With Hiratsuka Shizuka's arrival, the atmosphere in the room changes. All eyes in the restaurant are now on the newcomer.
Yukinoshita Haruno tucks her hair behind her ear and waves to Hiratsuka Shizuka, her eyes and brows crinkling with a bright smile. She greets Shizuka with a grin, "Shizu-chan, long time no see~"
Hiratsuka Shizuka stops and frowns, a look of disdain on her face. "Hey, Yukinoshita Haruno, why are you everywhere?" Even though Haruno is her student, Hiratsuka Shizuka always feels she's deep and calculating. If Yukinoshita Haruno genuinely liked her brother, she wouldn't object. But she always feels that Haruno has ulterior motives for her brother, so her attitude isn't very friendly.
The familiar reaction and tone of voice make a flicker of surprise flash in Yukinoshita Haruno's eyes. Why are the first words from both of the Hiratsuka siblings exactly the same?
"It makes me so sad to hear you say that, Shizu-chan," Yukinoshita Haruno says, feigning a look of hurt.
Ah, here we go again. Knowing her true nature, Hiratsuka Shizuka ignores Yukinoshita Haruno's act. She notices the two unfamiliar girls across from Ryosuke. With a radiant smile, she asks, "Oh, I don't think I've met you two. Are you Ryosuke's new friends?" She thinks to herself, When did Ryosuke get two more girls in his life? I didn't notice at all. In the past, the only girl Ryosuke's age in his life was Nibutani Shinka from next door. When did this boy's luck with women get so good?
Eriri, who has been secretly observing Hiratsuka Shizuka, feels her mind go into a state of chaos again. Yukinoshita Haruno is already tough enough to deal with, and now another poised and charismatic older sister has appeared. Could it be that Ryosuke... has a thing for older women? She scrutinizes the beautiful new arrival with her clear blue eyes. The pure white blouse and waist-length black hair create a strong visual impact. Unlike Yukinoshita Haruno's alluring charm, this new older sister is mature and confident, inspiring a sense of trust.
Hiratsuka Ryosuke's next words interrupt Eriri's frantic thoughts. "Eriri, Kato, let me introduce you. This is my sister, Hiratsuka Shizuka."
Hearing this, Eriri's eyes go swirly. His sister?! Is it already time to meet the family?! She shakily stands up and bows to Hiratsuka Shizuka. Her words are incoherent. "Sister... no, that's not it! Hello, my name is Sawamura Spencer Eriri, and I'm Ryosuke's part... partner."
Hiratsuka Shizuka is startled. With her silky blonde hair, Eriri is very noticeable in a crowd. Shizuka didn't expect her to be a foreigner. But this kid seems like the shy type, doesn't she? How cute. The word "partner" sounds a bit strange to Shizuka. Does that mean...? She looks at Ryosuke, who nods. Just one glance is enough for them to understand each other; the siblings' bond is so strong that words aren't needed.
Hiratsuka Shizuka immediately understands Eriri's other identity. The only person Ryosuke would call a "partner" is the illustrator he writes novels with. Hiratsuka Shizuka has heard the name "Kashiwagi Eri" before but never expected her to be such a cute, little girl. So her real name is Eriri. Hiratsuka Shizuka then has an epiphany. "Oh, so it's you. Just call me Shizuka-nee, just like Shinka does."
Perhaps the nerve-wracking feeling of meeting the family has supercharged her brain, but Eriri's mind suddenly becomes very active. What does Hiratsuka-onee-san's comment mean? Could it be... that Ryosuke talks about me a lot to his sister?Oh, how embarrassing! That idiot Ryosuke!
Kato Megumi's introduction is much simpler. She stands up, her expression calm, her tone flat, and her voice without a single ripple of emotion. "Hello. My name is Kato Megumi."
"Ah, hello," Hiratsuka Shizuka says. After she greets her, a strange sense of déjà vu floods her mind. Is this girl my long-lost sister? Her reaction is almost identical to Ryosuke's when he's around strangers. Hiratsuka Shizuka was able to notice Kato Megumi earlier because she was sitting right across from Ryosuke. Now that she's facing Kato Megumi alone, with no other reference points, she feels as if she'd forget her the moment she looks away. Hiratsuka Shizuka shakes the strange thought from her head and turns to Shinka.
Nibutani Shinka's heart jumps. Just as she expected, she immediately feels immense pressure on the sides of her head. "Oh, no, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!"
Hiratsuka Shizuka forms her hands into fists, clamping Shinka's head between them, and starts squeezing and twisting. A kind smile on her face, she says through gritted teeth, "Shinka, didn't I tell you not to run off? How am I supposed to explain to Mrs. Nibutani if you get lost?!" Hiratsuka Shizuka was just buying a pack of cigarettes at a shop on the corner, and when she turned around, Nibutani Shinka was gone. This is Fukuoka, not Chiba or Tokyo. The sudden disappearance of Shinka completely terrified her. Luckily, someone saw Shinka run into a restaurant across the street. Hiratsuka Shizuka immediately ran over, and she only sighed in relief when she saw Shinka with Ryosuke from outside.
Eriri watches what Hiratsuka Shizuka is doing to Nibutani Shinka, her eyes wide with shock. So even a pretty person like Hiratsuka-onee-san can be so violent? Ryosuke must have been beaten a lot when he was little. She can't help but look at Ryosuke with a look of pity and sympathy.
Hiratsuka Ryosuke doesn't stop his sister. He knows his sister is a kind person and never disciplines Shinka without reason. Shinka must have gone off the rails and upset her sister again. Ryosuke notices Eriri's gaze and is confused. Why is Eriri looking at me like that? Do I seem pitiful?
Shinka's cries of anguish fill the restaurant, even drawing the attention of a waiter. "Shizuka-nee, let's eat something first," Ryosuke says. His voice is like music to Shinka's ears. A single tear rolls down Nibutani Shinka's face. Ryosuke, are you finally here to save me? I knew it. You will always be my Guardian Knight.
Hiratsuka Shizuka was only trying to teach Shinka a lesson, so she takes Ryosuke's words as an out and releases the little girl.
After a while, everyone finishes their meal and leaves the restaurant. Yukinoshita Haruno stands at the door and waves to Ryosuke. "Little Ryosuke, do your best. I'll be there to watch you tomorrow~" She doesn't forget to give him a flirtatious wink before she leaves.
Nibutani Shinka sees this and a dark shadow falls over her expression. You vile fox! One day, I'll make you kneel before me and beg for mercy.