"Did you notice that scene earlier had a continuity error…"
In the living room, Makoto had his arms around two soft and lovely girls, watching the still-playing horror movie while occasionally making casual remarks.
The more relaxed and laid-back he seemed, the more awkward it became for the Nakano sisters.
Ever since Makoto had patted their butts, it was as if they'd both been frozen—neither had said a word.
They thought he would take the next step, or at least say something meaningful.
But he really was just watching the movie.
And he seemed genuinely into it…
Nino blushed deeply in Makoto's arms. Her heart was a mess. Sure, being held by the guy she liked was a joy—but her sister was in the same embrace.
Her earlier desire to compete had been smacked away by Makoto's casual hand.
Now, her feelings were a jumbled mix of joy and shame, and her eyes shifted all over the place.
Ichika, too, was unsettled.
When Nino had snuggled in as well, she had briefly thought about pushing her advantage—but Makoto's pat had scattered those thoughts, too.
Now her sister was in the same boy's arms, and she felt just as embarrassed.
Still, embarrassment aside, there was no way she would leave.
Running now would be the same as admitting defeat.
After a while, Makoto asked, confused, "Why are you both burying your faces like that? Aren't you watching the movie?"
"Of course I'm watching," Ichika replied first.
"I'm watching too," Nino said, eyes drifting.
"Oh, I thought you two were zoning out. Guess I was overthinking it," said Makoto.
The sisters fell silent again.
They had been zoning out.
As the plot advanced, Ichika stared at the screen but wasn't really watching—her brain was working at full speed.
She wanted to find something to talk about, to distract herself and calm down.
Coincidentally, Nino was thinking the same.
A moment later, both sisters blurted out at once, "Makoto."
"Hm?" he responded, looking over.
They exchanged a glance. Ichika hadn't even decided what to say yet, but Nino jumped in first.
"You still haven't answered about the outfit ideas we suggested earlier."
"Yeah, that's what I wanted to bring up too," Ichika picked up the thread.
"You two are still thinking about that?" Makoto asked.
Nino feigned calmness and said, "Because you never gave us an answer. Of course we care."
"So then, Makoto, what's your answer?" Ichika followed up smoothly.
As expected of sisters—they were in perfect sync.
Makoto inhaled their familiar hair fragrance and said, "Honestly, I haven't decided yet."
"Is it that you really haven't decided, or is it that you prefer my sense of fashion, but don't want to disappoint Nino so you won't say it out loud?" Ichika seized the initiative.
Nino immediately glanced over, eyes sharp, ready to react—but Makoto suddenly tightened the arms wrapped around their waists.
Their thoughts were instantly disrupted.
Makoto seized the opportunity and said in a teasing tone, "If you really want an answer, then I guess I'd have to say…"
He deliberately drew out his words, causing both girls to instinctively look up at him.
When he met their beautiful eyes, he finally said, "I'm not that interested in dress-up. Compared to your question, I think what matters most is that the three of us live happily together."
The two girls: "???"
What kind of absurd answer was that?
Or… was he hinting at something?
Ichika and Nino's thoughts were thrown into disarray again.
Makoto kept his expression unchanged, knowing they were finally going to settle down.
At least for the time being, they didn't bring up that question again.
Not until the movie finished. Then Makoto let go of them naturally and said,
"The movie was… okay. Anyway, I'll go prepare the guest rooms. If either of you wants to take a bath, now's a good time."
"Oh." ×2
Makoto stood up and left. After a moment of silence, the two girls silently agreed to bathe first.
They both had a lot on their minds, and the bathroom was the perfect private space.
They entered one after the other. Once the tub filled, they quietly undressed and slipped into the warm water.
About five minutes later, Ichika, soaking in the tub, finally spoke. "Nino, are you really not going home tonight?"
Nino calmly replied, "Not unless you go home first. Otherwise, I'm not leaving."
"I figured as much… Jeez, you'd really go this far. Why didn't I think of that before?" Ichika sighed, genuinely conflicted.
"Because you used to focus all your energy on Makoto and Yukinoshita," Nino said bluntly.
Ichika fell silent for a few seconds before softly saying, "I've actually talked with Yukinoshita quite a few times."
Nino wasn't surprised. The two filmed together every day—not talking would've been odd.
Ichika continued, "You know, Yukinoshita once told me: 'There are too many pretty girls around Makoto. Only a fool would date him.'"
This time, Nino was clearly shocked. "She really said that? But Itsuki told me…"
"Itsuki told you I often clashed with Yukinoshita, right?" Ichika gave a wry smile. "Itsuki's supposed to be my ally—so why does she keep helping you?"
