Nino’s Plan (Part 1)

Humans always need courage, whether they give it or not, in whatever they do.

For Shinichi, taking Yotsuba to the teaching building and receiving meaningful glances along the way, and returning to class to greet classmates as if nothing happened, calmly talking to Fumino and Itsuki—required a lot of courage.

Fortunately, he had thick skin, and this wasn't the first time he faced similar situations.

Only one morning had passed, and a new rumor spread among their friends. Fortunately, they didn't pay much attention to it.

Either they were used to it, or they thought that with their relationship, it didn't matter who was taking whom, and they had no doubts about whether something was really happening between them, so misunderstandings continued.

During lunch break, except for Ichika studying at the Seisho Music Academy and Nino, who had plans to have lunch with her friends, the student council members gathered in Class B to have lunch together.

Shortly after sitting down and even before opening the lunch boxes, Shinichi planned to explain the morning's rumor and inform everyone about the developments between him and Yotsuba.

After all, their relationship was indeed complicated, and he couldn't hide it for long even if they wanted to. Instead of waiting for secret communication or being embarrassed when caught dating, it was better to take the initiative to confess and bravely acknowledge it, which was more manly.

"Everyone..."

Just as he was about to speak, Yotsuba shook her head frantically, "I'm not mentally prepared yet (つд?) I'll say what I want to say myself, so Asada-san, please don't say it yet."

Don't ask how Yotsuba could see so many complicated thoughts from a simple expression. This was a skill that a man could only develop by being liked by many girls at the same time. Ordinary people couldn't learn it, so give up.

And since one party involved had refused, Shinichi wouldn't force it. He waved off the curious people and opened his lunch box.

Under the intentional concealment of the two, Miku, Itsuki, and Rizu didn't notice anything strange. Even Fumino was only surprised by the subtle change in the distance between the two.

Something happened in the afternoon, and Shinichi didn't intend to say it because it would disrespect a man's dignity.

After school, everyone went to the student council room as usual.

Today, they not only had to finish the final work for the sports festival and recycling evaluation, but they also had to prepare in advance for the upcoming autumn excursion, the Bonshin Festival, etc. Mafuyu helped them organize some materials and placed them on the table.

In simple terms, it was the beginning of another season where students couldn't take days off.

△

"Why hasn't Nino come yet?"

Only ten minutes after sitting down, Shinichi felt something was wrong and frowned at Miku.

"She said she would come later if something happened."

Turning the corner of the paper with her fingertip, Miku answered slowly. Only one side of her blue headphones was worn, and the other side was used to listen to Shinichi's words.

"She ran to the toilet after school. She must be suffering from diarrhea."

"Miku, please explain it politely." Itsuki reminded helplessly, then walked to Shinichi with a teapot and poured a cup of hot tea for him.

"Asada-kun, recently, I learned how to make fruit tea. It seems to increase energy. Drink it and see."

Shinichi took the cup, asking casually, "To increase energy?"

"Yes! It seems there's something in it that can make you more energetic... Ahhh!" Itsuki smiled and nodded, but her cheeks suddenly reddened in the middle of the conversation, and the ahoge hair on her head swayed left and right with shyness.

"The energy mentioned here doesn't refer to other aspects! Please don't misunderstand; I just want Asada-kun to relax his mind while working, rather than being energetic in other places, ughhhhhhhh!"

"I'm not thinking about other aspects either. Anyway, calm down first; your tea is going to spill."

Shinichi stepped back a few steps, holding the tea cup, observing Itsuki's explanation with a silent expression.

"—"

Itsuki retracted her exaggerated movements. Her cheeks felt hot and red.

In the midst of other people's sighs, she lowered her head in embarrassment and quickly went to get the teapot.

"...Sorry, I'll go to the toilet to calm down."

"Okay, but don't wash your face with toilet water."

"Impossible!"

After complaining like this, Itsuki, who left, became relaxed and no longer tense.

"...Oh, many things have changed, and people have changed."

Compared to the past, Itsuki not only remained stubborn but even tended to become worse, which truly made Shinichi sigh.

How did Itsuki, who was serious and dignified when they first met, change into someone mischievous and cute now?

Forget it; it's not important.

With a cheerful mood, Shinichi smiled and continued to work on the unfinished tasks in front of him.

This time, the tea made by Itsuki became even better.

As she deviated further from the right path, would her secretary skills also improve?

Thinking about it this way, it seemed good.

With a happy mood, Shinichi smiled and continued to work on the unfinished tasks in front of him.

This time, the student council room door opened.

"Sorry, I'm late!"

Even though she said that, Nino, standing in front of the door with one hand on her hip, didn't seem to be in a hurry.

Everyone looked at her in surprise at the same time. Itsuki, who was almost thrown into the door, had wide-open eyes and a pale face.

Nino was completely unaware of what was happening. After looking around, she quickly entered, and the door slammed shut behind her.

Passing by Itsuki, Nino grabbed her in a daze, took the teapot from her hand, which seemed like it could fall to the ground at any moment, placed it on the table, and waved to Miku and Yotsuba.

Although both of them didn't know why, they stopped what they were doing and gathered around Nino.

Nino turned around and shouted to the others, "Sorry, we have a brief family meeting first, and we'll be back to work soon! Don't worry."

"A family meeting? Now?"

Shinichi looked puzzled. Nino didn't want to explain her intentions to them. After exchanging glances, she saw her sister running to a corner and starting to whisper.

△

"Listen."

Nino embraced the shoulders of Itsuki and Yotsuba. Her hands weren't long enough to hold Miku, but it didn't matter. She scanned them and spoke with a deep voice.

"There's something important I want to say, and I hope you can help me."

Seeing her serious gaze, the three of them became serious. Even Itsuki, who had just recovered from the fear of being slapped by the door panel, had doubt in her eyes.

At this moment, Miku looked at a face in front of her that was similar but very different and spoke gently:

"Nino, I thought you just wanted Shinichi to see you with your hair cut short..."

"Why did you go to the bathroom to put on makeup and use lipstick that emphasizes the color of your lips?"

Nino raised her eyebrows slightly, quite surprised.

"I thought you wouldn't notice."

"I'm learning."

Miku answered coldly while still staring at Nino. "Don't change the subject. What's your conspiracy?"

"Hah, an extraordinary conspiracy. It's just something you've all done."

Nino squinted her eyes and laughed softly a few times.

"Don't be surprised."

"I'm going to come here later and declare my love to Shi-kun loudly in front of everyone. If everything goes well, I might even kiss him on the spot!"

"What I want you to help with is to watch Fumino and Rizu's actions, and if they try to interfere with me, help me stop them!"