"Amazing!"
"Ichika's acting was great—it felt totally different from when I visited the set."
"Fushimi-kun even put in a solid effort as a background extra."
As soon as the short film ended, the Nakano living room burst into lively discussion.
Even Nino joined in praising it.
Which meant the smile on Ichika's face never faded. Still, she didn't forget to credit others: "Honestly, Makoto, Itsuki, and everyone else all worked really hard on this…"
Makoto didn't speak the entire time—he simply watched the girls excitedly chat.
When they finally calmed down, he pulled out the practice tests. "Alright, now that the film's over, let's prepare. We'll do some testing this afternoon."
"No problem!"
Surprisingly, Ichika was the first to respond.
Clearly, she was in such a good mood that she didn't even mind studying.
Makoto ended up staying at the Nakano home for lunch.
During their post-meal break, Ichika giggled and pulled him into her room.
"How do you think I should thank you?"
She purposely used a teasing tone, her alluring eyes scanning Makoto up and down.
"However you want to thank me, I'm fine with cash too," Makoto played along.
"Really now…"
Ichika batted her eyes, then turned to lock the door.
But just then, Nino's voice rang out: "Ichika, don't you dare lock that door! Who knows if you'll try to get answers to the test questions out of Makoto!"
Ichika's steps paused. She looked back at Makoto with a regretful smile. "Too bad, Nino won't let me thank you."
Of course, she knew what Nino really meant: no sneaking bites!
It wasn't possessiveness—just concern that the others might see and get the wrong idea.
"No worries. I'm happy to put it on your tab," Makoto said as he pulled up a chair and sat.
Ichika thought for a moment, then shut the door anyway and waved him over. "Come here."
"For what?"
"Just come."
Hearing her seductive voice, Makoto figured she was planning to hit his weakness.
Which was fine—he liked challenges too.
As soon as he walked over, Ichika dragged him behind the door, her face flushed, voice honey-sweet: "Want me to give you three minutes?"
"…Who do you think you're looking down on?" Makoto frowned.
Ichika burst into laughter. "What are you thinking? Of course I know three minutes isn't enough."
Her voice softened, and excitement gleamed between her brows.
"I just checked online. Everyone seems to love the film. I'm seriously happy right now—so happy I want to…"
She paused.
Then suddenly wrapped her arms around Makoto's neck, her eyes bursting with affection. "I want to do naughty things with you."
Makoto teased, "So that's it—every time you're happy, you want to be naughty."
"You can interpret it that way. After all, it's just the two of us here."
Her flushed face inched closer, her eyes sparkling with seduction.
"You should kiss me now, Makoto," she whispered.
But of course, a kiss wasn't enough for Makoto.
This had to go hands-on—otherwise, it wouldn't count as targeting his weak spot.
And this time, Ichika meant what she said.
She'd promised three minutes—so it was only three minutes.
Now she lay breathlessly in his arms, her clothes askew. "No more."
"Because Nino's coming?" Makoto asked.
"No, because if we go any further, I'm really going to lose it."
"…"
Makoto was sure she was doing this on purpose.
Flirting was her specialty.
Even with only a couple tricks up her sleeve, when she used them seriously, the sensual charm she exuded was irresistible.
"Why did you close the door, Ichika?" Nino's voice called from outside.
Ichika struggled to stand and whispered, "Nino's been wanting to see you too."
Makoto caught her meaning. "So what do you want me to do?"
Ichika thought for only two seconds, then her eyes lit up. "Hide in the wardrobe—left side. As for what's next…"
She grinned mischievously, a little suggestively.
She might as well have told him outright: Let me teach you how to handle Nino.
Or rather: The proper way to enjoy Nino.
Makoto had no idea what she was planning exactly, but it sounded fun enough.
He stepped into the wardrobe, and Ichika quickly shut the door behind him before opening the room door.
"Where's Makoto?"
Nino didn't even look at Ichika. The moment the door opened, her eyes darted around the room.
But surprisingly, she didn't spot Makoto anywhere.
"Come in first."
Ichika didn't shut the door completely—she left it slightly ajar.
She pulled Nino further inside, smiling. "I know you've been sneaking over to Makoto's place these past few days."
Nino froze.
She thought she'd been pretty discreet.
"No need to be nervous. It's just us here," Ichika added.
Nino blushed slightly. She understood that "us" didn't mean just anyone.