Nino was stunned. "You also went to Itsuki for help? No wonder you were always giving her food back then."
Ichika looked surprised. "Wait—you did too?"
An awkward silence settled in.
Ichika couldn't hold back her laughter. "Looks like we really are sisters—we even chose the same ally."
Nino gave a helpless chuckle. "Well, besides us, the only ones closest to Makoto are Itsuki and… that's it."
Then her face turned suspicious. "Do you think… could Itsuki also…?"
"She probably hasn't. Itsuki's a good girl. She's super dense about this kind of stuff. I bet she doesn't even know what romance is," Ichika said instinctively.
Nino didn't voice her doubts.
At least for now, she didn't fully trust Itsuki either—but she still needed her as an ally.
At that moment, Ichika suddenly chuckled.
"You know, no matter which of us it is, compared to Yukinoshita, we're both lacking—except in the body department."
Nino frowned. "I don't think so."
Ichika's eyes gleamed. "So you're saying you're willing to join forces with me against Yukinoshita?"
"Where did that come from… Wait—Ichika, you don't mean…"
Nino froze on the spot.
She couldn't even finish her sentence.
Ichika's tone didn't change. "You're not planning to back down, right?"
"Of course not!"
Even though she was shocked, Nino answered firmly.
"In that case… shall we work together?" Ichika's voice grew softer, and her cheeks were already flushed with an alluring pink.
Nino's face also turned red.
She looked away, flustered. "Ichika, are you really a girl? How can you say stuff that bold?"
"Well, it's because you're dead set on not giving up. What else can I do?"
Ichika sighed, speaking slowly. "Yukinoshita's an outsider. We're sisters. Since there's no other choice, I'll just have to trust you."
Nino blushed even harder.
Ichika really went that far?
"Trust me"? More like you've decided you can't beat me and are trying to mess with my head.
While Nino's mind raced with embarrassment, Ichika suddenly asked, "So, how far have you and Makoto gone?"
"Huh?"
Nino jerked her head around—only to see her sister watching her with concern.
She couldn't help asking, "Ichika, have you completely thrown your shame out the window?"
Ichika said nothing, just stared at her intently.
Her gaze was burning with curiosity, impossible to ignore.
Seeing that, Nino clenched her fists under the water as if making a decision. "Makoto and I have… already kissed."
"That's it?" Ichika blinked innocently.
Nino's face changed drastically.
She pointed a trembling finger at her sister.
"Don't tell me—you—?"
Ichika's cheeks were flushed, but her smile was composed. "Yup. Makoto and I have a secret."
Nino bit her lip. You think this is funny? All I see is a shameless sister making bold declarations in front of me.
She could tell Ichika had no intention of staying in the guest room tonight.
So what was she supposed to do?
Try to guard against Ichika like before?
Or… sneak over with her?
Nino's breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling.
She couldn't deny it—besides the embarrassment, what surged through her most was excitement… and anticipation.
Ichika's declaration of "taking the lead" had clearly fired her up. Even though she was conflicted, her heart leaned toward the latter option.
Their bath lasted longer than ever before.
When the two girls eventually emerged in bathrobes, Makoto, already waiting in the living room, said, "The guest room's all set. I also got two new sets of toiletries."
"Thanks," Ichika replied with a smile.
After drying their hair and watching TV for a bit, they returned to their room.
Lying on the soft bed, Ichika turned off the ceiling light and left only the bedside lamp on.
She glanced over at Nino and saw her eyes closed, saying nothing.
"You're already asleep?" Ichika asked, slightly confused.
"I'm asleep," Nino replied, still keeping her eyes shut.
Ichika: "…"
Seriously? She's still mad about what I said earlier?
Ichika chuckled and lifted the blanket. "Well, since you're asleep… I guess it's time for me to make my move~"
Before her words could even finish, the doorknob suddenly turned.
Both sisters froze.
We were just debating whether to sneak into your room… and now you come sneaking into ours?!
As the door opened, Makoto appeared in Ichika's line of sight.
Only in Ichika's—because a very flustered Nino, upon hearing the door open, still refused to open her eyes and pretended to sleep.
Makoto immediately noticed the trembling of her lashes and understood everything.
He deliberately lowered his voice and asked, "Is Nino asleep?"
Ichika couldn't hold back a grin and whispered, "Yeah, she's asleep."
Under the blanket, Nino's fists clenched tightly.
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