confess she's an actress?
It was actually a good opportunity.
Ichika's fame was steadily rising.
As more behind-the-scenes videos from filming were released online, her visibility wasn't limited to school—she was getting attention on the internet too.
At this rate, she wouldn't be able to keep her acting career a secret for long.
Instead of dragging it out, it was better to come clean now.
And the fact that she waited for him to arrive before making the announcement—clearly, she wanted him there to support her.
Realizing this, Makoto kept his expression curious. "Now that everyone's here, Ichika, why don't you begin?"
The other girls all turned to look.
Ichika had already prepared herself emotionally.
Facing their gazes, she spoke gently, "First of all, I owe you all an apology. I shouldn't have kept this from you for so long."
Her sudden serious tone piqued their curiosity.
Miku and Yotsuba were trying to guess what she was going to say.
Nino and Itsuki, however, exchanged a strange glance at Makoto.
Could Ichika and Makoto have done something… intimate?
The kind of scene that would make them blush just thinking about it.
Even Itsuki had forgotten that Makoto once warned her: Ichika had a secret, and he couldn't reveal it.
The cheerful atmosphere in the living room subtly shifted.
"I'm really sorry for hiding it all this time. Actually, I've been secretly going back and forth between film sets for quite a while now," Ichika confessed.
The guilt on her face wasn't an act.
She knew how much her sisters cared about each other.
But her explanation was vague, and to the others, it was just confusing.
"What do you mean, going to film sets? Are you working part-time?" Nino asked.
Ichika calmly explained, "I've been acting."
Silence fell over the room.
Makoto quickly said, "About that—"
He hadn't finished when Nino interjected, "That's it?"
Now Ichika was stunned.
Itsuki had a look of realization. "No wonder she always finishes scenes in one take—no mistakes. Turns out she's already professional."
Miku recalled, "Last time Nino and I visited the set, even the extras were praising her acting. They said someone her age must have a family member in the industry."
Yotsuba looked at Makoto. "Fushimi-kun clearly knew about this. So… are you the one teaching her how to act?"
Makoto corrected her. "Not really teaching. Ichika's naturally talented. I just help organize her materials and answer her questions."
"That's still impressive," Yotsuba said sincerely.
"Yeah," Nino nodded. "Makoto isn't even an actor himself, but he still seems super professional about it."
Watching them chat so casually, Ichika felt a little defeated.
Wait—this was me revealing a huge secret, and you're all acting so nonchalant?
She had spent a long time thinking it over before deciding to come clean.
She was nervous—worried her sisters might react badly—so she waited until Makoto arrived to say it.
And all Nino said was, "That's it?"
Makoto was also a little surprised at first, but thinking about it, their reaction made sense.
Given Ichika's stellar performance under the "buff" of secrecy, even professional actors would assume she wasn't an amateur.
Nino and the others heard rumors at school every day, and they'd seen the comments on Makoto's club account online.
With all that buildup, Ichika's "huge secret" wasn't that shocking anymore.
At that moment, Nino stood up. "Even if we already kind of figured it out, you still kept it from us for so long. I'm at least a little mad."
Ichika lit up. "Yes, yes! That's the tone I was expecting. Give me more of that, or all my emotional prep will go to waste!"
Nino: "..."
With a soft pfft, Itsuki covered her mouth, laughing.
Then Miku and Yotsuba followed.
Nino clutched her face in pain. "How did I end up with such an embarrassing older sister?"
Well, any lingering irritation she had just vanished.
Ichika looked at her happily laughing sisters—and suddenly didn't feel so happy anymore.
In fact… it all felt kind of underwhelming.
This outcome was undeniably a good one, but she wasn't happy.
She had constantly been psyching herself up, encouraging and reassuring herself in order to prepare for this confession.
Yet in the end, her sisters had accepted it so casually.
It made her feel like all her preparation had been in vain, like a clown performing for nothing.
Makoto was also laughing. He handed Ichika a cup of tea. "This is fine."
"Thanks,"
Ichika replied in a flat tone, taking the tea and drinking it in one go.
Nino sat back down. "Since Ichika's big reveal is done, I guess it's my turn now."
"You have a secret too?" Ichika asked in surprise.
Nino couldn't be bothered to explain and said straightforwardly,
"Makoto, Miku, Yotsuba, and I talked it over. Since we often hang out and chat in your clubroom, we figured once you finish shooting the short film, the three of us will officially join."