"So, where is he?" she asked, wanting to stop Ichika from teasing her further.
Ichika replied slowly, "If you missed him so much, would you get frisky with him at home?"
"Why are you asking such a dumb question?"
"Just answer me."
"…No, of course not. I'm not as pervy as you are."
But even as she said it, Nino wasn't very confident.
Ever since that day, she'd realized she was also kind of pervy.
Still, she could at least say she wouldn't directly drag Makoto into her room like Ichika did.
"That's not fair, Nino. I'm creating an opportunity for you, and you're still criticizing me?"
Ichika held her hand and led her to the wardrobe, stopping in front of it.
Lowering her voice, she said, "Makoto's inside. Let's see if you have the guts to go in."
Nino froze.
Wait… you're not even doing it in the room anymore? Now you're moving it into the closet?
Or have they always been doing it this way, and I've just been behind the times?
Ichika saw Nino's confused look and didn't explain.
"We're starting the practice test soon. Makoto's going to focus on serious stuff. You won't get another chance."
"But you…" Nino hesitated. She was tempted.
Ichika giggled, "I'll stand guard. See? I'm such a good sister, right?"
With that, she flung open the closet door. From inside, Makoto, who had heard everything, said with a dry tone, "Ichika, are you pranking again?"
"Nope! I'm really creating an opportunity for Nino. Didn't you notice? Every time you come over, Nino can't take her eyes off you," Ichika replied shamelessly.
Nino scolded, "You're one to talk! When we watched the film together, you wouldn't stop clinging to Makoto. Didn't you notice how Miku and the others were giving you weird looks?"
Ichika smiled. "Just say it—do you want me to stand guard or not?"
Nino fell silent.
And then, Ichika pushed her sister into the closet.
After shutting the door again, she let out a long sigh.
Yes, this had a touch of mischief—but she was also genuinely helping Nino.
Now that everyone had already slept in the same bed together, she thought back to that night when Mayu and Shizuka Hiratsuka came over and she still dared to get frisky with Makoto.
She knew she'd definitely unlock more "achievements" in the future. To avoid startling Nino at the time, she figured it was best to help her now.
As long as Nino remembers that I supported her, we'll be even closer. Then we can take on Yukinoshita together, Ichika thought.
Several minutes passed—and Nino still hadn't come out.
Ichika figured out the truth: Nino was probably completely absorbed.
I knew it!
She was still hesitating just now, but now that she got a taste of the sweetness, there's no way she'd be willing to come out.
Ichika imagined the embarrassing scene in her mind and even started to get a little tempted herself.
Just then, the door opened, and the elegant legs of Miku in black stockings stepped inside.
"Fushimi-kun isn't here?" she asked, glancing around in confusion.
Ichika didn't say a word.
Miku looked thoughtful. "I remember seeing you pull him in just now, Ichika. Where is Fushimi-kun?"
Ichika's brain kicked into overdrive. "I was working on a new script."
"Hm?"
Miku's gaze was puzzled; she didn't get why her sister suddenly brought this up.
Ichika kept her composure. "I was researching a scene where a burglar breaks in and the female lead reacts. Actually, Miku, since you're here, you can play the burglar."
A question mark practically appeared above Miku's head.
Ichika pretended not to notice. "Normally, if a burglar suddenly enters, the heroine would be terrified and anxious, hoping someone would come save her, right?"
"Though I'm not sure why you're bringing this up… that is how they usually portray it on TV." Miku nodded instinctively.
Ichika smiled sweetly. "So at that critical moment, the hero hidden in the wardrobe would leap out."
Right as she said this, the wardrobe door swung open.
Makoto stepped out solemnly. "Exactly, I'm playing the hero."
Miku: "???"
As for Nino—before Makoto had even stepped out, she'd already escaped to the far side of the wardrobe, hiding herself entirely under Ichika's clothes.
Ichika shot Makoto a look of approval.
If he hadn't played along, she really wouldn't have been able to get Miku out of the room—after all, she'd seen Makoto go in with her own eyes.
Ichika looked up at a bewildered Miku. "That scene I was researching is part of the script I'm working on."
Miku blankly extended her hand, then retracted it, pressing a finger against her fair chin, looking like she wanted to say something but didn't.
Finally, she stared deadpan at Ichika and Makoto.
You can't hide eyes that want to punch someone.
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