Yotsuba immediately raised her hand with a cheerful smile. "I don't know a thing about photography, but I'll do my best to learn!"
"Me too," Miku also spoke up.
Ichika and Itsuki looked shocked—it was obvious Nino hadn't talked to them about this beforehand.
Makoto, however, picked up on the key point: "So you're saying you'll join after the short film is done?"
Nino explained generously,
"That's right. You guys have put in a lot of effort for this short film. We're beginners.
If we joined halfway, not only would you have to take time out to teach us, but we might also slow down your filming."
Makoto nodded thoughtfully.
"I get it. What you're really worried about is joining without knowing anything. Now that attention from others is growing, it'd make you feel uncomfortable."
Nino's cheeks reddened slightly. "Some things don't need to be said out loud, you know."
It was obvious their reluctance to join now stemmed from pride and modesty.
They saw how much effort Makoto and the others had poured into the project. In their eyes, the short film was destined to succeed.
If they joined midway, they'd be sharing in the success without contributing much.
And these kind, considerate girls didn't like that.
"Then it's settled," Makoto said, reaching his hand toward Nino.
Nino smiled brightly and placed her soft hand on top of his.
Then came Yotsuba, and the more reserved Miku followed.
"I'm in too," Ichika extended her hand.
Smack! Nino slapped her hand away without hesitation. "What's it got to do with you? You were the one who hid everything from us!"
The mood turned cheerful again.
At dinner, Makoto tied on an apron and helped Nino cook in the kitchen.
He reflected on everything that had just happened and said with deliberate sincerity,
"Ichika always said you were a strong leader and knew what you were doing. Today, I finally saw it for myself."
Nino couldn't stop smiling.
Being praised face-to-face by a boy she liked—especially one who was well-liked by her older sister—was definitely something to be happy about.
"Got anything else?"
She turned to him, her eyes sparkling.
The message was clear: I want to hear more praise.
Makoto replied without changing his tone, "So, when are you going to return my gym shorts?"
Nino's smile froze, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "That's not what I meant."
"But the fact remains—you and Ichika still owe me a pair of gym shorts."
"Shut up! Just shut up!"
Nino blushed furiously, catching a glimpse of Makoto's exaggerated expression of helplessness and reluctance.
She couldn't help laughing sweetly. "I already washed those two pairs of shorts. I'll return them to you today."
"Thanks for taking such good care of them."
"Ugh, gross!"
Nino cheerfully continued chopping vegetables. She was really enjoying the atmosphere.
She even had a guilty thought: If only the others weren't home today—if it were just her and Makoto…
That thought made her cheeks quietly flush, and she sneaked a glance at the boy beside her.
To her surprise, Makoto exposed her on the spot: "Were you just sneaking a look at me?"
"I wasn't…"
Nino tried to cover it up, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. "I just suddenly felt like my neck was stiff again."
Makoto feigned realization. "Sounds like you need another massage. But…"
He leaned in and lowered his voice. "Can you meow for me again? Because you were seriously adorable that time."
Nino's entire face turned red.
This guy… is totally flirting with me!
Even if you think I'm cute, can't you be a little more subtle about it?
Makoto pulled back a bit. "If it's too embarrassing for you, it's fine."
Nino glared at him through her blush. "You think I don't realize you're just playing hard to get?"
But the next moment, she turned her head away, her long lashes trembling, a flush rising beautifully on her fair skin.
"Meow~"
Soft, sweet, and very cute.
Makoto was satisfied.
Yes, that was the vibe.
If only she had cat ears and a tail, it'd be perfect.
"Happy now?" Nino asked shyly, annoyed.
Makoto gave her a big thumbs up.
Nino blinked, then couldn't help smiling. "High praise?"
Makoto: "I meant... keep looking at me more."
"???"
Outside the kitchen, Ichika stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the wall, listening to the lighthearted and pleasant exchange inside. Her beautiful brows furrowed.
Those two… they're definitely getting closer, right?
No, forget the "definitely." They are getting closer!
Ichika glanced toward the bedroom. Their house had a guest room, after all.
If Nino was this happy chatting with him, then Ichika inviting him to stay over shouldn't be a problem.
Night was the time for her—Ichika—to strike.
___
Read 20 Advanced Chapters on p@ tr eon (.) com/HalflingFics
Also, please point out my mistakes in the comment, thank you!
Don't forget to leave a review too~ Actually, please leave one.
Check out the other translations too
___